During this crazy time of year we tend to get caught up in our holiday checklists that include all sorts of things from sunscreen to sun hats and beach towels, but have you thought of a first aid checklist?  For pets?  Well, this blog is going to give you some helpful tips and reminders for our beloved pets this festive season so that they don’t get left off the list.  Let’s make sure we’ve got our furry friends front of mind when we’re getting ‘holiday ready’!

Dogs and Heatstroke

We are great at regulating ourselves with the ‘add or remove a layer’ approach, but what about our dogs?  Dogs can suffer from heatstroke and it can be really dangerous, so knowing the signs is going to help save them a lot of discomfort this Summer.  So, what are the signs of heatstroke?  Here’s what to look out for:

1. Excessive panting
2. Excessive thirst
3. Dry and pale gums
4. Increased saliva
5. Diarrhea
6. Vomiting
7. Rectal bleeding
8. Signs of weakness or confusion
9. Hyperventilation
10. Glazed eyes
11. Collapse

As you can see this can be extremely serious, so know how to react is really important. 

What to do in the case of Heatstroke

The first thing we want to do is get the dog into the shade as quickly as possible.  Then, you want to cool him down by wetting his inner thighs and stomach with cold water.  Don’t use a wet towel to cover him, covering creates a sauna effect and we want the water to evaporate. Next, encourage gentle movement so that the cooled blood can circulate through the body.  Give him small amounts of cool (not cold) water.  This could cause vomiting but is necessary so keep trying small quantities.  Finally, get him to the vet as soon as he has cooled down.

Prevention First

Prevention is always the best way to go so here are some tips to avoid heatstroke.

• Always choose locations that have a shady spot for your dog
• Always have clean drinking water available
• Take your dog for a swim if he’s a water lover
• Shaving a double-coated dog is NOT a good idea, this will actually make them overheat
• Never leave your dog in a hot car in Summer, even with the AC as the risks are too high

Choking Hazards

Choking hazards can show up in many ways around the house.  Whether it’s an apple core, a chew toy or a bone, knowing how to react in this scary situation is crucial.  Watch this video on how to apply the Heimlich Maneuver on your dog in case of an emergency.

Pet Heimlich Maneuver

Bee or Wasp Stings

These can be easily remedied at home with basic household items.  In the case of a bee sting you can make up a paste consisting of baking soda and water which you can apply every 15min.  With a wasp sting, soak a gauze pad in vinegar and wrap it around the area of the sting.  Rehydrate the gauze with the vinegar every hour.  Easy to make and apply!

What does a Holistic First Aid Kit for Pets look like?

Let’s look at what we should have in our first aid kit.  Here are some items you can add to your checklist (don’t forget to start with the basics such as gauze and bandages):

Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal capsules are really handy to have in your medical aid kit because they can help if your dog has eaten something they shouldn’t have that has made them feel sick.  The charcoal helps to absorb the ‘poison’.  Take 1 x capsule of activated charcoal added to ¼ cup of water, shaken up and then syringed down the throat. It’s important to call the vet immediately (always have your emergency vet number in your phone or familiarize yourself with the local vet wherever you are holidaying)

Rescue Remedy for Pets

Rescue Remedy for Pets is a botanical formula that can be used to calm anxious pets.  This is a great first aid item to have handy but please ensure you are using the one for pets and not humans.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is handy for scrapes and burns but do not use on open wounds.  Also, make sure you are using food grade in case your pet decides to lick it off.

Arnica

Arnica can be used for bruises, musculoskeletal pain and lacerations.  It is available as a homeopathic or a herbal remedy.  Pop one pilule (30c) into their drinking water per day and that should do the trick.

Calendula

If you’re looking for a good all-purpose ointment, Calendula is the way to go.  It is safe to use on an open wound and is great for accelerating healing.  Important note: cover with a plaster so that your dog doesn’t lick it off

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)

PEA is a naturally occurring fatty acid compound which can be found in plants and animals.  It has naturally occurring pain relief properties, anti-inflammatory properties and neuro-protective properties.  Research shows that PEA may be beneficial for treating:

• Nerve pain
• Osteoarthritis
• Allergies
• Urinary tract infections

Essential Oils

When using essential oils it’s important to know that not all essential oils are safe for dogs.  We will give you a list of oils and their applications but never assume that an oil is safe because it is natural, always check first!  Here are some recommendations for your essential oil first aid kit:

Lavender

Lavender is known for its calming effects but can also be used for burns, insomnia and ulcers.

Frankincense

Frankincense works on the immune system and has even helped in some cases with cancer.  It also has anti-inflammatory properties and can help with symptoms of arthritis.

Ginger

Ginger aids digestion and relieves motion sickness (perfect for holiday trips!) and nausea.

Myrrh

Myrrh is an anti-microbial and can help with inflammation and skin infections.

Cardamom

Cardamom aids digestion, colic, coughing and heartburn

How to Use Essential Oils

Essential oils should always be diluted using a carrier oil such as fractionated coconut oil or jojoba oil before applying.

MicroMed

Yes, having MicroMed in your first aid kit is a must!  MicroMed can be used for minor cuts and scrapes, to help ward off any infection and for hot spots or rashes.  Grab the MicroMed Acute Care topical as your first remedy to use!

With this checklist in hand, you’ll be able to go on your holiday with peace of mind, knowing you’ve got the basics covered.  So, have you checked everything off your list?

Happy, safe holidays from us at MicroMed!