Parade magazine in last Sunday’s paper had a nice article on pet first aid. Dr. Karen Halligan details what to do in the case of car accidents, bleeding, choking, loss of consciousness, and poisoning.
In addition, the article states you should have, at a minimum, these items collected as a pet first aid kit that should be available to anyone who lives with a pet.
- Phone number and directions to the closest 24-hour clinic.
- Tweezers
- Antibiotic ointment
- Gauze bandages and tape
- Wound disinfectant
- Heavy towel or blanket, for both warmth and to use as a stretcher
- Diphenhydramine (such as Benadryl) for allergic reactions
- Sterile saline for eye-flushing
- Disposable latex gloves
- Muzzle – even if your dog has never shown the slightest inclination to bite, you don’t know what he will do when injured.
If you want to learn more, the Red Cross offers a pet first aid class; contact your local chapter to schedule.
Carreen – I didn’t hear her mention tuna, but I tend to agree with you about the bones. I know chicken and pork bones are very soft and bad for dogs, and some types of beef bones I hesitate to give, but I have always felt comfortable with soup bones from the butcher. She seemed to be ruling out bones altogether, which seemed a bit extreme.
A question…..On the Bonnie Hunt Show on April 2, 2009, a vet. said that among other food items tuna and bones should never be given to dogs. That’s interesting because I cook large bones for my dogs and no problem. Also, I give them tuna packed in water every once in a while and they love it and no ill effects. One of my dogs lived to 18 years without a problem with either food item so what’s the story. Me thinks the Vet is getting a little carried away with her advice.