What to put in your first aid kit

What To Put In Your 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!