DOG FIRST AID KITS


With spring already here, here’s a reminder on what to carry in a First Aid kit, particularly at a time of year when sleepy snakes have emerged and bees and wasps are a temptation for dogs to catch (teach a good 'Leave' to help prevent this).

Essentials to carry in your portable First Aid kit

Tube of sterile saline solution – useful for rinsing grass seeds out of eyes or washing a wound. Amazon.co.uk : medical saline pods.  I had one of these handy when a dog on one of my training walks had a seed in his eye and it was easy to flush it out (ensure you accustom your dogs gently to being examined all over, including around sensitive areas like eyes, but of course do not touch the eyes).

Leucillin spray - or use saline solution, as above.  Apply Leucillin directly if your dog is not fearful of the spray or put onto clean tissues away from your dog and gently pat onto the area. Leucillin Natural Antiseptic Spray - Antibacterial Antifungal Antiviral for Dogs Cats All Animals Itchy Skin Minor Wound Care and Skin Health | 500ml : Amazon.co.uk: Pet Supplies

Piriton tablet in case of a snake bite or reaction to an insect sting.  Please note that this would be as a First Aid remedy only and then take your dog to the vet.  You should also contact your vet before purchase to check whether this is suitable for your dog and what the dosage would be.  Some medical conditions and medication may mean that piriton is not suitable for your dog.  If your dog’s health changes you will also need to check again with your vet.

Tick remover – useful for your dogs and yourselves to remove as soon as you find a tick. Tick Twister Tick Remover Tools for Dogs, Cats and Humans 3 Pcs - Safe and Pain Free Tick Removal of Small, Medium and Large Ticks - Made in France by O'Tom : Amazon.co.uk: Pet Supplies  

The above can also be used on people although the same note applies as for dogs - do not use products unless you are sure the person is safe to have them.

For larger wounds:

Clean padding to cover the wound (after cleaning). 

Self-adhesive bandage to cover the padding and wound.


Ensure you have a complete First Aid kit at home and/or in your car

Animal Aiders and Amazon sell more complete First Aid kits – see links below.  These are actually small enough to carry in a large bumbag or small rucksack.

Knowing what to do in an emergency

  • Buy a suitable book – see below.

  • Go on a dog First Aid course – Animal Aiders run these and often a local vet or dog training organisation may run them as well so make sure you are on your vet’s mailing list if they have one.

Useful resources

https://www.animalaiders.co.uk/dog-8-c.asp  (Dog First Aid kits from Animal Aiders)

https://www.amazon.co.uk/First-Aid-Dogs-invaluable-lovers/dp/0995490007/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1524845459&sr=1-1&keywords=dog+first+aid+book#reader_0995490007  (Dog First Aid book from Amazon)

 

 Enjoy your walks and hopefully you will not need any of the above but good to be prepared.


Sally Bartlett
www.co-operativecanines.co.uk
07752 427804

 


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