Medical Kit for dogs
Be Prepared
When caring for a dog, it’s always best to be prepared for minor accidents, conditions and illnesses.
With a few basic supplies in the house, you can help your ETT with minor problems and often spare them a trip to the vet.
Remember
If you are at all concerned about your dog’s health, you must always consult a qualified veterinary professional. The following are recommendations based upon personal experience and research. Always exercise your own judgement about what is best for your dog.
Vet's Phone Number
The number one item in any first aid kit.
Pet GP vet advice helpline is available 24/7 for any non-urgent concerns. It costs a fixed fee of £20.00 per call or you can subscribe for unlimited calls for £6.99 per month. (Price correct as of 14/06/2019)
Several insurance providers also offer Vetfone in their plans. Vetfone is another 24/7 vet helpline for any non-urgent concerns.
Tools
Syringe
Useful for administering liquid medicine and giving a dehydrated dog water
Thermometer
Useful for taking your dogs temperature
Normal body temperature for dogs: 101 F and 102.5 F
Scissors
Useful for cutting plasters and bandages to size
Stings
Bee sting
Bicarbonate of soda
Bathe sting in a weak solution
Wasp Sting
Vinegar
Bathe sting in a weak solution
Allergic Reaction
Some dogs, like people, are allergic to bee and wasp stings, give an antihistamine to help with reactions/swelling.
(chlorphenamine – drowsy)
Piriteze or Benadryl half 10mg tablet for ETT
(cetirizine – non-drowsy)
IMPORTANT: Know when to go to the vet. If your dog is struggling to breathe due to swelling or an allergic reaction, do not hesitate to seek veterinary treatment.
Minor skin problems
Medical Manuka Honey
Useful for clearing up minor skin wounds, sores and irritation.
Honey has natural antibacterial qualities and anti-inflammatory action. It can aid in skin healing and protect against infection.
NOTE: Medical manuka honey is sterilised for use on wounds, food grade manuka honey is not suitable.
For larger wounds
Vomit and Diarrhoea
Dehydration
Water and electrolytes
Your dog should always have access to a fresh supply of water, especially in hot weather. This is especially important on long walks and long car journeys.
Dogs become dehydrated when they can’t drink enough water.
When dogs are vomitting or have diarrhoea, they often lose more water than they’re taking in.
It may be necessary to replenish your dog’s electrolyte levels.
There are 2 ways you can do this
- Make a basic chicken broth
1 Chicken leg (or whatever you have)
1 Carrot
1 Potato
Chop potato and carrot
Boil with chicken in water for 1 hour.
Allow broth to properly cool before giving to your dog.
Feed your dog small amounts of the broth little and often, by syringe if necessary.
You can freeze it in batches to take with you on hot days.
- Use electrolyte powder and mix with water
Feed your dog small amounts of the electrolyte water little and often, by syringe if necessary.
Once you’ve made a batch of electrolyte water, it will last 24 hours. Discard after that.
IMPORTANT: Know when to go to the vet. Sometimes your dog can’t physically take in enough water to replace what they’ve lost and your dog will need the help of a vet and a drip to rehydrate. Prevention is far better than cure when it comes to dehyrdration.
Dehydration is a serious condition that can result in death if not treated quickly.
Pro-Kolin+
Useful for upset stomachs and diarrhoea
It contains:
- Probiotics – Live good bacteria and yeast
- Prebiotics – Feeds good bacteria
- Kaolin – Helps to firm up stools
- Pectin – Soothes gut lining
- Beef flavouring – Highly palatable taste
Dose
2ml twice daily <5kg dog
3ml twice daily 5-15kg dog
Typical English Toy Terriers tend to weigh between 3-7kg.
Kennel Cough
Unfortunately, if you take your dog to places where they’re likely to encounter other dogs, it’s likely your dog will catch kennel cough at least once in their lifetime.
Benylin (non-drowsy) Cough Medicine
Useful for helping to ease a cough
Dose
Give a dose for a child of equivalent size
Manuka Honey
Useful for soothing a sore throat, easing a cough and fighting bacterial infection.
Food-grade Manuka Honey or regular supermarket honey can be given to dogs with kennel cough. The higher the UMF or MG ratings, the higher the potency of its antibacterial qualities.
1 teaspoon 3 times per day usually helps relieve your dog.
They’ll tend to happily lick it from a spoon.
Pain relief
Metacam (meloxicam)
Useful for treating pain and inflammation in dogs. It can also reduce fever.
Widely prescribed by vets. Prescription only.
Arnica
Useful for pain induced by osteoarthritis, body injuries and muscle aches. Encourages healing, reduces pain, prevents bruising and limits bleeding.
Arnica is a homeopathic remedy that can be used to help with minor and more serious injuries, alongside veterinary treatment. It is especially useful for dogs that have been over exercised.
The recommendations made in this article do not replace the advice of your veterinary professional. Always exercise your own judgement about whether something is right for your dog and consult your vet if you are unsure. Englishtoyterrier.co.uk accepts no liability for any situation that may occur as a result of following these recommendations.