FIRST AID

Dog first aid is important if you plan to own a dog for a pet. Owners who know dog first aid are more adept at handling emergency situations than a pet owner who has never learned dog first aid. Here are some signs and symptoms which may point to your pet needing dog first aid:

• Your dog has a rectal temperature above 103-104 degrees.
• Your dog's respiration is higher or lower than normal. Normal respiration is 15-20 breaths per minutes with 80-120 heartbeats per minute.
• Your dog's eyes are swelling, red or they have a discharge.
• Your dog is sneezing, retching, vomiting, coughing or gagging.
• Your dog has bloody stools or vomit.
• Your dog has been bitten by another animal or been in a fight.
• Your dog is limping or unable to walk.

Here is a list of items which you should have on hand in your dog first aid kit:

• Sponges
• Antibiotic ointment
• Alcohol
• Hydrogen Peroxide
• Ear Syringe
• Petroleum Jelly
• Eye Wash
• Ear Wash
• Non Adhesive Bandages
• Benadryl
• Pepto Bismol (tablet form)
• Gauze
• Tape
• Buffered Aspirin
• Hydrocortisone Cream
• Kaopectate (tablet form)
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Muzzle
• Hemostats
• Rectal Thermometer
• Splints
• Wrap around bandage

If you plan on owning a dog and you want to be a good dog owner you should learn dog first aid. Contact your local Red Cross or veterinary office to find out when the next animal or dog first aid class will be held. Enlist other people you know who are dog owners and have them take the class with you. No one is too young or too old to learn how to take care of their dog in an emergency.