Dog obedience and training > Information > Are you prepared to give your dog first aid?

Are you prepared to give your dog first aid?

First aid is something that should be learnt by every dog owner. Dogs are boisterous and often mischievous too which makes them prone to accidents. Whether in the home or whilst out for a walk, anything can happen and that is why it is essential to know at least the basics of first aid for dogs.

Basic First Aid for Your Dog

Due to the fact that our dogs cannot tell us how they are feeling, often we have to take a guess as to what is wrong with them. If it is something serious then we need to be able to give them basic first aid until we can get them to the vets. It is vital that you do take them to the vets as although first aid can help, it does not replace veterinary treatment.

Generally it is better to keep first aid supplies with you wherever you and your dog are. Keep them somewhere safe in the home and when you are out and about either keep them in the car or take them with you in a bag. You never know what is going to happen so it is always better to be prepared!

So what first aid supplies will you need? Well generally a basic first aid kit for dogs will include the following chemical products:

- Ammonia Water
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Antibiotic treatment
- Eyewash
- Hydro Cortisone Ointment
- Antihistamine Liquid

These will help to give pain relief as well as stop infections. You can purchase them from either online or through a pet shop.

The equipment that you will need includes:

- Gauze Rolls
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Absorbent Cotton
- Adhesive Tape
- Rectal Thermometer
- Syringes for Oral Medication
- Blankets
- Elastic Bandages

These will help you to wrap wounds up, give medication and keep infections at bay. Another handy thing to keep with you at all times is your vets contact number.

Overall obviously just having the proper equipment will not always help, you will also need to know how to use the equipment and what to use it for so it may be worth reading up on some basic first aid tips. That way you will easily know what to do in the case of an emergency.

By Andi McBreaty of Oh My Dog Supplies - featuring over 100 upscale dog bed models