Doodle first aid

[Haley, Yeti, and Phin]

Hello fellow doodle lovers! Tonight I found myself a wee bit on the unprepared side when yeti and I came in from playing out in the snow and I noticed a little bit of bloody snowballs on the ground. After further investigation it looks like he might have nicked himself on possible frozen snow/ice. There isn't much blood at all in fact I can't even see a cut and after washing it with warm water and a washcloth I can't even find where the source of the blood was coming from anymore. This brings me to my question: are there certain items I should have on hand in case yeti he gets seriously hurt? Another question: are there human medical supplies that are safe to use on dogs?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

The Humane Society website has a good list: 

http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/pet_first_aid_k...

Personally, I don't think everything on that list is necessary, and some of them are things I would hope everyone has in their home, dog or no dog, lol. The pet first aid book is a really good idea.

Also important is to know what to do in case of bloat, which is often referred to as "the mother of all emergencies". Here's a link to a discussion from the Health Group that has instructions for a "bloat kit" to have on hand:http://www.kifka.com/Elektrik/BloatFirstAid.htm

I think most human medical supplies are safe to use for dogs; but not all human OTC meds are. Here's a pretty good list on this: http://www.walkervalleyvet.com/otc-meds.htm

[Stella]

I live alone and am a 25 minute drive to my closest vet, it could be as much as 45 mins depending on which practice is doing emergency cover. I'm a first responder and have suctioned people's lungs as part of my job as a physio (which is typically done while they are unconscious!). Despite all my training I still don't think I could do the technique described in the bloat first aid link, I know it could be lifesaving but I just think it would just take too long. My instinct would be to throw the dog in the car and start driving. I've read that giving gas-ex can possibly buy them a little time??

In reality, because of the distance to closest vet, I have come to terms with the fact that if my dog bloats, he probably isn't going to make it.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Yes, keeping Gas-X (simethicone) in the house is recommended to buy you some time in a case of bloat.

[Lori, Winnie, Bob and Indie]

I am a medical professional for humans, and the only thing I have on hand specifically for my dogs is a bottle of hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting. I now buy a new bottle every year, as I found out last summer that old hydrogen peroxide does NOT work. Long story short, I sent my husband to the store at 11pm one evening after my dear Winnie took it upon herself to swallow a sock. 2-3 year old peroxide- no results... new peroxide- voila. Sock!

Other than that, I don't really have any other specific supplies. Just things that every household has- a pair of tweezers, clean dishtowels to apply pressure to a wound, etc. I also think it's good to know how to do the Heimlich maneuver on a dog, and God forbid, CPR.

[Wendy and Myla]

Good to know!  I will replace my peroxide! 

[Stella]

Vet wrap is indispensable if you are single for keeping a dressing on something while you rush to the vet! I've had to do it twice now!!

[Debbie and Toby]

Benadryl is something we always keep on hand...Toby has been stung twice, we were told by our vet to give benadryl immediately if he has been stung. Immodium AD is also something we keep on hand, although haven't  had to use much. I would consult with your vet first before giving either of these and make sure you know the proper dosages if you give them.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

My basics are simethicone, Hydrogen Peroxide (going to buy new today), benedryl, Vet wraps and Animax ointment for cuts.  There are always tweezers and hemostats in the house as well as cotton balls and qtips along with ear cleaning solutions as Murphy is prone to ear infections.  Other than that they get good food, Fish oils and all made in the USA treats (or homemade) to eliminate tummy issues and keep them healthy.   Oh, and can't forget Proviable Probiotics for when they need antibiotics.

[Haley, Yeti, and Phin]

Thank you all SO much :)!