Whats in you dog first aid kit?

Here is the list that "Reburn" aka Seth compiled years ago.

This is a list that I have pulled mostly from here some of the stuff is for an advance cut pack and some of the stuff isn’t really a necessity.

CUT PACK

0.9% Sodium Chloride
1 one gallon ziplock bags
Acepromazine maleate tablets
Amoxicillin Caps
Bandage tape
Baytril
Betadine
Burlap bag
Capstar
Cat gut sutures
Clavamox
Clean t-shirt cut into strips
Cold Flex compression wrap
Dexamethasone
Disposable razors
Epinephrine
Frontline plus top spot
Frontline spray
Gauze
Generic Ascription
Hemostats large curved
Hemostats large straight
Hemostats small straight
Instant cold packs
Instant heat packs
Iodine
IV solution and IV setup
Ivomec
Lidocaine
Liquid stitch
Needles and Syringes of various sizes
NFZ wound dressing (Nitrofurizone)
Pedalyte
Penicillin – G
Phenylbutazone tablets
Rubbing alcohol
Scalpel
Scissors
Sewing needles with 3 cutting sides
Stainless steel sutures
Staple gun with plenty of staples
Strongid – T
Surgical latex gloves
Surgical soap
Sutures (mono type)
Tetracycline
Tweezers
Vet Wrap

HOW TO USE CONTENTS OF CUT PACK

Betadine, 0.9% Sodium Chloride, Iodine, rubbing alcohol:

These solutions are used to clean out and sterilize wounds. Sodium chloride is also the only one safe to use in the eyes. If a dog gets dirt or some foreign object in their eye that they can’t remove their self take a big syringe and squirt the solution into their eye to dislodge the object. Betadine should be used to clean wounds daily. Then pack with NFZ and redress.

1 one gallon Ziplock bags:

The ziplock bags are for lung punctures and if a dog gets gutted. For a lung puncture cover up the hole with the ziplock bag and vet wrap it down tight where no air can get in or out. This same technique can be used if a dog is gutted. If the dog is gutted clean the wound with betadine solution and gently put back in cavity. Cover up the hole with the ziplock bag vet wrap it down tight where no air can get in and rush dog immediately to the vet.

Acepromazine Maleate Tablets:

Used as an aid in controlling intractable animals during examination, grooming, storms, and treatment. Dosage should be individualized. The dose is .25-1 mg/LB of body weight. Dosage may be repeated as required but no more then twice a day.

Amoxicillin Caps:

A good "all purpose" antibiotic, cheap and easy to come by. Amoxicillin is good for wounds of the flesh. It is best used as a preventative antibiotic, given before an infection is present. It can be used to treat infections that are already present but there are better choices. It comes in capsule form and injectable. Both work well. The oral dosage for Amoxicillin is 5 mg per pound given every 8 to 12 hours. You can safely adjust this dose for "rule of thumb" usage. Generally, dogs 20 to 50 pounds should get 250 mg, 2 times a day. Dogs 51 to 100 pounds should get 500 mg 2 times a day. Also, if you notice extreme diarrhea cut back on your dose, diarrhea is a sign of antibiotic poisoning.

Vet Wrap, Bandage tape, clean T-shirt cut into strips, Gauze

Vet wrap is used to wrap around gauze, bandage tap and t-shirt strips to hold the dressing into place. Bandage tape, clean t-shirt and gauze are used to dress the wound after it has been cleaned stapled or stitched and NFZ applied. The t-shirt and bandage tape works best when you have to wrap a long cut on the torso or leg where multiple square gauze pads would have to be used.

Baytril:

This is a very well known drug. People think it is good for everything, and for the most part they are right. The problem is this drug unlike some others I have mentioned should NOT be used as a preventative antibiotic. It is best used with bad infections or when other antibiotics have not worked. It is excellent for skin, ear, flesh, urinary, and mammary infections. If it is used as a first choice antibiotic sooner or later it will go the way of penicillin. Especially if it is used incorrectly. The dose for the injectable form is 0.25 ml per 5 pounds of weight in one muscular injection followed by the tablets. The dose for the tablets is either 5.7 mg per 5 pounds of weight given orally every 12 hours or 11.4 mg per pound given orally every 24 hrs.
The tablets come in 4 sizes: 5.7mg, 22.7 mg, 68 mg and 136mg. Example: If you have a 40 pound dog you would give either 2 of the 22.7 mg tablets every 12 hours or 4 of the 22.7 mg tablets once a day. The easy way to dose is this. 5.7mg tablet twice for a 5-pound dog, 22.7mg tablet twice a day for a 20-pound dog, 68 mg tablet twice a day for a 60-pound dog. Give 2 tablets instead of one and you can give it once a day. Also, if you notice extreme diarrhea cut back on your dose, diarrhea is a sign of antibiotic poisoning.
***Baytril SHOULD NOT be used in puppies up to 8 months old. It can cause damage to the leg cartilage in young pups and they may become permanently lame.***

Burlap bag:

A burlap bag only has one use which is packing very injured dog from a remote location. Perform all the doctoring you can and put the dog in the burlap bag with his spine on the bottom seam and cut a hole out for the head and put the dog over your back like a back pack.

