CANINE FIRST AID KIT
By: JILL HOPFENBECK, DVM
(Posted by permission of the author)
(PRESENTED AT FLAT-COATED RETRIEVER NATIONAL
SPECIALTY
MAY 13, 1999)
While we can talk all we went about "first aid,"
one of the most important things that a dog owner can have access to is a good
first aid kit. All the knowledge in the world won't help you if you don't have
the tools to deal with the problem. 
So,
this presentation will focus on how to assemble a first aid kit for your dogs,
and how to use the items included.
(*) Indicates items that your veterinarian can probably supply for you. Most veterinarians would be happy to know that you are taking the effort to assemble a first aid kit and would be happy to assist you in rounding up the stuff.
1. Sturdy plastic container to keep supplies organized and available. Either a large plastic container (which can also double as a water dish or can be used for soaking/cleaning an injured paw) or a fishing tackle box is appropriate.
2. *Oral dose syringe for giving oral medications to your dog. These are available either from your veterinarian or drug store.
3. Scissors are useful for cutting bandage materials. Blunt-ended ones are safest.
4. Rectal thermometer. Get your dog his own, you don't went to share! Body temperature is an important vital sign, both in determining if a dog is sick and in diagnosing/treating heat stroke. Heat stroke is a dangerous life-threatening condition, which should be treated immediately. Signs of heat stroke, including excessive panting and collapse, should be treated immediately with immersion/hosing in cool water (especially head/neck, feet, abdomen/inner thighs). Body temperatures of 106 degrees (41° C) and over are dangerous--take steps to cool down your dog immediately and seek veterinary attention. Beware of leaving dogs in cars when the temperature is 65 degrees (18° C) or greater, and vigorous exercise in hot/humid conditions.
5. Betadine (povidone-iodine) solution is very useful for cleaning cuts/scrapes, and for soaking infections.
6. Telfa pads are excellent wound dressings, especially if smeared with Triple Antibiotic Ointment.
7. *Gauze pads are useful for cleaning wounds and using as dressings.
8. *Roll gauze has two important uses. First, and most obvious, is as a bandage material. Second, a long piece of gauze can be used as a temporary muzzle if needed to move/treat an injured dog. Take an 18-24 inch piece of gauze, and tie a single, very loose knot in the middle. Slip this loop over the dog's nose, and tighten the knot on top of the nose. Cross the free ends under the dog's chin, and tie in a bow behind the dog's ears. Practice this on your dog when she's calm, so you can do it if there's ever an emergency.
9. *Cast padding or roll cotton is very useful as padding under a bandage. If you are going to leave a bandage on for any length of time, especially on a leg, it is very important to pad generously. Padding under a bandage helps to make the bandage more comfortable, and helps reduce the risk that the bandage will be too tight.
lO. *Vetrap is used over the padding and gauze to make a finished bandage. It is stretchy and sticks to itself, although the end should be stuck down with white tape for security. Take care not to wrap Vetrap too tightly. When finished, the Vetrap should not be completely smooth, the little wrinkles should still be visible, When in doubt, wrap more Iooselyl
11.*White adhesive tape is generally used to stick things down. It can be used loosely at the top of a bandage, half on the bandage and half on the skin/hair, to hold a bandage up, rather than wrapping tighter. If the tape gets stuck and is difficult to remove, use a little mineral oil to soften up the adhesive.
12. Triple antibiotic ointment (Neosporin) is great for general purpose wound care.
13. Buffered aspirin (not Ibuprofen or Tylenol) may be given for muscular or arthritic pain (check with your veterinarian first if your dog has any health problems, especially kidney problems, before giving). 325 mg (1 regular strength) twice daily with food is a reasonable dose for a 60-80 lb (27-36 kg) dog. Ascriptin or Ecotrin are acceptable substitutes. Do not give for more than 1-2 days without consulting your veterinarian.
14. Benadryl (diphenhydramine HCl) is useful for allergic reactions such as bee/insect stings, and can also be used for it's mild tranquilizing effects. The dose for dogs is about 1 mg/pound (0.45 mg/kg), or about 50-75 mg for a large dog. Available over the counter in 25mg tablets--get the plain drug, NOT with decongestant.
15. Hydrogen peroxide has two uses: for cleaning minor wounds and to induce vomiting (in the case of non-corrosive poison ingestion: contact your veterinarian or a poison control center). Give 10-15 ml (2-3 tsp) by mouth, repeat every 5 minutes until the dog vomits. Syrup of ipecac may also be used to induce vomiting: follow the bottle directions for a similar-sized child.
16. Saline spray or contact lens saline for Sensitive Eyes is useful for flushing wounds or eyes.
17. Tweezers for removing ticks. You should avoid using your fingers for this, as some diseases can be transmitted to you if you get the blood from the tick on your skin.
18. Immodium or kaopectate are useful for treating uncomplicated diarrhea (dog isn't vomiting or acting depressed/lethargic). Immodium works well in dogs, and I find the caplets easy and portable. A 60-80 lb (27-36 kg) dog can take 1 Immodium caplet or 10-15 ml (2-3 tsp) of Kaopectate every 6-8 hours. Do not give for more than 24 hours or if your dog is lethargic or vomiting without consulting your veterinarian.
19. Instant ice pack (especially the kind that stays soft when cold) is good for relieving muscle injuries/swelling.
20. A copy of your dog's medical record and current rabies certificate, especially if you are traveling.
SIGNS THAT YOU SHOULD SEEK VETERINARY ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY FOR YOUR DOG INCLUDE:
- Wound with profuse bleeding. Apply direct pressure if possible to stop bleeding. If this is not successful, apply a tourniquet if the wound in on an extremity.
- Prolonged vomiting and/or diarrhea, especially if dog is depressed/lethargic or if blood is present.
- Rectal temperature over 106 degrees (41° C), of if heat stroke is suspected.
- Collapse/loss of consciousness. If your dog has an epileptic seizure, keep in mind that the vigorous muscle activity involved with the seizure can quickly lead to heat stroke in the seizure is prolonged (more than 10 minutes or so). Take steps to cool down the dog while you seek emergency help (immerse dog in water/hose down).
- Non-productive retching/vomiting combined with bloating abdomen and/or severe depression may be signs of "bloat" or gastric dilatation/volvulus. This requires immediate veterinary attention.
- Eye injuries are treated EARLY – when in doubt, seek veterinary attention.
- Anything else that seems unusual/abnormal, it is always best to seek professional help.
Scout's advice: WHEN IN DOUBT, CALL A VETERINARIAN.
