What would you do if your dog had an emergency?

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Handy First Aid Supplies for Your Dog

Did you know that April is Pet First Aid Awareness Month? So, we are here to make you aware! As a dog owner, you may be faced with the frightening situation of having to provide first aid for your dog after an accident or injury. Whether your dog has had an altercation with another dog, been hit by a car, or is suffering from heat stroke, you need to know how to help him, and have the necessary equipment handy.

It’s a great idea to take a pet first aid course so you know what to do in an emergency. You can also put together a first aid kit for your dog which contains medication and supplies that you need should you have to use your first aid training.

Here is a list of useful items for your dog first aid kit:

Sleepytime Tonic. After an injury, you can expect your dog to be very frightened and anxious. Sleepytime Tonic contains natural herbal ingredients that will relax him and reduce his anxiety within 20 minutes. Give it to your dog straight after an accident, and it will quickly help him to calm down. It also won’t interfere with any treatment that your veterinarian may prescribe.

Muzzle. Even the most gentle dog may snap when he is in pain. It’s a good idea to keep a soft muzzle handy to avoid yourself becoming a casualty too.

Gauze swabs. These are ideal for covering abrasions, or for putting pressure on bleeding wounds. If they become soaked with blood, don’t remove them. Just add more swabs on top and continue to apply pressure. If you remove the gauze, you may dislodge the newly forming clot and cause more bleeding.

Gauze conforming bandage. Use this stretchy soft bandage to keep pressure on swabs. Fix it in place with first aid tape or by applying a Vet Wrap bandage over the top. This can also be used to gently muzzle your dog if you don’t have a proper muzzle handy.

Vet Wrap bandage. This is a tough bandage that can be applied over a swab and gauze bandage to keep your dressing in place. It adheres to itself so you don’t need tape to prevent it unravelling.

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Saline ampoules. These can be used to wash wounds or to clean eyes. You can pour the saline over the affected area. Alternatively, use a syringe to flush saline over a wound, to remove dirt and gravel.

Benadryl. This is particularly useful for bee stings or allergic reactions. Have a chat to your veterinarian before you need to use this, to make sure you know the dose rate for your dog.

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Betadine solution. Iodine is a very effective antibacterial solution, and is a great choice for washing wounds or grazes to prevent them becoming infected. Make sure you don’t use the alcohol based product because this will really sting when you apply it to broken skin.

Antibacterial ointment. This is usually all you need for a minor graze, but you will need to rub it in for about five minutes to stop your dog from licking it off. If his wounds are more extensive, or if you’re not sure if they need sutures, have him examined by your veterinarian before using antibacterial ointment on his skin.

3% Hydrogen Peroxide. This can be given to your dog by mouth to make him vomit. This will be useful if he has eaten something toxic. Always phone your vet before you make your dog throw up because in the case of some poisonings, making him vomit can worsen his symptoms. You’ll need to use a syringe, and gently squirt the liquid into the side of his mouth so he can swallow it.

Blunt scissors and forceps. Scissors are necessary for cutting bandages, and forceps will come in handy for removing splinters.

Hopefully you won’t ever need to use either your first aid training or your first aid kit. However, it will give you peace of mind if you have the right equipment at hand, and you know what to do with it.

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