Off-road first aid: Urban dog-owners need not read
By Gina Spadafori
July 25, 2008
If you’re the kind of dog-lover whose tiny dog is pushed in a stroller to an urban coffee shop, you can probably skip this post.
But if you routinely get off the beaten track with your dog and aren’t fortunate enough to have a veterinarian join you on your adventures, then you need to be carrying some first aid supplies. A tiny kit, to carry on you, and a larger kit for the vehicle. And you should also know where the closest veterinary clinic is to wherever you are, just in case.
I have everything in my van from IV fluids to aspirin, and haven’t had to use much of it, thank heavens. The most frequent health-related tool I use is a curved jewelers forceps, for pulling ticks. But if I need anything else, it’s there.
Since on my outdoor adventures my dogs are not tussling with other animals, it’s an absolute certainty that I haven’t a fraction of the in-the-field patch-ups the Terrierman has. His choices for what he carries and how he packs it has been honed through experience, and his recent post on this is well worth reading if you ever step outside the city limits with your dog.
Elsewhere: Tip of the hat to the K9Athletes blog for pointing out that the DockDogs World Championships are this weekend in Stillwater, MN. We won’t be there. I took Woody to a competition once and he managed a stylish 12 feet of air — nice to watch, but about 10 feet short of competitive. When the competition comes back my way I’ll take McKenzie: Her sister Sprintie (the fastest agility dog in the world) jumps in the world-class range at dock-diving competitions. That girl is one heckuvanathlete! (Back to DockDogs: Look at the list of qualifiers and see if you can pick out the chocolate Labs by name … get some imagination, people!) …
Are you abusing and misusing your retractable leash? On Smartdogs, a look at what’s wrong with these popular products. … Pet Connection BFF Dr. Patty Khuly points out the problem with counterfeit veterinary drugs. If you’re going to take your prescription elsewhere — and I usually do, with my vet’s blessing — make sure you’re dealing with a reputable source. If the price is too good to believe, there may be a reason for it. (I like to order from KV Vet. Nice people, good products, great service.) …
Dr. Everett Mobley muses in two parts (first and second) over his relationship with Science Diet on his Your Pet’s Best Friend blog. … Nathan Winograd wonders why the HSUS is headed by someone who doesn’t crave being around pets. … Weird news stories: A bunny saves a family from a fire (thanks, T!) … a woman loses limbs to infection after her dog licks an open wound.
YAY! Lance the Dalmatian will be there competing.
Heh, didn’t even think about using my jewelry forceps as tick removers. I’ll have to pop one in my kit, thanks! :)
Comment by straybaby — July 25, 2008 @ 12:00 pm
Glad I do not live in the Boston area anymore.
My recently passed cat Brandy once got a tick in or near her eye. I visit to the vet’s office got that one out. All the others I had to get out myself. Except, of course, the one that got me on the back of my neck.
It is a talent to get ticks off cats quickly because you are suppose to leave no part behind.
Otherwise, the poison might remain.
Haven’t seen those nasty critters since I have been in Colorado—and I just don’t miss them a bite—I mean, a bit.
Comment by Colorado Transplant — July 25, 2008 @ 3:57 pm
The most important thing we’ve ever needed for emergency first aid for our dogs in the wilderness is pliers. Between their run-ins with porcupines and the little boys who don’t pay attention when they cast their lures, we have to use the pliers once every five years. (note: other people get hit with the lures just as often as the dogs do- and thankfully the boys ain’t repeat offenders. We just keep getting new little boys as the extended family grows)
Comment by Georg — July 26, 2008 @ 3:08 am
Comment by Colorado Transplant — July 25, 2008 @ 3:57 pm
“Haven’t seen those nasty critters since I have been in Colorado—and I just don’t miss them a bite—I mean, a bit.”
You are EVIL! And I LIKE it! {giggle!}
I’ve actually had good luck with the “Ticked Off” product. One might argue that it’s overpriced for just a little plastic spoon, but the concept is brilliant in its elegant simplicity, and I believe that deserves to be rewarded. Especially when it WORKS!
http://www.tickedoff.com/
Comment by The OTHER Pat — July 26, 2008 @ 5:34 am
You go, Nate! Scathing stuff, that. Thanks for the tip-off.
Oh—and your superglue? Is that for minor pad lacerations, claw fractures or what?
Comment by Dr Patty Khuly — July 26, 2008 @ 7:54 am