PSA and Last-Minute DIY Gift: Canine First Aid Kit

Christmas is fast approaching, so Humphrey thought it wise to remind his canine friends to have a first aid kit on hand in case of emergencies. It's also a great DIY gift idea! Assemble as many of these goodies as possible (with dosage and instructions) into a pretty box, and keep a dog safe.

Remember to always check dosage of any medication for your pet. And be certain to check for contra-indications if your pet is on any other medications before introducing anything new!

 

1. Children's Gravol (NOT adult Gravol!) can help with nausea and vomiting. Dose is 2mg to 4 mg per pound of weight.

2. Have at least one syringe (without a needle, of course) on hand. These ares useful for administering liquid Gravol, feeding a dehydrated dog by squirting water or boullion at the back of their mouth, and so on.

3. Pepto Bismol is useful for settling a canine tummy, and is even effective for some dogs who have the runs. Beware, though, that once they take it, their "output" will be very, very dark. It's not blood, though, but the bismuth making its way out. Pepto Bismol in its liquid form can be messy to administer, so Humphrey gets half a tablet when needed.

4. Hydrogen peroxide is  useful to clean and disinfect cuts. But, it can also be used to induce vomiting if a dog eats something toxic! Vomiting has to be induced within about 20 minutes of the dog injesting a poison, before it can make its way into the body. Dosages to induce vomiting vary by weight according to this vet, but don't start with more than a teaspoon - and use a syringe to administer it.

5.  Always have some Gas X (simethicone) on hand - it can save a dog's life if bloat starts. Humphrey always travels with it, because sitting in the car for long periods of time can make his tummy a little distended, and this breaks down the gas and can prevent dire problems.  Gas X comes in many forms, but the films (thin minty strips) are probably be the easiest to feed to a dog.

6. While Gas X can help with potentially deadly bloat, diazepam (Valium) is often used by vets when dogs are admitted with bloat, since it relaxes the muscles quickly. As well, diazepam (in liquid form, when adminstered in the "back door" with a syringe) can halt a seizure in an epileptic or older dog prone to them if given immediately. Diazepam is only available by prescription in the US and Canada, but when a dog is prone to certain conditions, the vet will make it available.

7. Lots of cohesive stretch bandages (along with gauze, not pictured) are very important to have on hand in case a dog gets a cut or some other injury that needs wrapping. Cohesive stretch bandages are kind of like velcro (without the needles) in that they stick to themselves without glue - so you can easily wrap a foot, leg or knee securely. In the case of (minor) ligament injuries, they can provide extra stability until you can get the dog to the vet.

8. Benadryl (diphenhydramine) - perhaps the most important item in the first aid kit, espeically for Humphrey who has insect allergies is Benadryl. For dogs, ONLY use plain diphenhydramine (an antihisamine), not some fancy version with additives or other types of medication mixed in with the diphenhydramine. Dosage is 1 mg per pound of dog weight. Benadryl can save a dog's life and buy time to get them to the vet for an injection in an emergency. Some dog guardians even bring Benadryl on walks, so it can be administered if the dog is stung by a bee or wasp.