| Knowing first aid can save the life of your dog. Just | | | | All of these things should fit neatly into a container that |
| like people, dogs have accidents and need medical | | | | has a nice tight lid. This will help to keep everything |
| attention sometimes. And the thing is that sometimes | | | | clean and sterile no matter how long it is sitting on the |
| there is just not time to get to the vet, that is when | | | | shelf or in the car. It is also a good idea to have the |
| doggie first aid is so handy to know. Knowing what | | | | name of the vet and his or her phone number right |
| should go into your animal first aid kit is the key to | | | | there on the lid so that even in a panic you will know |
| keeping your dog alive and well no matter what | | | | what to do. You may even want to put the number of |
| happens. If you do a lot of hiking and walking in places | | | | the local emergency animal hospital as well in case |
| like parks or on trails then you should also have a kit in | | | | something happens early in the morning or late at night |
| your car for emergencies out of the home. | | | | when the regular vets are all closed. |
| Most of the items in your doggie first aid kit are similar | | | | Bee stings are one of the most common of all dog |
| to those you have in your regular one for the family. | | | | injuries. It is important that you get the stinger out right |
| There are however some things that need to be | | | | away before an infection has time to set in. This will |
| specialized for the animal of your life. | | | | also help to minimize any pain that your dog may be in. |
| Here are some of the basics that your first aid kit | | | | If you have to, restrain your dog and then use the |
| cannot do without: | | | | tweezers in the first aid kit to pull out the stinger. You |
| Hydrogen peroxide | | | | can then wash the area with some luke warm water |
| Sterile eyewash solution made specifically for pets | | | | and baking soda. This can help to take some of the |
| Roll of absorbent cotton | | | | nasty stinging away and easy the pain suffered by |
| Some cotton balls | | | | your dog. Ice and Benadryl will also help to keep the |
| Clean, white cotton sock (to cover wounded paws) | | | | pain and swelling to a minimum, just make sure that |
| Gauze pads | | | | you ask the vet just how much Benadryl is enough for |
| Tape | | | | your dog. Just like kids it is important that dogs get the |
| Small scissors with rounded tips | | | | right dosage when they take medications. |
| Tweezers | | | | Never rush an injured animal. While it may be your |
| Instant ice pack | | | | instinct to run over and start taking care of the injury, |
| Bulb syringe for suctioning mucous from mouth or | | | | this may spook your dog and scared animals can get |
| nose | | | | a little upset. You do not want to end up with an injury |
| Injection syringe without the needle (to give liquid | | | | as well, do you? Of course not, so take your time and |
| medication) | | | | let the animal know that you want to help not harm. |
| Small flashlight | | | | |