Having a first Aid kit to hand when your dog injures himself is vital and so is knowing how to use it.
Would you be able to cope if your dog was injured when out for a walk? Would you know what to do if your dog cut his paw or collapsed? What about if he had an accident with a stick? No one knows for sure how they would react in an emergency but having a knowledge of canine first Aid could quite literally save your dogs life.
If we did a random questionnaire among dog owners to find out who had a first Aid kit the majority would not have one.
It's a pity as having a First Aid Kit in your procession could mean the difference between life and death for your dog.
It is not something we think about on our daily walks but what if your dog cut himself on some broken glass? How would we stop the bleeding and keep the dirt out until we got back to the car park and then got him or her to the Vet.
Just the other day I was out walking Rex my Jack Russell and as we turned the corner of the country road to enter into the development where I live, we came upon broken glass across the path.
It was from a few broken bottles and the pieces were large and menacing.
Rex was walking in front of me and he missed them but it really was a close call.
If he had walked over one of them with his small paws I would have had a problem on my hands and no bandages to stop the bleeding.
I did not have a First Aid kit with me but it really did get me thinking about carrying one with me when I go out with him.
First Aid kits can come in a variety of sizes and you can get one small enough to fit into your pocket or bumbag.
It is also a good idea to carry your mobile phone with you in case you need to make an emergency call.
Tailor your kit to your dog .
e.
g.
if he or she has ever suffered low sugar then put in a small container with some honey or even glucose gel.
If your dog likes running in long grass then include a tick remover.
Tweezers will work as well but are just not as good .
You can use tweezers for thorns.
You could have a larger kit in your car with more bandages, wound gel and a space blanket.
These are small and lightweight but really help a cold, tired or shocked dog.
So what kind of emergencies do we need a First Aid kit for.
? Bleeding and cuts Heatstroke and burns Bites and stings Sprains and strains Broken bones Eye and Ear problems Common Poisoning Other first Aid techniques include how to assess the injured patient and assess vital signs.
Dealing with collapse and performing resuscitation techniques.
We also need to know how to apply the bandages and splints and along with resuscitation techniques ,cardiac massage and mouth- to- snout.