First Aid for Dogs – Are you Ready for Field and Show Emergencies: Dr. Cynthia Heiller, DVM – Part 1

First Aid for your dogs… Are you ready?

Dr Cindy Heiller, DVM is an Emergency Vet with Redwood Vet Clinic and has saved more than one dog and horse at field trials.

Breeder of German Wirehaired Pointers, Cindy has dual champions, master hunters, won the National, and served on the Parent Club board.

Are You Ready for Field and Show Emergencies: Step 1

First Aid Books

Unless you treat dogs and people on a daily basis, it is difficult to remember everything.  Add the adrenaline of an emergency situation and a first aid book becomes an essential tool.

General First Aid and Canine First Aid

Dogs are mammals too.  People get hurt at shows and in the field.  A general first aid book applies to both.  Add a canine first aid book as well.

Red Cross First Aid and CPR Course – Step 2

Take or refresh your Red Cross First Aid and CPR course.  CPR can be performed on people, dogs, birds, cats and more.  You might be the only first responder available.

First Aid Kit

Start with a commercial kit or make your own and pack in a waterproof container.

Add to a Basic Kit

• Thermometer – electronic, don’t use mercury
• Vet Wrap (self adhering bandage)
• Dog Toenail Clippers and Kwik Stop
• Elizabethan Collar
• Skin Stapler – purchase through vet supply and ask your vet for instructions

Medications and Flushes

• Saline or Betadine or Chlorahexadine with flushing syringe
• Eyewash Saline
• Cortisone ointment/spray for bug bites
• Hydrogen Peroxide to induce vomiting – call poison control first
• Benadryl – oral

From Your Vet

• Amoxicillin
• Metronidazole – non-specific diarrhea, be careful of overdose
• Tramadol

Emergencies and Your Trusting Vet Relationship

First Aid Emergencies are… emergencies and not a substitute for veterinary care.  The first hour can be critical if not assessed correctly.

As breeders, field and dog agility competitors, we and our dogs are outdoors, on the road, and in remote areas on a consistently basis.  It is important to have a good, trusting relationship with your vet.

Take care to develop and not abuse that relationship.  If your vet is not willing to help educate you on basic or emergency care, perhaps find someone that you can communicate better with.

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