Canine Emergency First Aid Kit

[Jojoe]

I have not yet been required to administer first aid to my dog, but I would like to become more prepared for when the need arises. There are a number of seemingly good resources on the internet for putting together a kit. However, given the remote/rural nature of where we train/test/work our dogs I am hoping for some feedback on what to include / not include in the kit – perhaps based on some good old fashion experience.

I’ve taken 4 different lists of inclusions and cherry picked what I believe to be useful in an emergency situation. I don’t want to include anything that I am not competent to administer or include things that are of no real use/value in a ‘situation’.

And one specific question: a skin stapler; how difficult is it to use and is it practical in an emergency? I am more than dubious about attempting to sewing up a wound with a needle and thread.

Any feed back as to inclusions / deletions (along with short explanation) would be appreciated. What’s in your kit?

Changes to the origional list based on recomendations from forum members appear in red - thanks for your feed back!

Hardware
Oral syringe – to administer hydrogen peroxide
Cotton balls – to apply antibiotic cream and disinfectant
Needle-nose pliers – pulling porcupine quills out
Tweezers – removing imbedded objects
Scissors – to cut gauze/bandaging/vetwrap
Chemical Ice Pack - to help reduce swelling
Muzzle (sweetest dog in the world can try and bite when in pain)
Anal Probe...er...thermometer - normal temp should be 100 to 102.5 degrees farenheit
Medical referance book - eg. Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook by Delbert G. Carlson DVM and James M Giffin MD
(warming blanket if space allows - perhaps a silver survival blanket, small and light)

Bandaging material
Square gauze pads (large) – non stick
First aid tape
Roll gauze (lots) or Vetwrap

Medicines
Antibiotic ointment/itch stop/bleeding stopper - EMT gel
Antidiarrhoeal - pet pectate – for diarrhoea
Antihistomine – chlortripilon – for allergic reaction
Ear cleaning solution
Ear antibiotic – by prescription
Hydrogen peroxide – to make dog vomit
Buffered Aspirin – pain relief/fever reduction
Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) – for rapid cooling
Eye wash solution
Crazy glue - for sealing a split nail
Not required if you carry EMT Styptic powder – bleeding stop
Not required if you carry EMT Cortisone spray / cream – itch stop
Not required if you carry EMT Wound disinfectant (eg betadine or Nolvasan)

[AD18]

EMT gel is what I've used the most. Sort of a all round fix'r upper. I also keep my vets business card in there in case I have to call them when ever or from where ever.

[Kevin Hannah]

Something for allergic reactions from bug bites and such. I use to carry benadril untill I needed to use it one time and figured out that it doesn't always cause drowsiness and in my case caused the dog to be WIRED for about 6 hours. I carry some other stuff now that is better, I will have to check but I think it is chlortripilon(sp?) or something like that.

And something like pepto for a dog with an upset stomach or the trots.

I think the only other thing that is missing from you list would be an actual vet or defibulator.

[Tollergirl]

That's a great list.

Some possible additions:

-A warming blanket to help with shock, also good for carrying a dog in shock
-A muzzle (sweetest dog in the world can try and bite when in pain)
-One of those "ice" packs that get cold when you shake them to help bring down swelling
-buffered aspirin to help with pain/fever (but do not give if dog is bleeding severely)

If you are on the way to the vet try not to administer any medication unless absolutely necessary as it can hide symptoms and/or prevent the vet from being able to treat.

You can also buy things to help make a sling/cast, but when out in the field you can always use a good stick, gauze and vetwrap to immobilize a broken leg etc.

And you can *never* have enough gauze. Get large squares too in case you really have to stop bleeding.

[Kevin Hannah]

And lots of tylonol for headaches in the morning.

Ooops that is in my own kit :sad1:

[Jojoe]

For those that have successfully used EMT gel:

Does it eliminate the need for 'Wound disinfectant (eg betadine or Nolvasan)' or should I carry both?

I read the source web site for EMT and based on the information provided I marked:
Styptic powder – bleeding stop
Cortisone spray / cream – itch stop
as being unneeded if EMT gel is carried.

I don't want my first aid kit to be full of redundant products.

(Kevin, if you removed the single malt scotch from your basic items you would reduce the need for the tylenol):darkbeer: :boink: :2:

[Misty Marsh]

"Yes", my understanding is that EMT gel has an antiseptic in it. It has the consistantcy of a thick corn syrup and dries to a firm crystal-like firmness. It seals up the wound from the enviornment and with it's properties really promotes the healing process. I sell both EMT gel and spray and with it being recently available to the non-veternary public is a great addition to the first aid kit. I have sold it to people with horses that have ran through barbed wire fences to dogs with hot spots, both with great results:rockon: .

[eden beardsall]

Don't forget a themometer . There was a real need for one at a trial last year.
Ask to see Anna's kit as it covers every thing and it has an excellent handbook for first aid for dogs . Bill Little had her duplicate the contents and they carry it on their truck.
At hunt test at Valens the dogs kept cutting their feet on broken glass in the water test, a vet on the grounds used Anna's kit as she did not have a bag with her . After 3or 4 dogs were treated they finally changed the test. Teenagers had had a party abd threw their empties into the water which had a rock bottom.

[Jojoe]

I'm not sure if a thermometer would do me much good (although it admittedly wouldn't take up much room). If I include it, what is normal temperature for a yellow guradian of the couch? And at what temperature should I begin to administer the aspirin and or begin to attempt to physically cool him? No sense in "invading his space" with a probe if I don't know how to read the results.

Cheers,

[Anna Scott]

Now Jojoe you can read a digital thermometer quite easily Normal temperature for an adult dog ranges from 100 to 102.5 degrees (average being 101.3 F) rectal. You now know why you are training Tucker to stand for examination LOL.
I have an ear thermometer as well but don't get as accurate a reading from it.

