Why have a first aid kit for your dog?
When you have a pet, and more particularly a dog, it is essential to have a first aid kit in order to be able to react quickly in the event of a problem. Indeed, when you have a doggie, you have to walk it regularly and a lot of things can happen during the walk such as a wasp sting, a dog bite, a sore on a pad and many other things. Again. You will have understood that in these cases, you have to be able to intervene quickly in order to provide him with first aid.
Note carefully!
The first aid kit's only function is to allow you to provide first aid to your animal, in the event of injury. Its use does not replace a consultation with the veterinarian, when the condition of your dog requires it. Also remember that you should never self-medicate, the best solution in the event of a problem is to contact your veterinarian immediately.
The best thing is to have a first aid kit at home and another in your vehicle if you are used to taking your dog for walks away from your home or when you go on vacation with him !
What to put in your dog's first aid kit?
Your dog's first aid kit should not be part of the first aid kit that serves human family members. Indeed, the equipment used to treat the dog should only be used for him and some products that can be used on humans are not suitable for the emergency care needs of your four-legged friend.
Thus, your dog's first aid kit should include at least the following items:
- latex or nitrile gloves (for those allergic to latex) so as not to bring even more bacteria to your dog when caring for a wound,
- a muzzle of the size and model adapted to your pet's muzzle, useful for providing first aid to your pet without the risk of being bitten,
- sterile compresses,
- a protective gauze bandage,
- tape,
- sterile saline,
- tweezers,
- scissors,
- alcohol (to disinfect equipment before and after use),
- an antiseptic product that does not sting (such as chlorhexidine or povidone iodine),
- a pocket of hot/cold gel,
- a tick-pulling hook,
- a digital thermometer, to take your dog's temperature.
When traveling and, in addition to your emergency kit, make sure you always have in your vehicle:
- a blanket or towel the size of which is adapted to that of the animal. It can be used to protect it, maintain it or immobilize it if necessary,
- a bottle of drinking water, useful for watering your pet or for cleaning a wound before disinfection.
Also remember to always have with you the number of your veterinarian as well as that of an emergency veterinary clinic open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Be aware that there are mobile applications capable of geolocating you to tell you which veterinary practice is closest to your position. This is the case, for example, of SOS PETS. Remember to install it on your smartphone!
Medicine kit for dogs: the basic rules
- Store your first aid kit material in an airtight and resistant container, neither too bulky nor too heavy to be transported easily. Store it away from heat, sunlight and humidity.
- Place the first aid kit out of the reach of children and pets.
- Remember to complete it after using it so as not to be caught off guard when using it later.
- Remember to regularly check the expiry date of consumables (disinfectant, compresses) in order to replace them when the date has passed.