Dog First Aid Kit: How To Make One & How To Use It

[@mymanyminiatures3971]

I made one of these today! I am going to leave it in my car, for if I see pets on the street that need care, also for my pets

[@SaraOndrako]

Awesome! Great idea - you never know what you need while out an about until you need it!

[@slightlycrummy]

Thanks for this video! We have a clumsy puppy that loves adventuring and I've been wanting to carry one of these around. A video about choking prevention would also be amazing to see.

[@SaraOndrako]

Thanks Amanda! It really is great to have on hand when you need it - especially for repeat offenders! Great suggestion on the video. I did an article on Medium (Top 5 Holiday Kitchen Dangers) that covers snack bag suffocation and food blockages but haven't done a choking prevention one yet. That will be a good one to add to the video list as well!

[@rivertheservicedoodle1730]

This is amazing for service dog handlers too if you go to camps and such with your dog because anything can happen. Or in public if your dog steps on glass or something

[@SaraOndrako]

Yes!!

[@malinataylor9184]

One thing that I think you should add is a muzzle. Any dog, especial if the injury is severe, is a high bite risk, which is very dangerous for both the owner and dog. Having a muzzle on hand, and conditioning your dog to wearing a muzzle, helps ensure that an already bad situation does not become worse, and can help lessen the stress of an injury. I recommend a jafco plastic muzzle for injury purposes as it can be worn for long periods of time and prevents wound licking.

[@SaraOndrako]

Malina - excellent idea! Definitely positive muzzle conditioning ahead of time to anyone that tosses a muzzle in the first-aid kit. You are so right! When used appropriately, it can help decrease stress rather than increase it (if used in emergencies without conditioning). Here's how I condition a dog to the muzzle: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqKwY5KsgciEaLs Another thing you can do in a pinch is used rolled gauze. If it's an urgent situation with a severe injury and they are likely to bite, you can very loosely tie two ends of the rolled gauze to make an "O", slide it over the muzzle, cinch it tight, bring the two ends behind the head and then tie it at the base of the skull. This can be helpful if with transport and safe placement of a muzzle at the vet hospital in the event the owner doesn't have one yet. Great suggestion!

[@jpm6038]

I allway cary a first aid kit for myself but i didn't think about one for my dog but I think I will definitely have to make one

[@shannonmorris8557]

I really like the way you explain things. I think this is the best video I've found yet regarding doggy first aid kits. Thank you 🦋🐾🐾

[@debvoz]

Thanks for the tip on rolling the vet wrap on backwards! I will definitely be using that one. Wish I knew that before I had my ankle surgery since I had to use wrap to hold the bandages over the incision and that would have made it so much easier!

[@SaraOndrako]

It's the little things! 😊 Hope your ankle has healed well!

[@MaxxsMom]

Thanks for the tips, Sara! I'm going camping soon and will be building a first aid kit for myself and my dogs.

[@SaraOndrako]

You're welcome! Have a safe and relaxing camping trip 😊🐾

[@j.c.1871]

Beautiful dog and thank you, very helpful :)

[@SaraOndrako]

Thank you too! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jmahoney9561]

Thanks for sharing, I have just about everything you mentioned and some other things too, I just need to make one for my pet. 😊👍🏽

[@Caribbeanpitbulls]

gentian violet is a must have also

[@mai_world]

Thank you!!!!

[@rocklickranch2804]

I have all the products that you showed including the styptic powder I just need to put them into a container. Thanks. Is that a muzzle loading pistol tattoo?

[@SaraOndrako]

Great! Target has a lot of great container options - both soft and hard - that fit everything nicely. It sure is! 1800s percussion 😊

[@tatecore]

You may want to consider using something other than tweezers for the removal of bee stingers. You want to use a credit card, your nails, or just brushing the stinger away with your hand. Tweezers will squeeze more venom into the skin and cause more pain or increase your risk of an allergic reaction.

[@SaraOndrako]

Excellent point Tate! Tweezers are better for splinters or shards. You are correct about the venom as the venom sacks are still attached to the stinger and actively pumping when the bee expels it from their body into the animal.

[@zionellis579]

A great addition, while super niche, is some match sticks. In the very unlikely events you have to induce the strong urge to go number 2, you can spit on the end of a match stick to wet it, insert about halfway into the rectum, and twist it just a bit. the dog should start to circle immediately. if not, check to ensure it has not fallen out or attempt a second time. In the case of a blockage or situation where the tract needs to be cleared from the other end, this small tip can be a life saver. I do not recommend abusing this method. Save for emergencies only.