Capstar:

Capstar should be used as needed if a flea infestation is present before the application of frontline. It should also be used twice before Air shipping or selling of dogs. Capstar comes in two sizes; 2-25 Lbs and 25 Lbs and over. Capstar can be given safely once per day. Do not give more then 4 consecutive days. Do not administer to pets less than 2 pounds.

Staple gun with plenty of staples, Liquid stitch, Sutures (mono type), Cat gut sutures, Stainless steel sutures:

All of these products are very important and have there place in a cut pack. They also should be used at different times such as staples don’t always hold when a dog can reach them to pull them out. And Liquid stitch shouldn’t be used on large deep cuts. The most important thing to remember is wound sterilization before stapling or stitching and always to leave a drain hole at the top and bottom so the wound can drain and an abscess wont form.

Clavamox:

This is very similar to Amoxicillin but is stronger. It is very good when an infection is already present. It can also be used for respiratory infections and ear infections. It is only given orally. This drug is great but can cause vomiting occasionally. The oral dose is 6.25 mg per pound. It comes pre-packaged in foil strips in 3 sizes and also drops for small pups. There are 62.5 mg for 10-pound puppies, 250 mg for 40-pound dogs and 375 mg for 60-pound dogs. There is a human drug that is the same as Clavamox. It is called Augmentin. Also, if you notice extreme diarrhea cut back on your dose, diarrhea is a sign of antibiotic poisoning.

Instant cold packs, Instant heat packs, Cold Flex compression wrap:

These are used to help control inflammation and help keep joints loose. The cold flex compression is good for legs where it is awkward to use a square cold pack.

Dexamethasone:

An injectable steroid of 2 mg. /cc dexamethasone. Used in the treatment of myositis, arthritis, dermatitis, allergies, bovine ketosis, and supportive therapy in all animals. The dose is?Huh???
NOTE: If you are using Dexamethazone after the accident, try to limit its use to three days, example: 3cc’s first day, 2cc’s second day and 1cc third day, if you use Dex for a long period of time it will slow down the healing process.

Disposable razors:

Disposable razors should be dipped in a betadine solution before use. They are used to shave the cut site if needed to better help stitching and stapling.

Epinephrine:

A powerful, quick acting vasoconstrictor to counteract anaphylactic shock and allergic reactions. The dose is?Huh??

Frontline plus top spot:

Frontline is used at a flea and tick preventive and treatment. It can be used in dogs and puppies 10 weeks for older. The treatment should be applied once a month. Frontline comes in 4 sizes; 11-22 Lbs, 23-44 Lbs, 45-88 Lbs and 89-132 Lbs.

Frontline spray:

Wear household latex gloves. Hold Frontline Spray bottle in upright position. Ruffle the animal's coat with one hand while applying spray mist to the animal's back, sides, stomach, legs, shoulders, and neck. For head and eye area, spray Frontline on a gloved hand and rub gently into animal's hair. Do not get this product in your pet's eyes or mouth. Apply spray mist until animal's hair is damp to thoroughly wet. Approximately 1 to 2 pumps per pound of the animal's body weight will be required. Pets with long or dense coats will require the higher rate. To prevent flea build-up or reinfestation, use Frontline Spray prior to the onset of flea season and monthly thereafter. Ticks do not need to receive spray directly upon their body for complete control. Do not reapply Frontline Spray for 30 days. Product performance is unaffected by exposure to moderate rainfall or by bathing with most brands of pet shampoo.

Generic Ascription:

This is good for use for pain in dogs. Give 2 tablets every 24 hrs for pain and soreness as needed. Do not exceed 2 tablets in 24 hours.

Hemostats:

Hemostats are used for many things. They are used for holding the needle to put in stitches and take out stitches. It is a good idea to have a couple different kinds of hemostats such as curved, straight, large and small. Hemostats are also used in the event that a dog gets his jugular vein cut to clamp the vein off to help prevent blood loss as the dog is rushed to a vet. A set of hemostats can save a dogs life in this scenario.

