Building a First Aid Kit

My background's a bit different than many of the dog handlers on the SportDOG® ProStaff. I'm a tactical paramedic. I work with law enforcement and service dogs. In fact, I've never hunted with dogs. However, I've trained explosive-detection canines, and I specialise in cadaver dogs. Today, I teach canine handlers and emergency medical responders how to care for and treat dogs in emergency situations.

My emphasis is on managing injuries out in the field, and the top priority is to stabilise the dog until you can get professional help. My dog first aid kit is all about this aim. With that in mind, one thing I reckon is important to say straight up is that in a pinch, don’t be scared to be a “MacGyver.” That is, if what you're doing is working, then it's probably a smart move.

My dog first aid kit is also my own personal first aid kit, 'cause what's good for a dog is pretty much good for a human too. Most of the gear can be used for both. When you look at it like that, it sort of demystifies getting ready for emergencies. One thing you definitely don't wanna share, though, is a thermometer, 'cause we check a dog's temperature up the backside! A lot of dog health emergencies are to do with hyperthermia (getting too hot) or hypothermia (getting too cold), so that's why having a thermometer is crucial. Check out my earlier article on handling heat-related emergencies.

While the contents of a first aid kit might vary a bit due to personal preferences, my advice is to start with your own personal kit and then chuck in a few extras. If you've already got a kit, I reckon it's got band-aids, tweezers, some compression bandage and a bit of antiseptic. Build on that. Again, there's no point in having two kits. Throw in that thermometer I mentioned, or better yet, chuck in a couple. I reckon adding some extra gauze wouldn't hurt either.

Some other things I never leave the house without include super glue and duct tape. If they can hold a V8 Supercar together with duct tape, you can definitely use it on a dog. It's cheap and you can find it anywhere. If your dog's got a nasty cut and you need to patch him up straight away, duct tape's probably a solid choice. No need to fork out for pricey medical tape. It might not even stick if your dog's drenched, but duct tape will stick to just about anything.

Hydrogen peroxide is another top crossover item. It's used for cleaning wounds, but if your dog scoffs something it shouldn't, it also brings on the vomits in dogs. But be careful, 'cause once you get the vomiting started with hydrogen peroxide, you can't turn it off. The dog's gonna chuck up until it's chucked up everything. Still, if you're not sure what the dog's just nicked and you're worried, it's probably best not to gamble with your dog's health. I know I wouldn't. I'm gonna make sure he chucks up everything he's eaten. Make sure you have a yarn with your vet about the right way to use hydrogen peroxide in emergencies.

Rubbing alcohol is another item that has a double purpose. It can clean wounds, and you can use it to help cool your dog down because it evaporates quicker than water, making it ideal in humid conditions.

You can use human medication on dogs, too. Keep in mind when administering medication to dogs; they're like a 7-year-old with a super-fast metabolism. The medicine is absorbed and goes through their system quicker than adults. Again, check with your vet so you understand the effects of various medicines and proper dosages. Paediatric Benadryl is something I always carry. It works great for mild allergic reactions. The common dose for dogs is 1 mg per pound, up to a maximum of 50 mg. The paediatric pills come in 25 mg doses, so most hunting dogs will probably get two pills.

I also keep buffered aspirin in my pack for pain. For dogs, it has to be buffered and it can only be used for short-term treatment. Long-term use can create ulcers in the dog’s stomach. Again, this is just for the short term to help the dog get through the pain on the way to the hospital.

Below is me basic first aid checklist. You might wanna chuck a few more things in, but with this basic list you're all set for short-term emergencies, both for yourself and your dog.

First Aid Checklist

• Thermometer
• Travel size bottle of isopropyl alcohol
• Travel size bottle of hydrogen peroxide
• Neosporin
• Several sizes of gauze pads (sterile and non-sterile)
• Duct tape
• Medical tape
• Trauma pad
• Super glue
• Alcohol prep pads
• Band-Aids
• Veterinary self-adhesive bandage
• Trauma shears
• Multi-tool with needle-nose pliers
• Knife
• Paediatric Benadryl
• Buffered aspirin
• Israeli pressure bandage (a top choice as an extra that you can buy online)