First Aid Tips For Pet Owners

Today’s pet owners consider their animals’ safety and health a primary concern. Owners should pay careful attention to their animals and stay alert to any signals of distress. Knowledge and preparedness can make a significant difference when an emergency strikes. It is vital to keep the veterinarian’s contact numbers easily accessible.

Keeping a stocked first aid kit at home that can also be used while traveling with pets is a wise choice. Find a waterproof container and mark it boldly with “First Aid” on all sides to make it easy to locate. Following are suggested items to include in the kit, according to the American Animal Hospital Association:

Veterinarian’s phone number, poison control numbers, medical records

Gauze to wrap wounds or muzzle the animal

Adhesive for bandages

Nonstick bandages to protect wounds or control bleeding

Towels or cloth

Hydrogen peroxide

Milk of Magnesia or activated charcoal to absorb poison (get the advice of a vet or local poison control center before treating an animal for poison or inducing vomiting)

Large syringe without needle or eyedropper (for oral treatments)

Muzzle (soft cloth, rope, necktie) or use a towel to cover a small animal’s head. Do not use in case of vomiting.

If a stretcher is needed, use a board, floor mat or door.

Include Sulfodene® HCB Anti-Itch Lotion for dogs and cats, Sulfodene® Skin Medication for Dogs, Sulfodene® 3-Way Ointment, Sulfodene® Antiseptic Ear Cleaner for Dogs and Cats, and SdfodeneB Medicated Shampoo & Conditioner for Dogs in the kit for skin injury treatment, especially in the event of painful hot spots, abrasions and cuts.

Treating Hot Spots:
Hot spots are focal skin infections that feel warm to the touch, but are not associated with bums. They are commonly round, red, moist and painful, causing the dog to lick and chew the area.

To heal them, clip hair away from the hot spots, clean the area thoroughly and treat it with Sulfodene® Skin Medication for Dogs. To help stop the itching that leads to hot spots and other problems, use Sulfodene® HCB Anti-Itch Lotion. To prevent infection to u ounds and help relieve pain, use Sulfodene® 3-Way Ointment, which also provides a fly, water and germ barrier. Sulfodene® Antiseptic Ear Cleaner loosens wax and debris while reducing risk of infection and inflammation. To clean and protect the coat and skin, use Sulfodene® Medicated Shampoo & Conditioner for Dogs, which contains an antibacterial.

Pet first aid may be required in several unexpected situations, from bite wounds to bleeding, fractured bones, burns, choking, heatstroke, poisoning, seizures and shock. Contact the veterinarian or closest emergency animal hospital if the pet exhibits symptoms pointing to any of these or shows signs of extreme pain. Urgent situations such as trauma are usually obvious. Pet owners know their animals better than anyone else. If something seems off, it may signal a bigger problem. Responsible pet owners should always be prepared for pet health emergencies.

Founded in 1946, Farnam Companies, Inc. is a privately held company and leader in the animal health products industry. The Phoenix-based company specializes in parasite and insect control products, nutritional solutions for animals and products that promote the human/animal bond. For information in the U.S. call toll free at (800) 234-2269, direct at (602) 285-1660 or go to www.farnarnpet.com on the Internet.

Farnam- We Make Life Better for Animals and Their People sM

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