I will show you a couple of books I keep in my home library that are good resources.
Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook - Delbert G. Carlson DVM and James M Giffin MD is one that has a lot of good information in it.

[Huntmaster]

I'm embarrassed, this list for the dogs is bigger then what I use to take when hunting or camping with my kids. I think its great a dog owner would want all these things and I plan to put together one for my dogs from the list you guys have started here.
I do hope that with all these things, some that are prescription, the owner with treat giving them to the dog like they would a child. Don't play doctor, get the dog to a vet if you can, the same as you would your child. Unless you are 100% sure you know what's wrong with your pet, I would just give water and warmth if needed, then straight to the vet!

Those Handbooks Anna named sound very good!

[Jojoe]

HM,
There is only one prescription item to be found in the list presented - ear antibiotic. I'm not quite sure how you read this list of supplies and then formulated the idea that anyone could or would want to use these to circumvent going to a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment of an ailment.

Personally, when I hike into the back country or go tripping with the family by canoe, it is a safe bet that I bring a first aid kit filled with supplies appropriate to the situation. Right now, there is a basic kit under the passenger side of my jeep.

My purpose for assembling this list and asking assistance from the many EXPERIENCED dog owners, trainers and handlers that frequently post on this site is to make sure I'm better prepared for a situation when it arises. As usual, I have gained valuable insight into what DOG SPECIFIC supplies I should stock.

As to the your comment "Those Handbooks Anna named sound very good!"
(Read it again, only one book was referenced there) Given that you feel that you should: "Don't play doctor, get the dog to a vet if you can, the same as you would your child.", doesn’t having a book to help you understand and yes diagnose an ailment fly against your recommendation?

As for treating your dog like a human child, well there have been enough threads on other sites 'discussing' this...no good will come of discussing it here.

I must be in a mood - usually I can step away from the keyboard...

Cheers,

[Huntmaster]

God Jojo, take a pill or something, but sorry to say more then just your EXPERIENCED dog owners read these post, so I though I might suggest they know before they acted on PLAYING doctor. Or are your post just for the EXPERIENCED! To you my post might have been defensive, but it just might have saved a dogs life from the inexperienced. You will see I SAID the list was good and I was going to take some of the advise and make my own kit. NEVER did I cut it down, if anything I said I was embarrassed that I never carried as much. One book or two, I thought it was a good idea in the need to refer to if one HAD to, profesional advise would be more welcome then guessing when the opertunity arised. Yes you are in a mood, so back off! Sorry I didnt answer your post the way you wanted, next time Ill get you to write it for me!!! :dribble: If you have hand picked people here you want advise from try PMing them so us idoits can stay clear!

[Anna Scott]

Boys Boys play nice in the sanbox.
A first aid kit is just what the title implies first aid until you can seek professional care if needed. I use the stuff in my kit more on myself than the dogs, I'm kind of klutzy.
Some of the things in the kit came about for whelping. The book was invaluable for my first litter.
Not every little injury needs the attention of a vet and having a reference book sure can help sort out the good from the bad.

[dan]

As for the EMT, I sell it, and I have here 3 letters from customers and numerous feedback received over the phone about it. In one case the client's dog was adminstered EMT after numerous attempts by a vet to clear up a wound near the nose. The EMT was the only thing that worked.
Another friend of mine used Emt to heal an ear on his GSP that went completely skinless after an attack from another dog. I healed 99 % of the damaged skin tissue.

Also you have it in red that buffered aspirin is not required if you have EMT gel, I still carry aspirin for the night after a long day to help the muscles of the tired dogs. Just wondering about that one, but everything else in the kit looks great.

Dan

[dan]

OOO{{{S I just re-read the original post. Sorry the buffered was in red that was a suggested change by another member,,, I got it now, its past my bed time. I thought it meant not required when carrying EMT.\\\

Also for hot spots I reccommend (from my Vet) hibitane and peroxide to clean hot spots. Get your vet to show you how to do it. You can touch it up with Emt later in the day or the next when the hot spot 'treatment' dries out and has had a chance to work. Side note: The product is no longer called hibitane my vet told me it is manufactured under a diffrent name.

And another thing, why does it seem that every post is turning into a god damned arguement. Seems to be the same usual shit every day or two....someone says something, someone responds one way, someone takes it the wrong way and gets deffensive. I am getting sick of it.
Anyone got something to say about it PM me because dont forget I did not mention any names here before someone flies off the handle.

Dan

[Jojoe]

Also for hot spots I reccommend (from my Vet) hibitane and peroxide to clean hot spots. Get your vet to show you how to do it...Side note: The product is no longer called hibitane my vet told me it is manufactured under a diffrent name.Dan
I did a quick google search and found this...Hibitane: A proprietary name for chlorhexidine. I won't add this one to my kit until (as you recomend) I've talked to my vet about the mixture and use. I've not had to deal with hot spots...yet.



And another thing, why does it seem that every post is turning into a god damned arguement...same usual shit every day or two....someone says something,...takes it the wrong way and gets deffensive. I am getting sick of it.Dan
:emmbarassed: guilty as charged for this one...note to self, have a coffee before I turn on the 'puter in the AM.

[Huntmaster]

I over reacted to, So Sorry Jojo and you to Dan.

Jojo, my girl was bad for getting hot spots until I started spraying her down with ACV (apple cider vinegar) diluted with water. She hasn't had them since. They can get really bad and gross looking, your lucky not to have that problem. So carrying a bottle of ACV would be of no use to you. Just mentioned it because its cheaper then the vet stuff, but only good if caught in time. Not for open sores!