First Aid

Having had dogs all my life, I am no stranger to medical emergencies and the complete horror of a beloved dog being sick or hurt and not having access to medical help or supplies. Times, thankfully have changed and now the veterinary practice is much more friendly and available than before.

All the same, it is best to have some basic supplies at home so you can begin preliminary treatment in an emergency. Please note - there is NO substitute for a good vet's attention so please don't try to treat your dog at home - use your supplies under the instructions of the vet always.

Personally, I have a little box that is full of basic first aid items and also some of the things that my dogs seem to need on a regular basis. In Beagle's case it is ear drops and in Pug's case it is eye drops! Dotty Dalmatian is epileptic so I keep a sedative ready in case she has a seizure - that's strictly prescription, but you get the point - customise your kit to suit your pet.

Here is a quick list of things you can start with:

1. Bandages, Gauze and sterile cotton - for obvious reasons
2. Rectal Thermometer - checking a dogs temperature can be a strong diagnostic tool
3. Surgical Plaster - to secure bandages and dressings
4. Tube of hydro cortisone cream - for skin inflammations
5. Antihistamine tablets - check with your vet which one would be best
6. A broad spectrum anti-biotic - again, check with your vet what to stock.
7. Activated charcoal - for use in case of poison ingestion
8. Hydrogen Peroxide
9. Antiseptic solution - Savlon is a good bet since it does not sting
10.Tweezers
11.Scissors -don't forget to get the kind with rounded ends..we don't want to jab our dogs with sharp pointy ones.

Feel free to discuss the list with your vet and add anything else that you may think is useful to keep ready. Also remember that the medications and solutions are toxic and should be kept out of reach of the dog.