Dogs love to explore.  This is one of the characteristics that make them so much fun.  However, it is often this same tendency that, despite all of your efforts, can lead to accidents or injuries when you are away from home and away from your dog’s vet. We hope that you will never have to use these suggestions, but this planning and preparation might help you remain calm and confident, which will in turn reassure your pet..  (These first aid steps are not intended to be used in place of veterinary care.)
       
1 -    Learn basic dog first aid.  You might meet with your veterinarian and learn what they suggest.  There are organizations,(even The Red Cross), that teach canine first aid, including CPR.  Carry a first aid kit when you travel with your dog. (See the Product Review below for details of the RuffWear k-9 first aid kit.) Keep the kit in a readily accessible place. (For example, the RuffWear kit fits in the glove box of my car.)  For everything in the kit - know what  it is and how to use it.  A canine first aid kit is not the same as one for people - some “people” items just won’t work for patients with fur and some may be actually be dangerous.
 2 -     Each dog is a unique individual.  Know what is “normal” for your dog, so you can know what “abnormal” looks like.  (People being trained to identify counterfeit dollar bills spend much time studying the real ones.)   Fill out a “normal” card and carry it in your first aid kit.  Listed should be: capillary refill time, mucous membrane color, temperature, pulse rate at rest and while working, respiratory rate, hydration.  Ask about each of these items at your first aid training and learn how to measure them.
3-    Any frightened, injured pet is capable of biting - even your own dear dog.  Make sure that you have something along that can be used as an emergency muzzle - soft cloth is recommended.  If you have nothing else, you could use a neck tie, or nylon stockings. Practice at home so that you can put the muzzle on quickly and calmly, without causing the animal any additional stress. Put the cloth over the nose, under the chin, cris-cross, then around behind the ears, where it is fastened.
4-    Determine  ahead of time how you would locate a veterinarian.  If you have a GPS, find out if it can help you locate the nearest vet.  (It can probably help you find a cup of coffee or a golf course, but can it help in this kind of emergency?)   My investigation has indicated that calling 9-1-1 is not the best option; I was told that  these dispatchers could help with an emergency situation for you but would probably not be able to help you locate a veterinarian.  All sources that I have spoken with suggest that the best source of help would be a local police department.  Even if they determine that you are not in their local district, they would be able to direct you to the proper authority.
 

A New Tip will be added each week of August.