HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DOG FIRST AID

No pet owner anticipates a medical emergency involving their dog. However, if you do find yourself in such a situation (here’s hoping you don’t), being prepared to deal with the situation in a calm and confident manner can go a long way in terms of ensuring your pet’s health and safety.

With that said, first aid for dogs isn’t a veterinary care substitute – but it can help keep your dog stable and comfortable until a professional intervenes.

This article serves as a dog first aid guide for both dog owners who want to be prepared to deal with emergencies and businesses who want to stay up-to-date with animal care. Accidents at home or at a business facility can happen, so it’s always good to know what to have in your dog’s first aid kit.

What to have in your dog first aid kit

Emergency contact numbers

One of the most important items to have in your dog first aid kit is a contact card which contains the phone numbers of the nearest veterinarian, your local 24/7 emergency clinic and animal poison control.

It’s also good to keep a copy of these numbers in your wallet, in case you can’t access the kit in an emergency.

Bandages and blunt-tipped scissors

Bandages, of course, are staples in any first aid kit and the same goes for your dog’s kit. In most cases, the bandage applied after an injury can really give your pet that crucial window until the vet arrives. More importantly, it can help to prevent contamination.

The bandages should be snug and tight enough so that they wrap around properly at the site of the injury, but not so much so that they constrict blood flow. Self-adhering bandage is a good choice as it doesn’t stick to skin or fur.

Interestingly, scissors are often an overlooked item in a first aid kit for dogs, although they are necessary for administering proper care. For example, if you need to remove some fur near an injury to apply bandages, a pair of blunt-tipped scissors would really come in handy, which also eliminate the risk of accidentally nicking your pet if you need to cut close to the skin.

Antiseptic wipes

Antiseptic wipes or rinses will help to minimise the risk of infection. Wipes are very handy for cleaning around your pet’s face or in-between their toes, for example.

Rubber gloves

Latex or rubber gloves are an essential item to have in your pet’s first aid kit. Apart from giving you protection, they also decrease the risk of infection in your pets. You’d be surprised to know how easy it is to contaminate a dog’s wound.

Always keep multiple pairs.

Pet treats (bonus item to reward your pet!)

Pet treats are a great way to distract your dog until help arrives. However, do not feed your dog if they are unable to swallow normally, mentally impaired, vomiting, or having seizures.