April is National Pet First Aid Awareness Month and here at the Fix It Foundation, we take the safety of our pets and all animals very seriously. Sometimes in the day-to-day life of owning a pet, it can become easy to forget how important it is to be prepared in case of an emergency. Chances are, if you have kids, you keep a first aid box available both at home and in your car, but what happens when your pooch gets hurt? There are a few things you should have prepared and ready in case you need them.
Soft muzzle – unfortunately, many dogs who have been hurt may not always understand that you or someone else are trying to help them. They thus can become aggressive or highly defensive, even snapping at those trying to help. By using a soft muzzle, you can protect yourself and those around you when treating your dog.
Benadryl – Benadryl serves two important functions when it comes to pet first aid: minimizing an allergic reaction and helping produce pliability or to ease tension in your dog during treatment. If your dog seems to have a sudden allergic reaction, Benadryl will work for your dog pretty much the same way it works for you – it lessens the allergy. For many dogs, especially when they have been hurt, they may be hard to treat or handle or may become overly anxious and risk further harm to themselves. By giving a dog a small dose of Benadryl (typically 1 mg per pound of your dog’s weight), you can help make your dog a little more pliable, a little less anxious, and more conducive to being treated for their wound.
Saline solution – dogs are often out and about, rolling around, digging, and generally creating a mess (which is exactly what they are supposed to do). But the nature of these types of activities means that your dog is at a much greater risk of getting something caught in their eye than a human is. So think about how many times you get something stuck in your eye and imagine it exponentially – that’s what it’s like for your dog. Oftentimes our pets are able to get things out of their eyes on their own but sometimes they need your help. A simple saline solution in a dropper bottle tends to be a quick and easy way to keep your pet’s eyes safe.
Sterile gloves – while many people are aware of the importance of using sterile gloves when dealing with humans, not everyone thinks they are as necessary when dealing with animals, but they are. There are numerous diseases and parasites that can transfer between a dog and a human. Moreover, when treating an open wound on your pet, using sterile gloves not only protects you but also protects them from anything that you may have on your hands they could potentially cause an infection.
Neosporin – an antibiotic treatment such as neosporin or a similar cream is just as helpful for your pooch as it is for you. Whether your dog has become injured through scrapes, cuts, or fighting, any exposed wound is at risk of infection. Treating the area with some neosporin before wrapping it can help minimize that risk.
Check back next week for part 2 to ensure your dog’s ultimate safety and health!
photo credit: Fiona McAllister Photography via photopin cc