Basic first aid tips for dogs
Becoming a dog owner is a lot like parenting. There are going to be accidents and illnesses along the way. Basic dog first aid is a good skill to have, in order to keep yourself and your dog calm before you make it to a vet.
Be prepared
Always have a pet first aid kit handy. You may want to have a small portable kit to keep in the car and a larger one at home.
| Wound spray | Ask your vet to recommend a non-toxic wound spray that doesn’t sting and is designed to clean and speed healing. |
| Self-cling bandage | If the wound is severe, you’ll need to cover it with a bandage after using the wound spray. Stock a self-cling bandage that won’t stick to your dog’s fur. |
| Bandage scissors | Include a small pair of sharp scissors to cut through gauze and bandages. |
| Eye and ear wash | If something gets in your dog’s eyes or ears it can cause itching, stinging or burning. Keep some dog-safe eye and ear wash to flush them. |
| Dog cone | Stop your dog from making an ear, eye or head problem worse by using a dog cone. This will also stop him from chewing at stitches. |
| Muzzle | The most docile of dogs can lash out when hurt, so a muzzle is a good thing to keep at hand. |
| Leash | Always have a spare leash handy, especially if your dog is hurt and trying to run away. |
| Important phone numbers | Keep a list of important numbers on hand, including your vet, an emergency vet and your local SPCA. |
| Medical records | Keep a copy of your dog’s medical certificate and vaccination records in case you have to visit an emergency vet. |
Learning basic pet CPR
Taking a course in dog first aid and animal CPR will make you more confident and capable of helping your dog if necessary..