GREYHOUND CARE: First Aid Kit
Among the more common questions GreySave gets are ones about first aid and veterinary products. So when my local vet had an evening class for First Aid Awareness I decided to attend. While there, I realized that every one of us should know what to do in the case of a real greyhound emergency. I’m not talking about the kind that causes all the screeching and squealing when you accidentally get the leash wrapped around one of your greyhound’s legs or you step on its toe, but a real emergency. The class was interesting because as the group’s Medical Coordinator I had actually come across many of the situations discussed in the class and so far had been handling them OK, blood and all. The really good news is that I had missed out on some of the more life-threatening emergencies, and yes, I really want to keep it that way! So what do we all need to know?
First, we should all find a good website on dog first aid and read it. One of the best I found is on the American Veterinary Medical Association's website. This site is well worth bookmarking for quick reference. Other medical and care topics you should be aware of are listed on the GreySave website on How Greyhounds are different. Part way down this page is information on poisoning - what to do immediately and who to call with specific questions. Please remember that greyhounds appear to be MUCH MORE sensitive to toxic plants and chemicals than other dogs and immediate action is ABSOLUTELY necessary. As the medical coordinator I know of several greyhounds that have died mysteriously of what appears to have been toxins. One of my own greyhounds, Jake was poisoned by a careless gardner who sprinkled Snail Poison in our planters.
Next is to buy or put together a greyhound specific First Aid Kit. You can buy generic pet first aid kits at the larger pet stores or online. Start your search on Amazon as it lists many brands and includes a list what is in each kit or put together your own greyhound first aid kit. Below is a listing of items you may want in your kit. You may want to buy ready made kit and add greyhound specific items including some better quality equipment like scissors and tweezers plus more of a variety of medicines than the commercial kits have. Whether you buy a kit or make your own, some items are some “must haves” when it comes to greyhounds.
These would be vet wrap; stretch gauze; gauze pads; first aid adhesive tape; EMT Gel, Neosporin or some other triple action cream; a track muzzle, a large syringe case for happy tail, a few Benadryl tablets, some Imodium or Pepto Bismol, peroxide, and maybe a skin staple gun (if you are really brave)! Also in your vehicle you should have a blanket, some towels, water and a water dish, a squawker, extra leashes and collars, and some heavy gloves in addition to your travel First Aid kit. EMT Gel, vet wrap, and squawkers are somewhat specialized and not found in pet stores, so here is more information on these valuable products but you can get them on-line or items like muzzles and squackers can be purchased on the GreySave store.
Vet Wrap – This is an amazing self stick wrap that is great for people too! You can find it sometimes at the pet stores for $5 to $8 a roll, but you can get it online at most of the pet product stores for less than $2 a roll. GreySave has a supply available to buy at the Socials or at any Homecoming day. The one with the best prices is http://www.kvsupply.com, slightly less than Lambert’s. Squawker – If you have not been introduced to the Squawker then now is the time. Squawkers are used by hunters and also by some greyhound trainers. They replicate the sound of a dying animal, maybe a rabbit, so they get the greys’ attention. In my experience, many of the greys recognize the sound and will come your way at about 30 MPH! I keep one in the glove compartment of the car and one under the counter in my kitchen. You can get them from the GreySave store, plus you can often find them online.
Once you have rounded up the meds and equipment for your kit, you can start to think positively, that you will only need the kit for “small’ crises”, not a big emergency. But it’s always better to be prepared!! Feel free to print out (PDF attached) or view document below.
By Cathy Kiburtz
First, we should all find a good website on dog first aid and read it. One of the best I found is on the American Veterinary Medical Association's website. This site is well worth bookmarking for quick reference. Other medical and care topics you should be aware of are listed on the GreySave website on How Greyhounds are different. Part way down this page is information on poisoning - what to do immediately and who to call with specific questions. Please remember that greyhounds appear to be MUCH MORE sensitive to toxic plants and chemicals than other dogs and immediate action is ABSOLUTELY necessary. As the medical coordinator I know of several greyhounds that have died mysteriously of what appears to have been toxins. One of my own greyhounds, Jake was poisoned by a careless gardner who sprinkled Snail Poison in our planters.
Next is to buy or put together a greyhound specific First Aid Kit. You can buy generic pet first aid kits at the larger pet stores or online. Start your search on Amazon as it lists many brands and includes a list what is in each kit or put together your own greyhound first aid kit. Below is a listing of items you may want in your kit. You may want to buy ready made kit and add greyhound specific items including some better quality equipment like scissors and tweezers plus more of a variety of medicines than the commercial kits have. Whether you buy a kit or make your own, some items are some “must haves” when it comes to greyhounds.
These would be vet wrap; stretch gauze; gauze pads; first aid adhesive tape; EMT Gel, Neosporin or some other triple action cream; a track muzzle, a large syringe case for happy tail, a few Benadryl tablets, some Imodium or Pepto Bismol, peroxide, and maybe a skin staple gun (if you are really brave)! Also in your vehicle you should have a blanket, some towels, water and a water dish, a squawker, extra leashes and collars, and some heavy gloves in addition to your travel First Aid kit. EMT Gel, vet wrap, and squawkers are somewhat specialized and not found in pet stores, so here is more information on these valuable products but you can get them on-line or items like muzzles and squackers can be purchased on the GreySave store.
Vet Wrap – This is an amazing self stick wrap that is great for people too! You can find it sometimes at the pet stores for $5 to $8 a roll, but you can get it online at most of the pet product stores for less than $2 a roll. GreySave has a supply available to buy at the Socials or at any Homecoming day. The one with the best prices is http://www.kvsupply.com, slightly less than Lambert’s. Squawker – If you have not been introduced to the Squawker then now is the time. Squawkers are used by hunters and also by some greyhound trainers. They replicate the sound of a dying animal, maybe a rabbit, so they get the greys’ attention. In my experience, many of the greys recognize the sound and will come your way at about 30 MPH! I keep one in the glove compartment of the car and one under the counter in my kitchen. You can get them from the GreySave store, plus you can often find them online.
Once you have rounded up the meds and equipment for your kit, you can start to think positively, that you will only need the kit for “small’ crises”, not a big emergency. But it’s always better to be prepared!! Feel free to print out (PDF attached) or view document below.
By Cathy Kiburtz
Basic Care Tips
Loud Noises
Dog Park Dangers
When to Say Goodbye
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Vaccinations
Nail Trimming
Traveling with Greys
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Hot Weather Danger
Fleas, Ticks & Worms
The Multi Dog Family
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Many uses of muzzles
Gardens & Greys
Disaster Preparedness
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