[@colonelangus3826]

Sorry if already answered. My question… how much hydrogen peroxide is recommended to induce vomiting? Of course I would attempt to contact vet first but just in case. Thank you!

[@SaraOndrako]

Generally we start with about a capful for a 45-50 pound dog and then repeat a few minutes later if no vomit. It can really only be used if the dog just ate the object or substance. Hydrogen Peroxide can definitely make your dog sick so take it slow at first and have your vet guide you through it if you ever need to do it because you can’t get them in. There’s always a concern for aspiration as well so if the vet can induce - it’s way safer. Definitely good to have on hand though in case quick access to a vet just isn’t possible.

[@emeryjem]

Can this first aid kit be used for cats aswell?

[@maraleepaulus6605]

I have a chiweiner with a little bit of mini pin in her she is scared of loud noises she shakes really bad she hates thunderstorms she will pace back and forth while whining or hide under things and shakes whining is there any thing I can get to help her?

[@alixmildred250]

When cleaning a wound with Hibiclens, do I have to wash off the Hibiclens before applying the doggy bandaid with triple ointment?

[@SaraOndrako]

Hi Alix - great question! No you do not however, you do want the area to be dry enough to apply the bandage so dab the area around the wound (not the wound itself) with a paper towel or clean cloth (avoid scented detergents in cloths used on pet skin) to create dryness on the skin for the bandage to be able to remain in place. Hope that helps! 😊

[@justme-ll8qs]

I love this idea, but wish there was a travel size 2 oz version of the large supplies such as Hydrogen Peroxide and other large liquids. Any thoughts? Is it possible to put them into travel size bottles and still be viable/sanitary?

[@SaraOndrako]

Great question and I feel the same way - having giant bottles of everything is a bit cumbersome. Yes - the drug store (and Amazon: amzn.to/38FTIT3 ) sells refillable bottles but just make sure you either buy amber bottles or that you cover the bottles so that they are not exposed to light. Solutions like Hydrogen Peroxide, Betadine, and other cleaning agents can decompose with light. I love the idea of purchasing a normal bottle of each of the items and then splitting it up into three or four smaller first aid kits - for the house, for the car, for the workplace, etc.

[@justme-ll8qs]

@@SaraOndrako Great idea!

[@songbird2g2]

This would necessitate a larger pouch or bag but you could also perhaps add to the list: -clean rags or old towels -hand sanitizer (for human use) -a roll of paper towels -a Cone (The Cone of Shame! 😆)

[@SidraAtifHeartysline]

Informative

[@aliciagouws7099]

What % H2O2 are you using?

[@nerdgeekcosplay909]

I’m thinking of doing dog sitting

[@elliotbentley1518]

wait letting a dog stick there head out the window is bad is it ok if i crack my window so they can stick there nose out the window

[@Selena-ee6ch]

Do you have any tips for handling first aid/bandaging/emergency scenarios if you have a crazy, flailing, one year old puppy? My biggest fear is my dog is going to hurt herself on a hike or something and I'm not going to be able to treat her because I can't help her calm down enough to hold still so I can do first aid.

[@SaraOndrako]

Selena - good question! If you are on your own, your best bet is to tuck her into you as much as possible while you tend to her so long as that doesn't stress her, slow your breathing and remain as calm and reassuring (quietly) as possible. She will feed off of your energy so staying calm is a must so as not to get her worked up further as well. If there are two people present, it's much easier - one person can gently restrain and comfort while the other applies the bandage or tends to the wound. Don't hesitate to ask someone to be a good samaritan and give you a hand if needed as well. Hope that helps and stay safe on those hikes!

[@Selena-ee6ch]

@@SaraOndrako thank you!

[@songbird2g2]

@@SaraOndrako this is great stuff. Thank you!

[@songbird2g2]

I think this is the full list: 1. gloves 2. Bandages (Telfa pads? I think the idea is pref sterile, wrapped) 3. saline eye wash (not for contact lenses) 4. Benadryl (or Diphenhydramine), 1mg per pound (if approved by your vet) 5. Tweezers 6. Bandage scissors 7. Pouch (for carrying the items listed) 8. Neosporin 9. Styptic powder 10. Clorhexadine solution (or Iodine) 11. Hydrogen Peroxide (*only* if advised by Vet for inducing vomiting) 12. CONTACT card with Vet and Emergency Vet information etc 13. Vet tape 14. Slip lead (also useful as a tourniquet)

[@steddyeddyuk]

Very good video, thank you (wish the word "super" was banned though) for all the grea ideas

[@ItbeGabe47]

She looks like Pam to me

[@EnthusiasticBirdwingButt-hf3zk]

This sucks