Today we talk about your personal safety, your first aid kit and your responsibility as a dog owner.
Of course, your own safety is your number 1 priority, at all times. Therefore you should keep a few simple things in mind before handling an injured dog.
Throughout our courses, you’ll receive instructions on how to behave and what you should do in each emergency situation. However, it’s important that you keep some basic rules in mind:
Of course you want to help your dog when he’s in a dangerous situation. However, you should never put yourself in a position where you endanger yourself. There are many reported cases where pet owners died, or got severely injured, while attempting to rescue their pet.
Although it may be fairly obvious that you should avoid jumping in icy water or to run into a burning building, some people still put their own life at risk. There is an endless list of potential hazardous situations so just use you common sense.
Even if you know an animal very well, you can never trust it when it’s hurt or in distress.
Every animal has a fight or flight response which kicks in when it’s needed. It’s simply a way to protect themselves and it’s hardwired in their brains. They can attack or bite without warning.
The best way to ensure your own safety is to use a muzzle. If you don’t have a muzzle handy, you can use the dog’s leash to make an emergency muzzle. Note: Never use a muzzle when the dog is vomiting!
When you have to transport your dog to the veterinary clinic, find someone to come with you who can drive or control the dog. If you can’t find a partner, put the dog in a confined space, such as a crate or a big box and limit his mobility as much as possible.
You should not get distracted while you are driving!
You might be tempted to rush towards a dog when it’s injured, especially when a severe accident occurred.
However, be mindful of the way you react! Whether it’s a familiar or unknown dog, you should be very careful to approach it. Approach the dog sideways, and make yourself small. Slowly move forward while you talk in a slow, comforting way.
Slowly extend your arm towards the dog and let him smell your hands. Keep a close eye on the dog’s reactions and determine whether or not you can go closer. If the shows signs of aggression and you are worried he will bite, don’t approach any further. Try to calm the dog before attempting to go any closer. If you succeed to get any closer, try to muzzle and restrain the dog.
No matter how big or small the injury or situation is, you should always seek professional veterinary care. Even when a first aid procedure seemed successful, there can always come complications. If you are unsure or in any doubt, go to the vet asap.
Make sure your dog has a name tag with your phone number on it, even when he is just playing in your yard. Many accidents happen when a dog is on the loose to it’s important that people can inform you when they found your dog.
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want you to be stressed out. What I mean is that you should always have a first aid kit handy, as well as the phone number of your local vet. Add the phone number(s) to your phone.
This is fully your responsibility! Many injuries can be prevented if the dog’s environment is safe.
Now we’re gonna assemble your doggy first aid kit. I’m sure you have some sort of first aid kit for yourself at home and in your car, right?
Well, the same should apply for your dog. Being prepared gives you a huge advantage, and having access to the right tools is therefore of vital importance. It can literally be the difference between life and death.
Therefore, make a small investment and get the tools you need!
As for today’s assignment, I suggest you start with finding a box, a bag, or anything else where you can safely store the first aid materials and give it a easy accessible place. For example in a kitchen cabinet.
Now we’re gonna assemble your doggy first aid kit. I’m sure you have some sort of first aid kit for yourself at home and in your car, right?
Well, the same should apply for your dog. Being prepared gives you a huge advantage, and having access to the right tools is therefore of vital importance. It can literally be the difference between life and death.
Therefore, make a small investment and get the tools you need!
As for today’s assignment, I suggest you start with finding a box, a bag, or anything else where you can safely store the first aid materials and give it a easy accessible place. For example in a kitchen cabinet.
Dog bandages
Bandage Tape
Cotton Balls
Wound disinfectant (Betadine)
Scissors
Hydrogen Peroxide 3%
Activated Charcoal
Saline Eye Flush
Hair Clipper
Thermometer
Thermal Blanket
Muzzle
Tick Remover
Syringes
Basic Diarrhea Medicine
Ear cleaning product
Elizabeth's Collar
It's wise to have a small first aid kit in your car as well. Usually a standard one, which should be already in your car, is sufficient.
You're an active person? Awesome! I'm sure your dog loves to join your adventures. However, hiking can be quite challenging for dogs, especially on rough terrain. The most common injuries while hiking with your dog are abrasive wounds, cuts and broken bones. Generally speaking, it's good to have a complete dog first aid kit in your backpack. It's a good idea though, to take some additional tools with you.
In order to prevent cuts and abrasive wounds, you should take some dog booties with you. When you're going through rough terrain, simply put them on. If your dog is not used to using booties, make sure you test them first at home. (You'll be in for a laugh too!)
If you're like me, you enjoy going out in the wild for a few nights. Again, having a first aid kit with you is a smart move. Make sure you take some painkillers and basic dog medicine with you!
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