- Gloves
- Cotton wool
- Chlorhexidine
- Scissors
- Melolin Dressing – This is a low adherent absorbent dressing (basically it won’t stick to a wound)
- Soffban – This is a synthetic soft padding it feels like cotton wool but it is on a roll so wraps nicely
- Easifix/ k- band – knitted elastic retention bandage
- Co- flex – A top layer bandage that is flexible and sticks to itself
- Durapore – Medical tape
- Tick remover
- Pet remedy wipes – Calming wipe
I thought it would be good to give some first aid advice on a couple of scenarios that commonly happen when you are out and about with your dog.
Stings
If your pooch steps on a bee 🐾 🐝
If the sting is still in the skin use a credit card to scrape it off don’t be tempted to pull it out (this squeezes the poison)
Watch for an allergic reaction like breathing difficulties, swollen tongue if this occurs contact vets asap.
Apply bicarbonate soda to the sting this will stop it stinging
Apply a cold compress
WASP – As above but apply vinegar instead of bicarbonate soda
Cut pad or leg wound
If a wound is haemorrhaging then a pressure bandage should be applied immediately. You should wash your hands and wear gloves prior to touching the wound to prevent contamination.
To apply a regular dressing then you must clean the wound first to remove any debris and prevent infection.
Always use the correct antiseptic dilution.
Cool boiled salt water is a natural antibacterial so you could use this in an emergency situation.
Take your dressings out of the packet so you aren’t fumbling whilst holding the paw try to keep them as sterile as possible.
Make little cotton wool bits to go in between the dogs toes this stops any rubbing.
Apply the absorbable dressing to the wound (it is usually the shiny side down on the wound)
Then the next layer is for padding use cotton wool or soffban this secures the dressing in place, absorbs exudate, provides protection and decreases dead space to prevent oedema (swelling).
Secondary layer use the Easifix conforming to secure the bandage.
For the last layer you would use the Co- flex cohesive dressing to protect the inner layers.
Check the tension of your bandage with each layer, it shouldn’t be too tight as this will be be uncomfortable and could cut off the blood circulation.
Equally if it is too slack it could slip off. A good rule of thumb is that you should be able to fit two fingers into the top of the dressing.
Please note that the bandages should not be left for longer than 24 hours unless applied by a trained professional.
Applying an incorrect bandage at home for prolonged length of time could cause serious damage.
Bandages should be kept clean and dry.
Never try to bandage a broken leg!
Tick Removal
Ticks should be removed as soon as possible. Never remove a tick by pulling, crushing or squeezing – they have a large body and a small head which attaches to the skin, if you pull the tick you are likely to leave the head behind which can cause an infection.
Slide a tick twisting tool under the tick, as close to the skin as possible.
Make sure the tick is held firmly inside the hook. Use a smaller hook if it feels loose.
Twist the tool two to three times in one direction until you feel the tick loosen from your pet. DO NOT PULL THE TICK – it will let go when you twist.
Slowly lift the tool away when you feel the tick loosen, it should stay trapped in the hook.
After removing the tick, clean the area and monitor your pet for any signs of illness.
Tip: You can use normal tweezers but be very careful to hold the tick as close to the skin as possible.
I hope this blog post has been helpful let me know if there are any other first aid advice you would like to know.
Wishbone Weddings 