The following information was obtained from Dr. Bailey, DVM, during  a  club event and from the AKC Gazette.

Dr. Bailey recommends keeping two (2) first aid kits, one in the home and one in the car.

A GOOD PET FIRST AID BOOK – Pet First Aid, by Bobbie Mammato, DVM, MPH: Published by The American Red Cross and The Humane Society of the United States. Order online through The American Red Cross local or purchase through Amazon.

• Benedryl-For allergies, itchiness, etc. Dosage is 1 mg. per pound. The liquid form is easier to dose for puppies. Can be given two or three times a day for adult dogs, every 12 hours for puppies
• Tagamet or Zantac (decreases stomach acid)-Dosage is 400 mg. per 50 pounds. Give twice a day for stomach upset.
• Cortaid or hydrocortisone cream for itching
• Instant Ice or Quick Ice (ask your pharmacist)-Use for an overheated bully. This is handy for the car. Does not require referigeration. Chemical reaction causes these packs to become cold. Be careful NOT to lower the dog’s temperature below 101 degrees
• Hydrogen Peroxide-To induce vomiting. Give one (1) tablespoon by mouth every minute until vomiting occurs. Also good for cleaning cuts, abrasions, etc. on skin.
• Vet Wrap–Non-stick tape for bandaging. Also called cling wrap
• Ace Bandage: can be used to immobilize limb injury or to hold a temporary splint in place
• Hollow tube-To use as a breathing aid in CPR. Cut the tip off a syringe holder or buy a turkey baster and cut off the bulb
• Ascriptin (aspirin coated with Maalox)-can be given for pain or to reduce inflammation without causing stomach upset. Check with your vet on dosage. Usually one (1) tablet once or twice a day.
• Clorox bleach and Q-tip swab-For bee stings and mosquito bites. Be careful not to get on clothing or in eyes. Apply topically to stung area to reduce inflammation. To remove the stinger, treat like a splinter and scrape it off to remove. DO NOT USE TWEEZERS. This could squeeze more venom into the wound or break the stinger off under the skin
• Gauze pads and rolls-for bandaging wounds
• First-aid tape
• Towels and cloths
• Rectal thermometer
• Chlorhexadine solutions for cleansing wounds.
• Saline solution
• Eyewash
• Milk of magnesia
• Rubber gloves
• Large syringe for oral medication
• Muzzle (good luck)
• Activated charcoal to absorb toxins in the stomach
• Pepto-Bismol for diarrhea