IV solution and IV setup:

The IV setup should be used in extreme cases of over-heating where pedalyte isn’t going to help the dog. The IV setup should also be used when major Blood loss has occurred. For overheating insert the IV subcutaneously at the dogs back between his shoulders. Leave the IV in until a bubble of fluid forms then remove the IV. For major blood loss start the IV in an arm vein and rush the dog to the vet clinic.

Ivomec:

This is used for a heart worm treatment and preventive. The correct dosage is one tenth (.1cc) of a cc for ten pounds. The ivomec needs to be mixed with big red at a ratio of one tenth (.1cc) ivomec to one cc of big red. This is administered orally. I like to give enough to worm ten pounds over the dog’s weight.

Lidocaine:

A local anesthetic that is used for nerve blocks in domestic animals.

Needles and Syringes of various sizes:

The application of these products is pretty self explanatory. They are used to administer medication and to wash out wounds.

NFZ wound dressing (Nitrofurizone):

Wound dressing is used to pack wounds with after stapling or stitching and before dressing the wound with bandages. NFZ is antibacterial and helps the control of bacteria as well as helping keep the wound wet so the edges don’t dry out which minimizes scars. It also helps keep dirt and sand out of the wound preventing infection. NFZ will also help regrow hair.

Pedalyte:

Pedalyte should be given for over-heating and dehydration. Give the dog as much as he can drink.

Penicillin G:

Penicillin is good to use only in the injectable form. It is only valuable as a preventative agent. It will NOT work well to treat wounds that are already infected and if it does work once it will not work on the same dog twice. The best use for this is to give it right after damage occurs along with a good anti-bacterial bath or scrub. (Such as betadine) The injectable dose on Penicillin G is listed in "units" the product you have may come in a strength of 10,000 units per ML or some other strength higher or lower so check the bottle. Also there are different types on the market and they all stay in the body different lengths of time. Compare your bottle to the list below for how often you must give it. They all should be given in the muscle but can be given under the skin if the dog reacts to the pain of the injection.

The dose is 10,000 units per pound for these types:
Penicillin G potassium, give every 6 hours
Penicillin G sodium, give every 6 hours
Penicillin G procaine, give every 24 hrs
The dose is 20,000 units per pound for this type:
Penicillin G benzathine, give this every 5 days.
The trade names differ on each product so read the labels. DO NOT mix this drug with other antibiotics. Also, if you notice extreme diarrhea cut back on your dose, diarrhea is a sign of antibiotic poisoning.

Phenylbutazone Tablets:

An oral dosage form of phenylbutazone to alleviate inflammation and pain associated with muscular soreness, arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions. The dose is 100 mg. per 5 lbs. of body weight in 3 divided doses daily, not to exceed 800 mg.

Scalpel:

The scalpel is used to cut open abscesses.

Scissors:

Scissors are used to cut off bandages or to cut away hair to help sterilize the wound.

Sewing needle with 3 cutting sides:

The sewing needle is used to stitch up dogs. Remember to not stitch the wound up all the way and leave some at the bottom and the top so the wound can drain.

Strongid – T:

This is a broad spectrum wormer. It is designed to catch everything but tape worms and heart worms. The correct dosage is one cc per 10 pounds. It is designed to be given twice a year. Give the first dose then two weeks later give another dose. This wormer should be used every six months whether it’s needed or not. I like to give enough to worm ten pounds over the dog’s weight.

Surgical latex gloves:

Surgical gloves should be worn when doctoring dogs to prevent the spread of bacteria. A new pair should be put on every time you doctor a different dog.

Surgical soap:

Surgical soap should be used before you put latex gloves on to prevent the spread of bacteria. You should also wash the gloves once on your hands with surgical soap to help the spread of bacteria.

Tetracycline:

This is a broad spectrum antibiotic but it has a few side effects that make it a good choice for infection only if you have no others to choose from. It is however great for Lyme disease. The dose is 6.25 mg per pound every 6 hrs. This antibiotic is also good to give pregnant bitches 3 doses starting one week before birth. This antibiotic is good for infections that are already established. Also, if you notice extreme diarrhea cut back on your dose, diarrhea is a sign of antibiotic poisoning.

Tweezers:

Tweezers are used to pluck out thorns.

HOW TO CLEAN AND DOCTOR WOUNDS

Lacerations:

Lacerations are the wounds that deal with torn skin, they can vary in length, depth, and width, regardless as to the severity, the actions you will need to take will be very similar in nature. The first thing you will need to do is clean the wound with Hydrogen Peroxide, wait a few minutes after applying the Hydrogen Peroxide then flush the wound with warm water. NOTE: only use the Hydrogen Peroxide ONCE and every time there after that you flush the wound you will use a strong Batedine solution. You will want to flush this wound 3 times per/day and in between these flushings you will want to pack the wound with Nitrofurizone dressing.

