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First Aid
Experience has taught us the value of having a basic ‘doggie’ first aid kit available! It’s something that you don’t actually appreciate until you need it, so we strongly suggest you consider making up a first aid kit, and a second emergency kit for the car, just in case!
First Aid Kit to Keep in the Car.
We always keep the following items in a small plastic sealed container in the car:
- A selection of bandages of different widths – the self adhesive type (as in they bond to themselves).
- · Dressings – ‘Melonin’ and lint pads.
- · ‘Micropore’ tape.
- · Antiseptic spray and wipes.
- · Paracetamol - a fully grown bitch will weigh ~20kg and can be given a childs’ size dose for shock.
- · Veterinary ointment for treating insect stings and bites.
- · Scissors
- · A note of your vets’ phone number.
Additional Items to Keep at Home
In addition to the above items, we find the following worth having at home.
A thermometer - being able to take the temperature of your dog is a very useful diagnostic measure. Rectal thermometers, including digital ones, are cheap and effective.
Note:
The normal temperature of a healthy dog is generally accepted to be 101 degrees Fahrenheit (or 38 Celsius). It is recommended that for a temperature outside the following range you should consult a vet:
Farhrenheit: 99F to 102.5F
Centigrade: 37.2C to 39.2C
Antibacterial powder and ointment is very useful for dealing with insect bites, cuts and grazes.
Tick removal. Dealing with ticks can be tricky – they have to be removed carefully otherwise the mouth parts can be left in the skin and cause an infection. The most effective device we have found for re removal of tick are the so called ‘tick twister’.
Avoiding long grass, especially where sheep or deer graze, will reduce the probability of finding one of these horrible visitors!
‘Recovery Salts.’ If dehydration occurs, using ‘recovery salts’ in the water can address electrolyte imbalances and aid recovery. Temporary use of this treatment is especially useful if the dog has been over exercised in hot weather, is recovering from stressful conditions or non-infectious diarrhea.
If you are feeding your dog a suitable ‘complete’ dog food it is highly unlikely there is any need to provide any vitamin supplement. However, these can be useful on a temporary basis when, for example, recovering from stress or illness. Pregnant bitches can also benefit.
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