What Every Pet Parent Needs in Their Dog First Aid Kit
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Imagine you’re working around the house and accidentally cut your finger. The first thing you’d probably do is head to your medicine cabinet and pull out some antibiotic ointment and a bandage. Because most of us keep items on hand in case of a minor injury, there’s no need to stop everything and run to the drug store every time you get a nick or cut.
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While it may be second nature to stock a medicine cabinet for the humans in your house, many of us never think about doing the same thing for our pets. But taking a few minutes now to gather a few items “just in case” can save you time and anxiety the next time your best friend gets into a hairy situation.
The good news is that it doesn’t take a lot to prepare for the next bump, itch or scrape. I’ve found the best way to do it is to take a look at the types of products I buy for my human family and then find a pet-friendly equivalent.
Scrapes and Cuts
The first step to treating a cut – after you stop the bleeding, of course – is to clean the wound and make sure it doesn’t get infected. Instead of human antibiotic ointment or hydrogen peroxide, I reach
for Vetericyn’s Antimicrobial Wound & Skin Care Hydrogel. This is especially helpful when my two cats –Olivia and Turdy – get into one of their midnight brawls. It doesn’t sting, helps keep the wound clean and is completely non-toxic if ingested.
Ear Issues
While humans can reach for a Q-tip to keep our ears clean and free from infection, dogs require a different approach. Because of the L-shape of their ear canals, it’s important to use a liquid cleaner to free debris, heal cuts and soothe irritations.
Over the years, I’ve learned that not all ear cleaners are the same, since some contain ingredients that can cause burning and itching. Ouch! For treating my dog Chilly’s ears, I now use Vetericyn’s All Animal Ear Rinse which doesn’t contain alcohol, steroids or antibiotics – making it effective and comfortable for Chilly.
Itch Control
Is there anything worse than having an itch you can’t scratch? Well, it must be doubly difficult for our pets. From bug bites to hot spots to allergic reactions, watching our pets scratch, scratch, scratch can be heartbreaking. Plus, if it’s not controlled, the constant scratching can break the skin and cause infection.
Even if many human anti-itch medications weren’t toxic if ingested, it would be almost impossible to apply in exactly the right spots. So I take an all-over approach to Chilly’s itchy-scratchies with Vetericyn’s FoamCare Medicated Shampoo, a medicated formula that I use during bath time. I love it for the simple spray application, quick lather and easy rinse. Best of all, Chilly feels (and smells) so much better afterwards!
Once you’ve gathered up your supplies, make sure you put them in their own basket or cabinet so that you can easily find them when the need arises. With these basics on hand, you might even consider going a step further and putting together a pet first aid kit. Whether your pet ever needs it or not, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re prepared!
This is a sponsored post. However, all opinions and anecdotes are my own, and I never promote any products or brands I don’t believe in. Be sure to use my code PETLIVING for 20% off your entire purchase at Vetericyn.com ~Petfully yours, Kristen
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