Always be prepared! Make a first aid kit and have it on hand wherever you go. Consider having multiple kits, such as a large fully stocked kit for home and a smaller kit for the car or family outings. Within your kit you should have: a rectal thermometer, lubrication such as Vaseline or KY jelly, tweezers, nail clippers, styptic powder, hemostats, a muzzle, a blanket, bandaging material and certain medications. For bandaging material, you should keep a roll of gauze (can also be used to create a makeshift muzzle if needed), square gauze, non-stick pads, first aid tape and/or Vetwrap. For medications, be sure to have multi-purpose product like Vetericyn on hand, which it cleans, treats and heals the wounds at once. It can be used for the eyes, ears, nose and other places, and kills viruses, bacteria and fungi, and is safe even if licked after application. It does not sting when applied to open wounds, is non-toxic and environmentally safe for the canine and for disposal. You can also include cortisol cream for itchy bug bites, eye wash solution in case you need to flush your dog’s eye and hydrogen peroxide in case your dog ingests something potentially toxic and you need to induce vomiting. Keep in mind that vomiting should only be induced after consulting your veterinarian or poison control. Keep an eye on the expiration dates on medications and replace them whenever they expire.

When an emergency occurs, take a moment to look around and fully assess the situation. For example, if your dog was hit by a car, don’t immediately rush out in traffic. You won’t do him any good if you end up in the hospital yourself. Carefully approach your pet and assess his condition. Is he breathing? If not, start CPR. Is he bleeding? Apply direct pressure to the wound and so on. Please refer to our CLINIC POLICY on this.

Remember to handle your injured dog gently and carefully. Even the gentlest dog may bite when scared or in pain. Keep your face away from the mouth and resist the urge to hug your dog to comfort him as this may scare him more or worsen his injuries. Use a calm soothing voice to reassure your dog and if possible pet him in area away from the injury. If you need to transport him and his wounds are painful you should place a muzzle on, either have one handy in your first aid kit or make one out of a roll of gauze. If your dog is small, wrap him in a blanket or towel and carry him. Larger dogs can be transported on makeshift stretchers such as a board, a sled or toboggan or even a large blanket to make a hammock-style sling.

Get a decal for your window in the event an emergency occurs while you are not at home. This decal will allow rescue personnel to know you have pets inside that may need attention.

Consider taking a class in pet first aid and learn animal CPR. Classes are readily available online and through community educational centers, libraries, pet stores and sometimes even your local veterinarian.

Finally, remember that first aid is not intended to be a substitute for veterinary care, it is meant to stabilize the animal until proper veterinary care can be given. Any first aid care given to your dog should be followed by immediate veterinary attention, either by your regular veterinarian or your local animal emergency clinic. Be safe, pet safe and both of you live longer.