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Pet owners should have a first aid kit on hand at all times in houses and cars, especially during travel. The following first aid contents are separated into supplies, medications, and just the basics:
Supplies
Sterile gauze wrap sponges and/or Telfa pads. Use these items to cover wounds. Telfa pads will not stick to wounds like gauze does.
Cling wrap, 1-inch white tape, and elasticon or vetwrap. Use these three items to complete a bandage. Do not to wrap them tightly, because they can cut off circulation. It's a good idea to have your veterinarian demonstrate proper bandaging techniques.
A muzzle. Injured dogs, no matter how friendly they are, can inflict serious wounds.
Scissors. Use them to cut bandage material and to clip hair away from wounds.
Thermometer. The digital ones are inexpensive and quick.
Lubricant. Use this for the thermometer.
Hemostats. Use these to pull out splinters, thorns, and so on.
Tick pullers. You can use hemostats, but these are designed to remove the whole tick.
Exam gloves. Wear these gloves when handling wounds.
Medications
Antiseptic to clean wounds. Good choices are betadine or nolvasan scrub. Soak cotton balls in the solution and pack them into plastic pill vials to avoid spilling. Do the same thing with rubbing alcohol.
Antiseptic ointment to apply to minor wounds and in bandage dressing. Good choices are furacin or betadine.
Antibiotic eye ointment for conjunctivitis. Make sure the ointment does not have a corticosteroid in it, because it can be harmful if your dog has corneal damage.
Eye wash. Use this to flush out foreign material from your dog's eye.
Benadryl. Use this medication for allergic reactions to insect bites or stings. However, it will not control severe allergic reactions. The proper dose is 1 mg./lb., given one to three times daily. Be aware that your dog may get very sleepy.
Immodium for acute diarrhea. The dose is 1 mg./25 lb., given one to two times daily. Do not use this medication for a prolonged time, nor continue if your dog acts sick.
Buffered aspirin (ascriptin). Use for any type of sprain or muscle soreness. The proper dose is about 40 mb./lb., given one or two times daily. Warning: Do not use any other over-the-counter pain reliever. Aspirin is the only safe pain medication for dogs. Ibuprofen can be very harmful, and Tylenol is toxic to the liver.
Glycerin suppositories (children's). Use for dogs with constipation.
Charcoal. Use for a poison remedy.
Some Basics from Your Vet
It's a good idea to consult your veterinarian about how to administer these supplies. Ask if he or she suggests any other items to put in your first aid kit. Some veterinarians suggest:
Once you have all the supplies you need for your dog's first aid kit, find a good storage container that is lightweight and waterproof, such as something from a camping store.
bravenet.com