I’m sure most people in the states know, but perhaps those outside of the states don’t know, earlier this week there was an earthquake in the eastern US. This is a very atypical place for earthquakes (I’ve live in this part of the country for 25 years and had never experienced an earthquake) but I guess it was time. I’m located about 330miles from the epicenter of the quake, which wasn’t too strong in the first place (though was one of the strongest in this part of the country), so we barely got a tremor.
I wouldn’t have even notice it had all three dogs not stood up suddenly (simultaneously), froze for a second, and then looked around intently. At this strange behavior I looked around and noticed our hanging light fixture swinging, two pictures on the wall were slightly askew, and the water in my bottle was rippling. It was really interesting how they reacted to the very mild vibrations in such an alert manner… not fear just focus and curiosity. It was certainly a strange situation.
Between the earthquake and the impending hurricane (and recent injuries that have depleted my canine first aid kit), I figured a post about canine first aid kits could be very helpful.
Now, I always overstock vet-wrap and gauze because these are the items I use most frequently and run out of often.
What’s in my canine first aid kits:
- 2 rolls of guaze
- 10-15 guaze pads
- 3-4 rolls of 2″ vet wrap (okay I actually like to have 6-10 rolls hanging around)
- Quick Stop or Styptic Pencil
- Nail clippers
- Tweezers
- Small scissors
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Alcohol prep pads
- First-aid wash (hurt free antiseptic wash)
- Canned pumpkin (not really first aid but I keep it in my first aid box)
- Gas-X (for bloat)
- 100% cotton balls
- Latex gloves
- Digital thermometers
- Syringes (no needles)
- Splinting materials–dowel, ruler, tongue depressor
- Muzzle or thin leash to fashion a muzzle.
- Instant ice pack
- Clean towels/rags
- Dawn dish-soap
- Copy of vet records
I really do try to make sure I have all of these things on hand in my home first aid kit. My car kit is more focused on wound care but I try to keep the important pieces in both kits.
I am out of vetwrap and quick stop so you can bet I’m making a purchase ASAP for these very important items (especially considering how injury prone Shayne is!).
Don’t wait until it’s too late… the better prepared you are the better and faster you will respond to a challenge!
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So great to read what you have in your first aid kit. I haven’t had to use mine very often so it’s more or less still just whatever came with the box when I bought it.
I do remember another earthquake we had maybe 8 years or so ago – I don’t think it was as big as this recent one though.
Are you ready for Irene?
I’m fortunate that i’m on the other side of PA so Irene isn’t effecting our weather at all… I’ve been through two hurricanes before (one just a brush-by and the other wasn’t too big either) and I don’t care to mess with this one… though since I lived just north of NYC for years I have quite a few friends who are in the cross hairs so they are definitely on my mind, that’s for sure!
You’re even more prepared than I am. Actually I feel like my first aid kit could use an overhaul now!
Shayne is really injury prone and both dogs have been known to digest things that they shouldn’t and I worry about bloat with shayne. Though I will say, most of my first aid box has been a gradual accumulation of items “as needed”… so i’ve learned from my mistakes (had to run out all hours of the night to get things lol).
Haha I’m the same way. EAch new injury/illness results in a new addition to the cabinet. I don’t have any liquid bandage, which seems odd since I could use it for Skye’s ear tip right about now. Sadly, Irene will be visiting us by morning, and I am all prepped to be a shut in for the day. But it’s on my list.