What To Put In Your Dog's First Aid Kit
As anybody who's been around dogs knows, they are very good at getting themselves into trouble at times, and often when the vets are closed etc. For this reason it is a very good idea to keep a well-equipped first aid kit specifically for your dogs. And when traveling with your dog, take it with you! (whether it be a long camping trip in the woods, daytrip to a show or just a quick jaunt to the local park) Many people make up two kits so they can keep one in the car at all times.
Important things to know when treating an ill patient:
A dog's normal temperature is 99.5 - 102.2 F (cats 100-101.5 F)
A dogs pulse is 60-120 beats a minute
Respiration - 14-22 breaths per minute
1 Teaspoon= 5 ml. or 5 cc
1 Tablespoon=15 ml or 15 cc
Things to include that can be used to treat dogs medically:
Kaopectate - 1 teaspoon per 10 lbs
Pepto bismol Tablets - 1 tablet per 40lbs - Liquid - 1 tsp per 15 lbs
Benadryl (allergic reactions/bee stings etc.) - 1-2 mg. per lb. every 8 hours
Aspirin - pain - 5 mg. per lb every 12 hours
Honey - to raise blood sugar
Hydrogen Peroxide to induce vomiting - 1 tsp per 10 lbs every 5 minutes
Other Useful things to have in your first aid kit:
Gauze
Vetwrap
Panty Hose (to use as a muzzle)
Adhesive Tape
Sterile Pads
New Skin for burns
Antibiotic ointment
Betadine
Rubbing Alcohol
Saline Solution for eye rinse
Vaseline
Scissors
Tweezers or Forceps
Hemostats
Wire Cutters
Ice Pack
Clean Cloth for washing areas
Syringe
Latex Gloves
Instant Heat Pack
Stick to use as a splint
Nail Clippers
Thermometer (rectal or digital type)
Bulb syringe
Cotton Balls and QTips
Safety Pins
Razor Blade
Needle
Ear Wash
Always have your vet's number handy - regular and emergency numbers!