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Every dog owner should keep a doggy first aid kit on hand at all times. The kit can be kept in just about any container that has a sealable lid on it. The kit should include gauze wrap, gauge pads, first aid tape, cotton balls, cotton sawbs, Ace Bandage, a splint, rubbing alcohol, petroleum jelly, hydrogen peroxide, safety scissors, tweezers, a rectal thermometer, and antibiotic ointment. You should also keep an ice pack in the freezer at all times for treatment of sprains.
Some of the other drugs that you may have in your medicine cabinet for human beings' use can also be used as a treatment for your dog. These products include Pepto Bismol, for an upset stomach or treatment of diarrhea, aspirin, for treatment of pain or some minor injuries, and Kaopectate, for treatment of diarrhea. However, before you use any of these products, you should consult your veterinarian first to find out the proper dosage amount which will be suitable for your pet. The dosage will depend on the size of your dog as well as other factors.
For small cuts or abrasions, or other minor wounds, you can treat your dog yourself. Simply clean the wound with hydrogen peroxide, then apply a dab of antibiotic ointment in it. Finally, place a bandage over the dressed wound. Remember to check the wound every day and re-dress it until it has completely healed.
In case your dog becomes seriously ill or is seriously injured, you can perform doggy CPR on him or her. First, though, remember to be careful. Even though your dog undoubtedly loves you, her or she might easily become aggressive when it is in pain. The first step is to try to calm your dog down as much as possible by using soothing words and sounds.
Note: These instructions are intended for use on a medium-sized dog.
Listen and feel to see if your dog is breathing. If it is not, then gently open its mouth and remove any foreign objects. Gently move the tongue forward so it does not obstruct the airway. Now, close its mouth and take a deep breath of air. Place your mouth over your dog's nose and gently breathe into your pet's nose for a couple of seconds. Do this approximately once every three seconds until your dog begins to breathe on its own.
The next step is to check your dog's pulse. Place your fingers on the inside of his or her upper thigh and feel for a heartbeat. If no pulse if felt, then you can use CPR. CPR stands for Cardio-Pulmonary Rescesutation. To do this, gently place your dog on its right side. Place one hand over the left side of its chest. Now, place your other hand on top of the first hand. Push down on the dog's chest with firm pressure. Don't press down too hard as you could accidentally injure him or her. Give your dog five chest compressions and then continue on with the breathing exercises if your dog is still not breathing on its own. Continue this routine until professional veterinarian help arrives!
You should always watch for pet for signs of illness, injury or poisoning. Some signs include, but are not limited to, serious bleeding, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, partial or complete paralysis, (especially prevalent with spinal or back injuries, or a stroke), unconsciousness, not wanting to drink or eat, shallow breathing, and unusually heavy breathing or panting. Keep your dog's vet's telephone number by the phone along with your other emergency numbers and call him or her in case you suspect that your pet is ill or has been injured.
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