Before bringing a dog home: basic supplies and a first-aid kit

Before Bringing the Dog Home

Depending upon the age and size of the dog, you might need to remember to bring a collar and leash to transport the dog safely home.  Other items you will need to have on hand at home are a high-quality food, food and water bowls, toys, chew-toys or bones, training aids as explained in Section III, and a properly-sized crate.  While you’re picking out these items, you might as well pick up grooming supplies, including shampoo, a comb and brush, nail-clippers, and a styptic pencil, unless you budget the extra expense to send the dog regularly for commercial grooming.  The dog’s shampoo should be formulated especially for dogs:  human soaps, shampoos, and detergents are much too harsh and probably the wrong Ph for the dog’s skin and coat.

Purchase or make yourself a doggy first-aid kit, or perhaps two (one for the home and one for the car).  Ask your veterinarian to advise you regarding its contents or check online.  The commercial ones often come with a useful booklet so you can read up and be prepared for emergencies.  Remember that some human medications are dangerous to dogs:  Tylenol or Advil (ibuprofen) can kill them, for example.  Also know the signs of when a dog is in danger.  According to an online article published by the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Illinois, “Common emergency conditions include ingestion of non-food items, accidental trauma, bloat, urinary obstruction, and seizures” (http://www.cvm.uiuc.edu/petcolumns/showarticle.cfm?id=144).  “The signs of these conditions are highly variable,” the site continues, so reading up about the symptoms and having a plan to react to each of them is probably a good idea.  If your dog seems sick or injured, and you are in doubt about whether or not it’s an emergency, err on the side of caution and call your veterinarian.

Common Signs of Illness

Fever                                                              Diarrhea for longer than 24 hrs.

Swelling or lumps                                          Excessive Shedding or Drooling

Stiffness                                                          Abnormal Breathing

Problems with Teeth or Eyes                       Coughing

Sore Gums                                                     Changes in Appetite or Weight

Itching                                                            Scooting Bottom along the Ground

Pain                                                                Problems Eating

Shaking the head, rubbing the ears, or scratching excessively

Incontinence or increased urination

Excessive drinking for longer than 24 hrs.

Gradual unexplained weight loss:  you should not be able to see the dog’s ribs!

Symptoms of Emergencies:  Seek Veterinary Care Immediately!

• Bleeding anytime you can’t control
• Bone fractures
• Breathing difficulties (gasping; blue gums or tongue)
• Heatstroke (weak, panting heavily, body temperature over 103 degrees F)
• Injury due to wounds, fights, or accidents
• Lameness that last beyond 24 hours, or any severe, continuous pain
• Penetrating or puncture wounds, especially of the chest or belly
• Seizure, loss of balance, or unconsciousness
• Shock (cold skin, fast but weak pulse, rapid breathing and pale gums)
• Straining to urinate or defecate but cannot  
• Suspected Poisoning
• Swollen, distended, or bloated abdomen[1]
• Vomiting four or more times or bloody/dark vomit
• Bloody diarrhea or urine

Final Tip:

NEVER leave your dog unattended in a car, especially in warm weather.  Even with the windows open, the car will overheat quickly and may kill the dog!

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[1] Bloat is often accompanied by unproductive retching and lots of panting and is most common in large, deep-chested dogs like St. Bernards or Great Danes.