If you’re going to own a dog, you’re going to have to learn dog first aid. Dogs aren’t the infallible creatures that we’d like to think they are, and there will be times when you may have to "play vet" in reaction to a burn, an allergic reaction, bleeding, choking, fractures, frostbite, heat exhaustion or heat stroke, poisoning, puncture wounds, shock, or spinal injury. This article describes how to adequately handle all of these situations.  read more »

Prepare for emergencies with your very own dog first aid kit purchased from any pet store or made with items found in the home. You’ll want to include your vet’s phone number and directions to the nearest emergency facility. When your dog first aid kit is complete, keep it well-stocked and up to date at all times. Never keep expired medication or supplies in the kit, and keep the kit in a readily accessible area. Here’s a list of items every dog first aid kit should store. If you’re not sure how or why to use some of these items, read our article about administering dog first aid and consult your vet for verification.  read more »