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[email protected].DR. HANK CLEMMONS is a graduate
of the Auburn University College of
Veterinary Medicine. He splits his
time between his Spartan Animal
Hospital in McFarland, Wisconsin,
and Kentucky, where he works
primarily on show horse sports
medicine. He spends his Octobers
at his cabin in northern Wisconsin
hunting ruffed grouse with his
Drahthaars.Digital thermometer – For the most accuracy, take the
temperature when the dog is relaxed and has had a chance
to settle and cool down. The normal resting dog rectal
temperature is 101-102.5 degrees depending on external
temperature, excitement level, exercise, anxiety, pain, etc.
Recommended Items
Hydrogen peroxide – While it can help to clean wounds, H 2 O 2
has poor disinfecting qualities. It’s most often given orally
to induce vomiting in cases of recent poison consumption.
Dosage is 1 teaspoon (5 ml) per 10 pounds of weight. For
example, treat a 50-pound dog with 25 ml orally.
Vomiting should occur within 15 minutes. If it doesn’t, the
dosage can be repeated once or possibly twice. Do not induce
vomiting if the dog is unconscious, if poisoning symptoms
are already present (by then it’s too late) or if the dog has
ingested fuels or caustic substances. Consult a professional if
at all possible. However, timing can be critical.
To administer liquid meds orally, hold the mouth, raise the
nose, squirt or pour the liquid into the side of the mouth at the
opening between the premolars and molars at a rate that allows
the dog to swallow. If you hold the dog’s mouth open and
squirt liquid into the back of its throat, it can’t swallow because
it will automatically draw the tongue backward and react as if
it were being waterboarded.
To neutralize toxins, activated charcoal can be stored in a
plastic bag and mixed with water when needed. The dosage is
2 tablespoons mixed with 20-30 ml of water (a turkey baster’s
worth) administered orally. It is safe to use after administering
H 2 O 2 to cause vomiting, after signs of poisoning have become
apparent and with most caustic substances. Always seek
professional advice first if time allows.
Ear ointment – You can get ointment and cleaning solution
from your vet. You can make your own cleaning/flushing
solution: Mix^1 / 3 cup warm water,^1 / 3 cup white vinegar and
(^1) / 3 cup hydrogen peroxide. The water and vinegar can be
premixed, but to retain the cleansing properties of the H^2 O^2 ,
it should be added just before flushing.
To use, fill the ear canal, massage the base of the ear and
wipe it out. This can be repeated until the ear is clean.
Flushing is a good way to remove small foreign bodies and
waxy debris lodged in the ear canal.
Antihistamines – These are good for allergic reactions.
Benadryl is safe in dogs at 1 mg per pound (50-pound dog
gets 50 mg) 2 or 3 times per day. If there is no response
in eight hours or if the condition worsens, contact a
professional. Also, it is helpful – if your vet will dispense
a small amount – to have prednisone on hand for severe
allergic reactions.
Ice pack – You can use one of these to decrease pain and
swelling and help slow bleeding.
Super Glue-type instant
adhesive – This can be
used to close small skin
lacerations. It will not
hold if the wound is wet,
bleeding or under tension.
Do not use around eyes.
Local anesthetic – Ask your
vet to dispense a small
amount to be squirted into
open wounds to help numb
them before stapling. OTC
products with cetocaine
or benzocaine are also
effective. Natural products
containing arnica (not capsaicin) can also work. Do not
use oil-based products in wounds that are to be stapled or
sutured. They will interfere with the skin edges’ binding
together.
Cortisone cream/ointment – This is good for local allergic
reactions such as between toes and pads. Before applying,
be sure to wash the foot thoroughly to remove the causal
agent. Remember, your dog will likely lick it off, so make
sure it’s a nontoxic compound and don’t use much.
Milk of Magnesia – A dose of this helps with vomiting,
diarrhea and aids in toxin neutralization. For dogs up to 40
pounds, use 1 tablespoon; over 40 pounds, 2 tablespoons.
These also help override diarrhea and upset stomach. Use ½
tablet for dogs weighing less than 40 pounds; for dogs over
40 pounds, 1 tablet.
Vaseline – Use this on dry, cracking pads and cuts and scrapes
around the eyes and face.
Pain reliever/anti-inflammatory – It is best to get these from
your vet. Do not use Tylenol (acetaminophen), Advil
(ibuprofen), Aleve (naproxen) or products containing these
ingredients. Buffered aspirin is safe in dogs at a dosage of
one 325 mg adult-strength aspirin per 50-75 pounds once or
twice daily for short periods of time.
While this list is comprehensive, by no means is it meant to
be exhaustive. Be sure to seek advice from your vet and other
knowledgeable people about handling field emergencies.
Final note: In the next column, we’ll look at the oral
speculum, skin stapler and a couple of field restraint
techniques.