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Pets are a part of many households, ours is no exception. We have special bonds with our dogs, they are a part of our family. Acting quickly if your dog is injured and understanding the basics of first aid for dogs, you'll know how to differentiate and treat minor injuries, recognize the symptoms of poisoning and know what you should and should not do until you get professional emergency care can mean the difference in the life of your dog.

In order to provide first aid to your dog you will need to have some basic supplies on hand including:

*gauze rolls and pads
*non-stick pads
*roll of self-adhering bandage
*antihistamine tablets
*tape
*KY jelly or petroleum jelly
*bandage scissors
*10 cc syringe
*thermometer
*tweezers
*a ntibiotic ointment
*swab sticks such as Q-tips
*instant activating ice packs
*hydrogen peroxide
*Poison Control telephone number

An optional item to have is a muzzle. If you do not want to purchase a muzzle however, one can be made from a strip of cloth that is about 3 feet long. Belts or neckties will also work.

A common injury is cuts and scrapes. Quickly determine if the wound needs immediate veterinary care by checking for excessive bleeding and depth of the wound or possible broken bones. Is your dog panting excessively or breathing abnormally? If so, the injuries may not be obvious and a trip to the veterinarian is necessary.

To treat minor cuts:

1. Muzzle the dog. Injured dogs, even our personal pets, will bite when they are in pain. To apply a muzzle you will approach from behind the dogs' head, never attempt to muzzle an injured dog from the front. Make a loop in the center of your muzzle, quickly slip it over the dogs' nose, bring the ends under the chin and tie the muzzle behind the ears.

2. If the wound is still bleeding, apply pressure with a gauze for at least 5 minutes. Do not repeatedly lift the gauze to see if the bleeding has stopped. Doing so can loosen clots that are forming resulting in increased bleeding.

3. Apply either KY jelly or petroleum jelly to the wound.

4. Clip the hair around the wound at least 1 inch (2.5 centimeters).

5. Use a clean gauze pad to wipe the loose hair and jelly from the wound.

6. Fill the 10cc syringe with clean, fresh water and gently clean the wound. Repeat until surface debris is removed. Gently dry the area with a clean gauze.

7. Apply antibiotic ointment to the wound. Cover the wound with a non-stick pad, and secure with a self-adhering bandage wrap.

8. Check and treat the wound twice a day until a scab begins

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