Being Prepared for an Emergency
Even if your poodle is living a normal, active lifestyle, you never know when an emergency will crop up. It might come in the form of an injury. It might be a sudden illness. Stuff happens. And you need to be ready for it.
When an accident happens, it's sometimes hard to know how serious it is. If you're unsure whether your poodle needs veterinary assistance, it's certainly better to err on the side of caution. In the event of an injury or sudden illness, look out for signs of a serious condition, such as stopped or difficult breathing; loss of consciousness; shock (signs include pale gums, rapid breathing, cold skin, and a weak, but rapid, pulse); gaping wounds; severe bleeding; and abnormal body temperature.
If your poodle is involved in severe trauma (from a fall or being hit by a car) and she can't put any weight on her leg, can't move at all, or you see bone sticking out of the skin, suspect a fracture. Don't try to set the bone yourself or even diagnose a fracture. Instead, prepare her for transfer to your nearest emergency clinic.
The First-Aid Kit
Having a first-aid kit on hand — and knowing what to do with its contents — can save your poodle's life. It's best to keep one in your home and one in the car. You can buy a fully equipped first-aid kit from a pet-supply store or catalog, or you can create one of your own. A basic kit includes the following items:
Ace bandage |
Hydrogen peroxide |
Activated charcoal (ToxiBan) |
Karo syrup or honey |
Antihistamine (Benadryl) |
Muzzle |
Petroleum jelly |
Antiseptic cleanser (Betadine or Novalsan) |
Blunt-tipped scissors |
Rectal thermometer (bulb or digital) |
Commercial cold/hot packs |
Sterile saline solution |
Tweezers |
Cotton balls |
Gauze bandages and rolls |
Learn in advance what to do in case of emergency so you can act quickly to protect your precious poodle when time is of the essence.
Other items to keep in or near your first-aid kit include a clean blanket, towels, and a washcloth. The blanket will keep your dog warm if she goes into shock and can also act as a stretcher. You can use the towels or washcloth to apply pressure to stop bleeding.
Important Phone Numbers
Keep emergency numbers posted by your home phone, programmed into the speed dial of your cell phone, and on a card in your first-aid kits. These should include the telephone numbers of your veterinary clinic, the local emergency animal hospital, the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center, and your veterinarian's pager number or home phone, if he supplies you with one.
When you're faced with an emergency, you don't want to have to find a telephone book or your personal address book. Having the telephone numbers handy could save you precious minutes.
Essential
Vetrap bandaging tape, a stretchable gauze that sticks to itself, is a valuable addition to your first-aid kit. If you need to apply a bandage, it does a great job without sticking to your dog's fur. It also comes in fun colors.
