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Emergency Care for Trail Hounds
What Goes in a Doggy First Aid Kit?
By Dan A. Nelson
Dr. Randy Acker teaches classes on canine first aid and has put together a comprehensive first aid kit. He recommends that anyone heading into the wild with a canine companion carry at least a few basic essentials for the dog's first aid.Instruments:
Scissors/bandage scissors
Toenail clippers
Rectal thermometer (note: a healthy dog's temperature should be 101º F when taken rectally)
Cleansers and disinfectants:
3 percent hydrogen peroxide
Betadine
Eyewash (Acker recommends Opticlear)
Topical antibiotics and ointments (non-prescription):
Calamine lotion
Triple antibiotic ointment (Bacitracin, Neomycin, or Polymyxin)
Baking soda (for bee stings)
Vaseline
Stop bleeding powder
Medications:
Enteric-coated aspirin or Bufferin
Imodium-AD
Pepto-Bismol
Dressings and bandages:
Gauze pads (four inches square)
Gauze roll
Non-stick pads
Adhesive tape (one-inch and two-inch rolls)
Miscellaneous:
Muzzle
Dog boots
Any prescription medication your dog needs
Emergency situations: For extended trips, consult your vet about any other prescription medications that may be needed in an emergency situation, including:
Oral antibiotics
Eye medications
Ear medications
Emetics (to induce vomiting)
Pain medications and anti-inflammatories
Suturing materials for large open wounds
K9 Kits
Dr. Acker offers a comprehensive Dog First Aid kit with all the above items and more in a compact fanny pack style case. For information, contact him at the Sun Valley Animal Center, (800) 699-2663, or visit http://www.svanimal.com/
Ruffwear First Aid Kits are manufactured specifically for active canines. Available in two sizes, the Hiker for day hikes and shorter backpacking trips, and the Traveler for longer wilderness treks where professional medical assistance may be several days away.
Both kits feature the same basic necessities for caring for injured dogs, including a Guide to Animal Emergencies, which provides instructions on the essentials on wound management to canine CPR. The kits also include a variety of bandages and wound dressings made specifically for animals things like stretchy gauze and cohesive flexible bandages that not only bind a wound but wrap securely and comfortably around the dog's legs, allowing it to walk without the bandage slipping off.
The kits also include medications such as: styptic powder (used to stop bleeding in torn or broken nails), Certi-Dine PVP iodine swabs for cleaning wounds, and eye/skin wash fluids for flushing out lacerations and eye injuries.
The kits are packaged in tough zippered pouches. The Hiker retails for $35.95 and the Traveler, $49.95.
For more information, contact Ruffwear at (888) RUFF-WEAR or visit www.ruffwear.com.
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