The trails in Idaho’s prestigious mountains and foothills are some of the most beautiful in the nation. Every year thousands of people from all over the US along with native Idahoans descend on these trails to enjoy its amazing scenery.
Inevitably, each year people sustain mild to severe injuries that require onsite medical attention which most people are prepared for with their first aid kits. But what if your dog or someone else’s dog is hurt and needs first aid. Dogs aren’t human and often can’t and use or take the same medications we do. You’ll need to pack a separate Fido First Aid
Here's a quick run-down of the basic supplies you'll want to keep in your pet first aid kit.
Essential Gear
Just a few basic items in your kit will help make any first-aid treatment a little easier. These should include:
- Flashlight,
- Pet Nail clippers
- Oral syringe
- Cold and heat packs
- Digital Thermometer
- Scissors with a blunt end
- Tweezers
- Slip leash (to help keep your pup stationary while you administer first-aid)
Basic Medications
- Antihistamines—for stopping minor allergic reactions.
- Hydrogen peroxide—to cleanse minor wounds and kill bacteria that could lead to infection.
- Styptic powder—an antiseptic and clotting agent that can help stop minor bleeding.
- Triple antibiotic ointment—to treat or prevent a bacterial infection that can occur following minor cuts, scrapes, or burns.
- Cortisone cream or spray—an anti-inflammatory that can ease itching.
- Milk of Magnesia – Absorbs poison.
- Saline eye solution – help flush out anything that may have gotten in your pet's eyes
Helpful Supplies
- Non-stick bandages or pads—to cover minor wounds.
- First-aid gauze and tape - to cover minor wounds.
- Vet wrap—a self-adhesive tape that stays on and is very effective at keeping wounds clean.
- Sterile, disposable gloves – Use these when your cleaning and wrapping wounds.
A new must-have is now available to hikers and outdoor enthusiast for pet parents who have larger dogs at their side like Labradors or Huskies. A company out of Colorado, Fido Pro, was started because of an accident Paul had with his furry friend Remi. The story is quite amazing.
Paul was out with his German shorthaired pointer doing some backcountry skiing when one of Paul skis cut his dog’s right front leg. After he bandaged up the dog's leg, Remi tried to put weight on it and wasn't about to. Thankfully Paul was able to empty out his daypack and squeeze Remi into the back and take him back in town to get help.
After Paul’s extensive search on the internet for gear that could help him out if couldn’t have fit Remi into his daypack yielded nothing that would work, he put together a team and designed the Fido Pro AirLift. It’s a must-have for people large canines.
Consult your veterinarian if you need assistance in choosing the best items for your first aid kit. As always, if your pet has an injury or condition that is beyond primary at-home care, call your veterinarian right away.
