If you are like me..... you travel everywhere with your pooch. Hiking, swimming, exploring or even a day in the city. Because you never know what you might come across you should always be prepared! Purchasing a Pet First Aid kit can be a life saver. You may choose to put together your own kit and keep it in your car or a mini kit in your bag for those walking or public transportation days! Here are the items that you should definetly have:
1)
Pet First Aid, booklet
1) gunshot wound card
2) 3" x 3" gauze pads
1) 5" x 9" trauma pad
1) 4" x 4.1 yd. stretch gauze
1) 2" x 5 yd. co-flex bandage
1) pair latex gloves
1) metal scissors
1) plastic forceps
4) PVP iodine swabs
1) 20 ml bottle eye-skin wash
2) insect swabs
12) 1 g. hydrocortisone cream
4) 1 g. antibiotic cream
5) cotton swabs
2) antiseptic towelettes
1) powdered styptic
2) green soap towelettes
1) handiwipe
1) 2" x 5 yd. adhesive tape
1) 6" x 9" resealable bag
1) pencil
1) content card
1) rubber band
Things to know
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| How to recognize common pet ailments in the field.
What are some of the most common injuries a dog may sustain during a typical day in the outdoors?
Common injuries are paw and pad lacerations, dehydration and heat stroke. These can be avoided by being aware of the climate as well as environmental conditions. If you are wearing protective footwear, consider booties for your dog. If you are thirsty, consider that you dog is most likely in need of water.How do I know if my dog is suffering from the heat or dehydration?
Be aware of your daily environment and the conditioning of your dog. If you are hot chances are your dog is hot. If you suspect that your dog is becoming dehydrated pull straight up on the skin on the back of the neck and release the skin. If the skin does not immediately fall back into place, chances are your dog is dehydrated. Can dogs suffer from the effects of altitude?
Yes, if the dog has little experience with, or exposure to elevation they can quickly become lethargic and dehydrated. Use common sense, if you are feeling ill chances are your dog is experiencing similar effects. The best way to prevent altitude sickness is to acclimate to the elevation by spending at least one night sleeping at the trailhead. Drinking a lot of water throughout the trip will also reduce the effects of altitude. Take it easy and be aware of your dog's physical condition until you become confident that your pet is suffering no ill effects. Can dogs get hypothermic while out in the cold?
Yes, a dog can get hypothermic. This occurs when a dog's body temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Most often we see hypothermic pets from exposure to the elements, without proper shelter, protection or a lack of being acclimated to cold weather. Elderly or very young animals are sometimes unable to regulate their body temperature properly. Shock can also contribute to the inability to regulate proper body temperature. Hypothermic symptoms include weak pulse, decreased heart rate, dilated pupils, shivering, blue mucous membranes, stupor, unconsciousness or coma. If frostbite is a concern there will be a discoloration of the skin (blue early on and black in later stages). Areas susceptible to frostbite are the tips of ears, the tail, and pads of the feet. Additionally, there will be a lack of pain or sensation of the affected area or it may be extremely painful when the area begins to warm up. In the event your dog is cold, the first thing it will typically do is try to huddle with humans or other dogs. If your dog is seeking shelter or climbing into your sleeping bag, consider this a good indication that your dog is cold. Make sure the dog is drinking plenty of water as this will help to maintain body temperatures. Protective "clothing" such as Ruff Wear's K-9 Overcoat II (a windproof nylon shell lined with fleece) is a great way to reduce exposure to the elements. Booties are another excellent way to reduce exposure and heat loss. In most cases cold sets in faster when activity is reduced. This is the time to be most aware of the threat of cold. Can a dog contract Giardia or other water-borne illnesses?
Yes, always try to make sure my dog drinks from a quality water source (filtered or treated). Also as a courtesy and safety consideration to others make sure your dog is not defecating near the water supply compounding the problem. Administer First Aid while in the field.
What do you do if your dog stops breathing? Is CPR an option?
Yes, CPR is a very real solution. We know of one dog that was successfully brought back to life after her heart and respiration stopped from smoke inhalation in a house fire. The procedure is different then the procedure used in resuscitating humans and the worst time to learn CPR is when you need to perform it. An excellent source for becoming familiar with the procedure is Ruff Wear's Quick Guide to Animal Emergencies. What do you do if your dog is choking?
It is best to learn and know the proper sequence in which to respond to a choking incident before the actual event. Familiarize yourself by reading a quality pet first aid guide to be prepared before the need arises. Performing the Heimlich is a good option but only once you have ruled out the possibility of a foreign object lodged in the throat that may be accessed and removed through the mouth. Again there is no substitute for a good pet first aid guide to provide you with a step-by-step procedure What's the best way to remove a tick from a dog?
Wearing gloves you should grasp the entire tick with tweezers and remove the complete tick making certain to remove all the mouthparts. You may want to save the tick for identification by your vet to confirm if the tick carries any diseases. Apply a disinfectant or antibiotic ointment to the bite. How can you calm an injured dog?
Even if the dog is your best buddy, always approach an injured dog with caution. Assess the situation and consider a muzzle to restrain a pet that is in pain and possible shock. A traumatized pet will often snap or bite. In more extreme conditions a blanket may be dropped over the animal until a muzzle can be applied. Dogs are very intuitive so any panic or cause for alarm by the caregiver will raise the fear factor for the pet. By remaining calm and being prepared you will be able to reassure the animal and not cause additional anxiety. It's up to you!
The best way to reduce the possibility of a pet sustaining an injury is prevention. Be aware of your surroundings and potentially hazardous plants and animals with which your dog may come in contact. Be prepared with a first aid kit that matches the duration of your time away from immediate assistance as well as your exposure to the elements. Remember, the worst time to learn about assisting an injured pet is when your dog sustains an injury. Become familiar with the kit and the information provided so that you will know how you may assist before the need arises. |
Have fun out there with your pooch but be safe!!!
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