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Jesse's Hunting > A Gun Dog's Life > Articles > Building a K-9 First Aid Kit
Building a K-9 First Aid Kit
Bryce Mann - JHO PRoStaff
- Tollhouse, CA
June 19, 2008
A gun dog’s life can often be interrupted by accidents. There are several ways a hard-hunting dog could be injured while in the field hunting or training A few which come to mind are stepping in rodent holes, taking a hit on the barbed wire fence, being injured in heavy cover, allergic reactions to nettle or insect stings, and the ever present snake bite. Over my years as a trainer and guide I have personally seen or experienced each of these.
Hunters all talk about their gear like chokes, guns, chaps, vests or jackets, etc., but very seldom does the conversation include any emergency supplies to treat an injury to your four-legged friend.
Keep 'em hydrated
There are a fair number of ways your dog can get injured in the field, so a first aid kit is a great idea. But one of the biggest threats to working dogs, especially in summer heat, is dehydration. |
There are several first aid kits available commercially or you can build one of your own. Many years ago I did not know of any dog first aid kits available for purchase so I made one of my own.
I started with a soft-sided tackle box, one which had a large main compartment, a medium sized zippered compartment across the front and two smaller ones located one on each end of the bag. This came with two hard boxes for all of your small fishing items which were of no use in this application and took up much needed space in the main compartment. I asked my friend and veterinarian for advice as to the contents of my homemade field kit. My idea was well received and I was given a medium sized pair of angled safety scissors for cutting gauze and changing bandages, along with two pairs of forceps. My next stop was the pharmacy where I purchased two 3” and two 6” packs of gauze, three 4”x 6” sterile pads, two 2” ace bandages and a roll of 3” Vet.Wrap. I also included a package of 4-0 curved suture needles and a small package of 3-0 c.g. suture material and a package of dental floss which can be used for external sutures. A small bottle of isopropyl alcohol and a larger bottle of Betadine solution, a large bottle of saline solution along with triple antibiotic ointment were added to sterilize, flush and treat an injured area. This should keep you prepared for most accidents in the field should you find yourself in an area where immediate attention would be required, however; having a first aid kit should in no way keep you from seeking the attention of a licensed veterinarian to treat an injury.
Another suggestion for gun dogs is to obtain a rattle snake anti-venin from your vet. I can tell you this - the protection offered from this anti-venin serves to minimize the effects of a snake bite. Still, if a snake bite is suspected seek immediate treatment from a licensed veterinarian. A snake breaking class is one option but still not a replacement for the protection offered by the anti-venin in the event of a bite.
Finally, I’ve mentioned the importance of hydration repeatedly, and I’ll do it again now. To protect your dog from suffering the effects of dehydration, it’s a good idea to carry a large bottle of electrolyte water. It’s available at any drug store, and is usually found in the baby care area. I also suggest carrying some re-hydration tablets which can be mixed with your dog’s water and carried into the field in a squirt bottle. I teach all of my dogs to drink from sport water bottles and keep a large bowl for them to lap from back at the truck. Remember to give your dog lots of water!
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