Emergency First Aid

cotton gauze bandage wrap - 1.5 inch width, 3 inch width

Vet Wrap -- 2 inch width, and 4 inch width (4 inch is sold for horses)

Ace bandage

first aid tape

cotton gauze pads

regular Band-Aids

cotton swabs or Q-tips

Benadryl

ascriptin (buffered aspirin)

Pepto Bismol tablets

New Skin liquid bandage (useful for patching abrasions on pads)

iodine tablets (if you hike and camp in areas where the stream water may not be safe for consumption with out first treating with iodine or boiling)

oral syringes (for administering liquid oral medicines, getting ear-drying solution into ears, etc..very useful!)

needle & thread

safety pins in several sizes

razor blade (paper wrapped for protection)

matches

tweezers

hemostat (useful for pulling ticks, thorns, large splinters, etc)

small blunt end scissors

canine rectal thermometer (get one made specifically for dogs)

antibiotic ointment (such as Bacitracin, Betadine, or others)

Eye rinsing solution (simple mild eye wash)

small bottle of 3% hydrogen peroxide

small bottle of isopropyl alcohol (rubbing)

alcohol or antiseptic wipes (in small individual packets)

small jar of Vaseline

Muzzling for Safety - Any dog that is injured or frightened may bite. For an emergency muzzle use a cord, necktie, piece of gauze or lease. The muzzle should be snug but not so tight as to cause discomfort or interfere with circulation. Remove as soon as possible since dogs perspire through their tongues.

Choking - Wrap the dog in a heavy blanket to keep still. Remove the foreign object with pliers or fingers. Do not pull on a thread or string as there may be needle attached, get veterinary help.

Heatstroke -  Never leave your dog unattended in direct sunlight or in a closed vehicle in warm weather. Heat can build up to an intolerable level in minutes causing brain damage or even death. Signs of heatstroke are panting, drooling, rapid pulse, fever and shock. Immediately immerse the dog in cool water (or use a hose) to lower the body temperature to normal (38°/101.5°). Do not lower the temperature below this level. If the dog is conscious encourage it to drink water in small amounts to replace body fluids.

External Wounds - Small wounds should be cleaned with soap and water. Then apply an antiseptic and bandage the wound. When possible bring the edges of the wound together and hold them in this position with adhesive tape. If an artery has been severed bright red blood will spurt from the wound with each heartbeat. If this is the case and the wound in on extremity place a tourniquet on the affected limb between the wound and the heart. Loosen this every 15 minutes and reapply. Blood from a vein will be much darker in color and can usually be controlled with a pressure bandage. In either case seek veterinary help as soon as possible.

Burns - For thermal (heat) burns first apply cold water or an ice pack for 20 - 30 minutes; follow this with an antibiotic ointment. For caustic burns such as those from chemicals apply vinegar followed by an antibiotic preparation. For acid burns apply a paste of bicarbonate of soda (baking soda). Electrical burns usually produce extensive tissue damage and fluid in the lungs. If the Maltese is unconscious and not breathing give artificial respiration and get veterinary help as soon as possible.

Cardiac Arrest - Lay you Maltese on his right side. Flex the left elbow and press firmly at this site (where the elbow meets the body) with the palm of your hand. Repeat at a rate of 60-80 per minutes. Cardiac massage should be combined with artificial respiration (blowing into the nostrils with the mouth closed). Try to continue compressions while giving artificial respiration. To take the pulse of your Maltese press the middle and index fingers against the inside of your dog's hind leg, just below where it joins the body. The femoral artery crosses the thighbone there.

Respiratory Arrest - If your Maltese has stopped breathing, place him on his right side with head and neck extended. Gently draw the tongue forward and clear any objects from the mouth and throat. Place a hand on the ribs immediately behind the shoulder blades and use a sudden but gentle downward movement. Then, immediately release the pressure. This should be repeated at five-second intervals. Be careful -- a distressed Maltese can bite.

Shock - Shock can follow almost any type of injury. Signs include shallow breathing, pale, gray-colored mucous membranes, glassy eyes, dilated pupils and collapse. Keep your Maltese warm and quiet. Immediate veterinary help should be sought as soon as possible.

Eye Irritations - If you suspect there is something in the eye of your Maltese inspect it gently by parting the lids under a bright light. Rinse the surface of the eye and lids with plain water using an eyedropper or by squeezing a cotton ball so it drips. Do not rub. If you can see the object, gently remove it with cotton.