HOME TREATMENT FIRST AID FOR DOGS

When possible please call our office before using to make sure your pet’s situation will be helped and not harmed by these treatments. These home treatments are meant for times when you are unable to bring your pet in. They ARE NOT meant to take the place of the veterinarian’s exam or diagnosis. Click below to go to First Aid.

VOMITING

Remove food bowl and water bowl. Offer nothing by mouth for 12 hours. Then offer small amounts of pedialyte, gatorade or water. If your dog is able to hold the liquid down for 4-6 hours, slowly reintroduce food in small amounts. If still unable to keep food down, please contact us.

DIARRHEA

For diarrhea, give Pepto Bismol or Kaopectate. (PLEASE DO NOT GIVE PEPTO OR KAOPECTATE TO CATS) Give 1 teaspoon per 5 pounds or 1 tablespoon per 15 pounds every 2 hours. If diarrhea does not improve after 3-4 doses, please contact us.

ITCHING OR SWELLING

Itch or sudden puffy swelling of the face and/or feet – For excessive itch or allergic reaction, give Benadryl 1mg per pound every 4-8 hours. (25mg tablet for 10-25 pounds, 50mg tablet for 25 pounds and up, liquid benadryl give 1 teaspoon per 5 pounds) If your dog continues to swell up or begins to have difficulty breathing due to the reaction, please contact us immediately.

PAIN

NEVER GIVE IBUPROFEN, TYLENOL, MOTRIN OR ALEVE TO YOUR DOG. Instead give Aspirin (Bayers Aspirin is okay)-1 tablet (325mg) per 30 pounds every 12 hours. Baby(Children’s) Aspirin 1 tablet(81mg) per 7.5 pounds every 12 hours. NEVER EVER GIVE ANY PAIN MEDICATION TO CATS!

COUGH

For a persistant cough, give Robitussin DM, 1cc per 2 pounds, 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds, 1 tablespoon per 30 pounds. Give every 4 hours. If cough does not subside please contact us.

RED OR RUNNY EYES

Use normal opthalmic solution (regular contact solution is fine) 2-3 drops every 4 hours. DO NOT USE ANY SOLUTION WITH A STEROID IN IT UNTIL THE EYES HAVE BEEN EXAMINED BY A VETERINARIAN. If eyes continue to stay red or becomes painful, please contact us.

WOUND CARE

Apply direct pressure to stop bleeding and bandage lightly if possible (almost all lacerations can be sutured satisfactorily for up to 12 hours after injury). For deeper or infected wounds, please contact us.

SEIZURES

In the case of a seizure, it is important to remain as calm as possible as to not further stress your pet. Reduce lighting, turn them on their side and wrap your pet in a blanket or place on something soft until seizure stops (usually 1-3 minutes) KEEP YOUR FINGERS OUT OF THEIR MOUTH, THEY WILL NOT SWALLOW THEIR TONGUE. Please contact us if the seizures continue or do not subside.

ITCHY RASH

Apply 1% Hydrocortisone cream every hour. Rub in well. If rash spreads or if skin becomes broken from excessive licking/scratching, please contact us.

CONSTIPATION

For constipation problems give Dulcolax; 1 tablet every 8 hours (max 4 doses), or vegetable oil (Wesson Oil, etc); 1 teaspoon per 5 pounds every 4 hours. If your pet is still unable to have a bowel movement after treatments please contact us.

TO INDUCE VOMITING

To induce vomiting, give Syrup of Ipecac-give 1 teaspoon per 5-10 pounds, should work within 30 minutes, or give Hydrogen Peroxide-1 teaspoon per 5-10 pounds every 10 minutes until effective. Inducing vomiting is necessary if you suspect your pet has consumed rat poison. For all other concerns, please contact us first.

SKUNK ODOR REMOVAL

Mix together 1 quart 3% hydrogen peroxide, ¼ cup baking soda and 1 Tablespoon Dawn dishwashing liquid. Apply thick mixture over the entire pet. Leave on for 5 minutes. Rinse well. Re-apply as necessary.