Why all dog owners in North London need a pet first aid kit
April 7, 2022
Preparation can mean the difference between life and death in first aid scenarios, according to our Vet, Albert Moussafir. This is why the team at The Vet Whetstone are recommending that all dog owners in North London get themselves a pet first aid kit.
First though, check out our First Aid Tips for Dog Adventures – a guide to recognising conditions that need first aid and immediate veterinary care. Download it via the button below and save it on your phone. You could share it with friends & family by email or on Facebook too.
Download our Dog First Aid Guide
Whilst as owners we should aim to get our pet veterinary care as quickly as possible in an emergency, there are often scenarios where this is problematic. Imagine that your location or circumstances prevent you from getting to the clinic quickly, or your dog’s injury is life threatening and needs an interim measure to protect them before they can travel.
Albert advises that having a pet first aid kit to hand is crucial in being able to offer vital support when it is needed most. It also gives you piece of mind that you have the tools available to help your pet in the first instance.
Pet first aid supplies – what should your kit contain?
There are many different types of pet first aid kits. How comprehensive yours need to be will depend on what you are doing or where you are. If you are fairly local, you may carry a smaller kit compared to being on a holiday away from local amenities.
Useful pet first aid supplies include:
1.Bandages – different types (first aid courses can teach how to bandage properly)
2.Blunt-ended scissors
3.Wound wash – saline preferable
4.Cotton wool
5.Tweezers
6.Tick removal tools
7.Wound dressing
8.Self-adhesive tape
9.Vinyl gloves / alcohol gel for sanitising hands
10.Foil blanket
11.Thermometer
12.Antiseptic wipes
13.A blanket to use as a stretcher
14.Any medication your pet receives
15.Details for your local Vets – here are ours
16.Details for local vets for the area you are visiting
Having this equipment to hand means you are well prepared for the most common emergencies – download our dog first aid tips to learn what these might be.
Why some of the above items are so important
Albert explains that different types of bandages can help to stop bleeds, slow down blood loss, or protect a wound whilst transporting your pet. Tweezers can help you remove thorns or stings; never remove any big items that could be going through an artery, and use a special tick removal tool for dog ticks. Gloves and alcohol gel will help to ensure you are clean when cleaning wounds with the saline.
When it comes to blankets, Albert shares why you need two types in your pet first aid kit. Foil blankets are useful for helping to keep your pet warm and preventing shock after a trauma. Using a blanket as a stretcher is also very important for any injuries to the spine or limbs. If you can carry your pet on a stretcher, they will be more supported and comfortable then carrying them in your arms.
Keeping details of both your Vet practice and a local Vet if you adventuring far from home, will mean you are not frantically searching for the details of an emergency Vet.
Learn your DR ABCS
Whenever faced with an emergency always remember DR ABCS:
·Danger – keep safe from the environment or your pet; a scared dog or any other animal may lash out
·Response – check if your dog is responsive by calling their name
·Airway – is their airway clear?
·Breathing – are they breathing?
·Circulation – do they have a pulse or heartbeat?
·Send – send someone to go and find help
Always ensure wherever you go, no matter how close to home you are, that you carry your pet first aid kit. Also, remember to replace items you have used – there is nothing worse than needing something in an emergency and it not being in your kit!
Albert’s final piece of advice for dog owners in North London, is to learn how to recognise common dog health emergencies – download & share our helpful guide below.