Accidents and emergencies happen. Learning basic K-9 first-aid techniques and having a proper first-aid kit “grab bag” on you will help manage emergencies more effectively, and knowing what you can handle more confidently when you take these steps before seeking veterinary care. Basic first-aid for K-9s is essential. The important thing is to have the right tools for the job. If you have the proper items and you have the “grab bag” accessible to you while you are out, this will help you be more comfortable and confident in an emergency with your K-9.
Every few months if you don’t know yet, we do a K-9 Safety 101 & Ditch MedIcine class as one of our rotating Thursday night specialty group sessions. Lee Talmage will go over everything from how to perform a health and wellness check monthly on your dog, to finding the heart and heart rate of your dog, go over the basics of CPR and the Heimlich technique, to bloat and warning signs, to heat exhaustion and how to prevent it, how to do a proper safety muzzle when you have nothing but your leash, and the quickest way to end a dog fight, are just a some of the few topics we cover.
One of the questions we got asked last night was “what do you have in your ‘grab bag’, a.k.a ‘first-aid kit’ for your dog?”. So, we said we would post some links to K-9 first aid kits that are for all budgets, and as well list those extra items we think are necessary to have on you in case of an emergency.
These are some of the links for K-9 First-Aid Kits from Amazon:
*as an Amazon Influencer I earn from qualifying purchases
Additional items we thought are essential to have with you, if you carry other essential items with you in your “grab bag” that we didn’t list then please comment below to share with others.
Large or small micro-fiber towel
Nitrile gloves
Chem lights
Paracord
Knife
Lighter or matches
Tampons
Soft muzzle
Tourniquet
Rectal thermometer
Corn starch
Benadryl
3% Hydrogen Peroxide
Saline solution
Artificial tear drops
Forceps
Tweezers
Magnifying glass
Oral syringe, no needle
Instant cold packs
Collapsible water bowl
Corn syrup
Extra bottles of water
Again, this information is intended for educational purposes and what we found works for us. Use this information at your own risk, it is only provided as general information. Always do your own research and make your own decisions based on what works best for your K-9 and your own first-aid kit, and always consult with veterinarian for medical advice.