Depending upon the severity of the wound, depth, etc, etc you will need to decide if you want to close the wound after it has been cleaned by either using sutures or staples. (Note: never use blood stop in laceration or puncture type wounds, actually you would be better off to through your blood stop powder away, I have seen a vast amount of complications concerning the use of this product, your better off without it) This decision must be made immediately because you CAN NOT close an old wound, if you do decide to close this wound by either sutures or staples always start closing this wound in the middle of the wound, never start closing at either ends of the wound. Put one stitch in the middle and work your way outward toward the ends, example, one stitch in the middle, then one to the right of that first stitch, then one to the left of the first stitch, working back and forth, right, left, right, left. Once you get close to the end of the wound leave a small portion open for the wound to drain, also you will be able to use this opening to flush the wound, DO NOT CLOSE THE WOUND COMPLETELY.

Puncture type wounds:

The second most common wound that you will one-day need to deal with will be the puncture type wounds. These are the types of wounds that cause the most problems for your dog; they are the types of wounds that more often become abscessed lesions. To begin with, flush out the puncture wound with Hydrogen Peroxide, again ONLY ONCE, and every time there after that you clean the wound by flushing it you will use Betadine. The biggest mistake that people make concerning punctures and the reason they become abscessed lesions is that the wound is ALLOWED to close over at the top BEFORE it has healed underneath, bacteria is trapped inside, pus is formed and a swelling is created, there are no antibiotics that will clear up an abscess once it has formed unless it is lanced.

To avoid the necessity of lancing the wound, it must be kept open and allowed to heal from the inside out, in order to do this, take a Q-Tip and insert the Q-Tip into the puncture wound three times per/day after you clean and flush the wound, just insert the Q-Tip into the wound and roll it around within the wound for a few seconds, then take out the Q-Tip, this will remove any necrotic tissue (dead tissue) and the wound will heal from the inside out, this may take two weeks.

If the wound does develop an abscess it must be lanced, clean the area to be lanced with alcohol then take a scalpel and make an incision VERTICALLY along the wound, do not make an incision horizontally, by making the incision VERTICALLY you will allow the wound to drain using gravity, also you will now need to flush this wound and squeeze the wound three times per/day along with inserting the Q-Tips so that the wound does not close up at the top as it previously did.

Mouth wounds:

These are by far the most troublesome wounds to deal with because quite often they are not discovered until a very severe infection in already involved. The mouth must always be checked after any accident has taken place. If you notice any wounds, they must be dealt with immediately; the very real problem with mouth wounds is keeping these wounds clean. The best way that I have personally found to treat these wounds is to flush them with salt-water solutions (1 tablespoon of salt to 10cc of warm water three times per/day) and always flush after the dog has eaten. A very good way to keep the food out of the wounds is to use a blender and make his food into a wet pasty mixture, then make small golf ball size balls and feed them to the dog by hand, he will swallow them and this will keep the food from accumulating in these wounds.

Torn ears:

Torn ears and punctures deep with in the ears can also become a problem. The best way to treat torn ears is to keep them dry, therefore after cleaning the wound take a DRY towel and apply pressure, it may take several minutes in order for the bleeding to stop and quit, actually you may need to allow the ear to coagulate a clot on it’s own because the dogs have a tendency to shake there heads vigorously and this just starts the bleeding all over again, don’t become overly concerned, unless the tear is extremely bad, the ear will clot on it’s own. Puncture wounds within the ear itself should be dealt with just as I described in the puncture wound paragraph.

Torn or lacerated pads:

over the years I’ve found that applying sutures or staples to torn pads is useless, the best thing to do for them is to keep them clean by flushing the pad one time with Hydrogen Peroxide, and every cleaning after this will be done with Betadine. A good way to accomplish this will be to take a small bucket and place his whole foot into the cleaning solution, let the injured foot soak for 5 minutes, then remove the paw and pack the torn pad in Nitrofurizone, wrap it in clean gauze, then take a clean sock and place the sock over the paw, pull the sock up as far as it will go then tape it to the leg. You should sit with the dog for 2 or more hours to allow the Nitrofurizone to soak into the wound, then remove the sock, dressing and wipe clean. Do this three-time per/day, NOTE: never leave the dog unattended with the dressing on his foot, many dogs with chew this dressing off and swallow it.