Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Do You Have a Pet First Aid Kit?

We have first aid kits and supplies for people in our homes and in our cars but our pets tend to get overlooked. Your pet is a valuable member of your family and pets are just as likely to get injured or have an accident as any other member of your family. So be prepared and have the tools that you need for when your pet has an accident. You will be happy you did.



The ASPCA suggests that your first aid kit should include:


  • Pet First Aid Book
  • Phone numbers: veterinarian, nearest emergency veterinary clinic (and know how to get there!), poison-control center or hotline (such as ASPCA poison control center at 1-800-426-4435)
  • Paperwork (in a waterproof container or bag): proof of rabies vaccination status, copies of other important medical records, current photo of your pet in case he gets lost
  • Nylon leash
  • Self-cling bandage (Stretches and sticks to itself but not to fur—available at pet stores and through pet supply catalogs)
  • Muzzle or strips of cloth to prevent biting (as long as pet is not vomiting, choking, coughing, or otherwise having difficulty breathing)

Basic supplies

  • Absorbent gauze pads
  • Adhesive tape
  • Antiseptic wipes, lotion, powder or spray
  • Blanket (foil emergency blanket)
  • Cotton balls or swabs
  • Gauze rolls
  • Hydrogen peroxide (to induce vomiting when directed by a veterinarian or poison control)
  • Ice pack
  • Non-latex disposable gloves
  • Petroleum jelly (to lubricate thermometer)
  • Rectal thermometer (your pet's temperature should not rise above 103°F or fall below 100°F)
  • Scissors (with blunt ends)
  • Sterile non-stick gauze pads for bandages
  • Sterile saline solution (sold at pharmacies)
  • Tweezers
  • A pillowcase to confine your cat for treatment
  • A pet carrier

Additional useful items

  • Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) if approved by a veterinarian for allergic reactions. Vet must specify correct dosage for your pet’s size.
  • Ear-cleaning solution
  • Expired credit card or sample credit card (from direct mail credit card offers) to scrape away insect stingers
  • Glucose paste or corn syrup (for diabetic dogs or those with low blood sugar)
  • Nail clippers
  • Over-the-counter antibiotic ointment
  • Penlight or flashlight
  • Plastic eyedropper or syringe
  • Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl) to clean thermometer
  • Splints and tongue depressors
  • Styptic powder or pencil (sold at veterinary hospitals and pet supply stores and your local pharmacy)
  • Temporary identification tag (to put your local contact information on your dog’s collar when you travel)
  • Towels
  • Needle-nosed pliers
In addition to the items listed above, include any items recommended by your veterinarian specifically for your pet. Check the supplies in your pet first aid kit occasionally. Replace any items that have expired.

Be Wise... Bewaggle!


About Bewaggle:

Bewaggle is a pet services company located in DeLand, Florida. We offer pet sitting, dog walking, puppy training, basic obedience training, and more. We are bonded and insured, with background checks and references. Be wise... Bewaggle!

Thursday, April 4, 2013

Dog Walking Troubles?

Does your dog misbehave on leash? Your dog pulling on the leash is a potentially dangerous situation. Some dogs won't stop pulling and start choking themselves. When your dog pulls he might get away from you. You could fall and get hurt and your dog can get lose and get into a dog fight or get hit by a car.

The best way to teach your dog not to pull is to use a gentle leader (head halter). 

When you buy a gentle leader it comes with an instruction video that shows you how to put it on your dog. The nose piece should be a little loose but the other piece should be snug up by your dogs ears. This type of collar works because dogs have to go in the direction that their head is pointing. If your dog does pull on the gentle leader he won't be able to pull very hard because pulling will be uncomfortable for your dog. You should also reward your dog for walking loose on the leash so that it becomes a habit.

Be Wise... Bewaggle!


About Bewaggle:

Bewaggle is a pet services company located in DeLand, Florida. We offer pet sitting, dog walking, puppy training, basic obedience training, and more. We are bonded and insured, with background checks and references. Be wise... Bewaggle!