puppy&dog SAFETY

Understanding pain in your pet

How dogs react differs from humans. Dogs in acute pain may have rapid, shallow breathing, vocalize, be unwilling to move and/or show aggression. Dogs with back or abdominal pain may adopt a hunched-back appearance or a praying position. Dogs with neck pain may tremble, be reluctant to bend over to eat or drink, or will turn their entire body rather than the neck. Some dogs in pain may become unusually quiet and less interactive.

Don't wait for an emergency to happen

Accidents and sudden illness happen. Know your veterinarian's number and emergency procedures as well as the location of the nearest emergency animal hospital. Keep emergency numbers handy: on the fridge, by the phone, on speed dial and in your first aid kit. Make sure your kit is stocked and ready.

Being prepared can make an emergency situation less stressful for you and your dog.

First Aid Kit

What you should have on hand:

Thermometer - digital is best
Scissors
Tweezers
Penlight
Magnifying glass (hand-held)
Tongue depressors - act as splints, clear an animal's airway, look for a foreign body in the mouth
Tongs or forceps
Silver nitrate sticks to stop bleeding
- e.g. from bleeding nail
Assorted bandages and dressings - bandage cut pad or paw, can be used as a pressure bandage to stop bleeding or as a muzzle
Adhesive tape
Towels
Cotton wool/Cotton buds
Eye flush solution (sterile saline)- rinse any foreign body from the eyes.
Hydrogen peroxide - antiseptic and to induce vomiting
Triple antibiotic ointment
Liquid soap - to rinse off any chemicals or pesticides from the animalís skin
Antihistamine tablets (Benadryl)
Pen, paper, pencil