My husband and I often take in foster dogs from a local rescue group here in Nashville. In the past we’ve had a variety of mutts and even a Great Pyrenees. This time they brought us Ranger, a 2-3 year old Beagle (http://www.agaperescue.org/DetailsNew.php?pID=684).
True to breed, Ranger is into everything—especially rabbits. Since our yard is full of them, Ranger’s led me on many a wild goose chase before heading into the office. These chases always seem to lend themselves to precarious situations like running through creeks, crawling through barb wire fences and wading through thick brush.
Since Ranger’s such an avid little hunter, this brings up a great opportunity for me to remind myself as well as all of you about basic household items that can be important first aid care for your hunting dog.
Here are a few basic tips everyone should know to help you treat injuries to your dog in the field:
- Carry an old wash cloth to clean big areas or wounds
- Hydrogen peroxide can be used to induce vomiting in case of accidental poisoning
- Commercial ice packs like the ones used to treat sports injuries can come in handy on hot days or to nurse an injury
- Kaopectate liquid to treat diarrhea
- Benadryl (give 1-2 mg per pound every eight hours to treat bee stings or bug bites—or 4 mg per pound for snakebites)
- Buffered aspirin (give 5 mg every 12 hours for pain) but make sure the pill does not contain caffeine or other additives. And always give with food.
-Dramamine (give 25-50 mg one hour before traveling to prevent motion sickness) We recommend trying this at home first.
- DO NOT give Tylenol or Ibuprofen to any dog under any circumstances.
Happy and safe hunting!
**Source: FEMA
