It can be hard to anticipate the types of trouble our dogs can find themselves in. Trying to be prepared for every possible scenario can drive anybody crazy. We have compiled a list of items to hopefully help with the task of preparedness, and we've gone ahead and explained a few that might raise some eyebrows.
The List
Tweezers
towels
medical gloves
blunt scissors
bandage
gauze
saline eye flush
thermometer
cotton balls
antiseptic wipes
hydrogen peroxide
alcohol wipes
thermometer
heat pad
ice packs
canned pumpkin
hemorrhoid cream
multiple syringes
Benadryl tablets
non-self-rising flour
The Heat Pad
There may be times your pet has a difficult time maintaining a high enough temperature. Certain illnesses and infections can result in a dropping temp, as well as overzealous outdoor play during cold weather - especially if said outdoor play involves water. Having a heat pad on hand - one intended for dogs or humans - can really help during moments like these.
The Ice Packs
I recommend having 4 ice packs on hand; 2 to be kept in the freezer, and 2 to be kept in the fridge. These can be lifesaving during moments like heatstroke, which is relatively common in our area during the summer, and they can be helpful during events like seizures (read more about that one here). Having multiple ice packs is vital if you end up needing to switch them off as they warm during use, or if you need them for multiple spots on the body. If the ice pack needs to be held to a particularly sensitive spot, or if the pet is intolerant of a frozen pack, the ones kept in the refrigerator may come in handy! You can even buy ice packs specifically for dogs that have straps on them to hold them in place.
Canned Pumpkin
Not to be confused with the spice-inclusive cans of pumpkin pie filling, canned pumpkin is 100% pumpkin that has been pureed and canned. This miracle substance can often help fix both diarrhea AND constipation. We recommend keeping a few cans on hand at all times, just in case! If the cause of diarrhea is viral or parasitic, the canned pumpkin will not fix it.
Hemorrhoid Cream
Yes, I know this is a weird one. Just hear me out. Hemorrhoid cream is a vasoconstrictor. This means it works to constrict blood vessels. Many even have hydrocortisone, which helps with itching and discomfort. A great use for hemorrhoid cream is for bug bites. You can put a tiny amount on the skin and it will work fast to not only help heal the bug bite but to sooth the discomfort. This works for mosquito bites and ant bites, as well as for other biting flies.
Syringes
In a pinch, these are fantastic for administering liquids orally, and can even be used with watered down soft foods. Most frequently, I have used syringes to give clear flavorless Pedialyte to dehydrated dogs who weren't drinking enough water.
Benadryl Tablets
The 25mg pink Benadryl tablets can be a game changer if your pet gets into ants or attacked by bees or hornets, and even spider bites. It can even help with allergic reactions on the skin, until you can get your pet seen by a veterinarian. It is important to speak with your veterinary office about dosage and whether or not they would recommend this for your particular pet, but its something I always keep on hand just in case. Also very important to note, Benadryl is not a replacement for veterinary care. If you are needing to use it, you also need to schedule an appointment for the pet to see their doctor.
Non-self Rising Flour
I keep several small batches of non-self rising flour in small zip-lock snack bags. Sure, it looks slightly illegal, but it really is a practical inclusion in your pet first aid kit! If you are trimming your dog's nails, for example, and cut a bit too short and they begin to bleed, non-self rising flour acts as a fast quick-stop and stops the bleeding. This can literally save the life of a pet bird if they begin to bleed from a nail injury or get a bleeding flight feather. It works!
Last but possibly most important of all, you want the number and address to your nearest emergency animal hospital saved in your phone. Hopefully you will never need it, but when you do it can be difficult to concentrate on loading your pet into the car while frantically googling where to go. If you are in the Florence area we have an after-hours animal emergency hospital, Animal Emergency Hospital of the Pee Dee. They are located at 1926 N Irby St, Florence, SC. They can be reached during their business hours at 843-713-1926. Another option for our locals that is a bit further away but also a place that provides great care is CVETS.
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