First Aid for our Canines

There is a first aid kit for everything these days. I feel the most important one to have on hand is the one for your dog. You never know when you will need something for your dog or someone else's. I've listed a few that are worth every ounce of prevention.

Rescue Remedy: this is a bach flower essence remedy. This is great for any emotional or physical trauma and helps reduce pain and panic. This helps the body's own coping mechanisms. Dosage is a few drops in the mouth or rubbed onto the head. Can be administered frequently.

Arnica Tabs or Gel: this is excellent for pain, shock, contusion, bruising or animal fights. It stops the bleeding, arrests the shock and reduces the pain. It also removes any anxiety associated with the injury. Give immediately. Dosage is generally Arnica 30C immediately after the trauma. Lessen the dosage if a fair bit of time has lapsed. The gel can be applied up to four times a day. Avoid getting in the eyes or on broken skin.

Calendula: is superb for cuts and raw skin. This healing agent works so fast you will be amazed. Rub the ointment on cuts, scratches and raw skin. It is safe for your dog to lick it. Do not use this on puncture wounds because it heals the surface closed so fast that the infection could be left below.

Pepper: this is great for enhancing the clotting process and stopping the bleeding. Sprinkle cayenne pepper on a minor cut and watch the results.

Activated Charcoal: this is for poisoning if your dog has gotten into some poisonous plants or pills that are toxic. Charcoal has the ability to draw the poison to itself, form a permanent bond with it and then escort it out of the body. If the dog has already vomited there is no need to use this. Dosage is 2 to 16 capsules or 1 to 6 teaspoons of powder, depending on the size of the dog and the severity of the poisoning. Treatment can be repeated in ten to thirty minutes. Always see your veterinarian as soon as possible after an issue of poisoning.

Apis Mellifica: this is the best homeopathic remedy for bee stings, wasp stings, or hornet stings. Give 4 pellets immediately after the episode and the side effects should subside. An alternative to this is Vitamin C, as an antihistamine. Give 1000mg to counteract the reaction.

Comfrey: this is used for healing bone fractures and speeding up the healing. You can obtain this in tincture form, powder, loose or capsules. When used in a poultice upon the affected bone, it is amazing how much it helps.

Ledum: this is helpful for tick bites and reactions. This homeopathic remedy will prevent any reaction from a tick if given within the first 24 hour period of the bite. Great if lyme disease exists in your area.

Traumeel Tabs or Gel: One of my most favorite homeopathic remedies. This works so fast and effectively, I would never be without it. Rub the gel on any injury or bruising to the bone, muscles, ligaments or tendons. After surgery it speeds up the recovery and healing as well as alleviates the pain. The tabs can be given three times a day for a month.

Zeel Tabs: this is another product from the manufacturers of Traumeel, and has been proven to prevent any arthritic build-up in the joints following trauma or surgery. I have proven this with my own dogs and their knee surgeries.

A first aid remedy that every dog owner needs to know about is an Acupressure point that could save your dog's life. It is the Governing Vessel 26 (GV 26), Middle of Man (Dog), and promotes resuscitation and consciousness. This is used during a seizure and for traumatic emergencies if there is a loss of consciousness. This can be used to keep your dog alive until you get to the vet. The point is located just below the dog's nose, between the nose and upper lip. If this is tapped sharply it can bring your dog back from unconsciousness. They teach this in canine first aid courses.

So in our bag of first aid remedies, we need to ensure there is lots of love and compassion. With these items and a bandage or two, we should be well equipped to deal with an emergency. Always have water, a soft pillow and blanket. You never know when something or someone will need it!

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Some informational links:

Complementary, Alternative and Holistic Veterinary Medicine (information on alternative and holistic treatments)

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