Military working dogs (MWD) are loyal partners, they are trained to do challenging tasks, their work is with high risk. Trainers spend countless time and energy preparing these K9s for their roles, and these military working dog is really doing great job.
I had a chance to visit a military K9 unit, one of the trainers told me that he would prefer be injured himself than see his dog harmed. These words moved me, and yes our hairy friends deserve more attention on medical care. When the dog is hurt, a hunting dog first aid kit is crucial to save their lives in golden hour.
What is a hunting dog first aid kit ?
A hunting dog first aid kit is specially designed for dogs in outdoor activities, or military working dog (K9). When accidents happen, the golden hour to rescue the dog is crucial before you get treatment from veterinarian, the immediate care save their lives. Whether it's a bird dog, rescue dog, or K9, injuries like bite, cut, sprains, gunshot, heating might happen. Having a K9 first aid kit means you can handle these situations quickly.
What to include in your dog first aid kit ?
Here is a research of "causes of mortality in military working dog from traumatic injuries" The research shows the primary causes of death of K9 particularly from bleeding, head injuries, and spine injuries.
When considering a K9 first aid kit for emergencies, it's crucial to include the medical supplies to treat these problems.
Here is a list for reference, you could customize based on different situations:
Vented Chest seals (2pcs)
Same as humans, it's used to treat gunshot wound, seal the open chest wounds.
Shavings (1pc)
Shave the hair before apply the chest seals for better adhesion if possible.
14G Decompression Needle (2pcs)
It's used to treat tension pneumothorax in emergency situations.
Activated Charcoal (5xDoses)
It help absorb toxins if your dog ingests something harmful while exploring.
Tourniquets (2pcs)
It helps to stop the bleed in limb injuries.
Compressed Gauze (2pcs)
It's ideal for packing deep wounds and stop the bleed.
Trauma bandages (2pcs)
It's used to cover the wound and stop the bleed.
Alcohol Wipes (8pcs)
It's used for disinfecting equipment.
Gloves (3 pairs)
Always wear nitrile gloves when treating your dog's injuries.
Ace Bandages (2pcs)
It's used to hold dressings, cover the wound, or support for sprains.
Litter
A K9 litter makes transportation easier.
How to use a K9 first aid kit ?
If your dog gets a deep cut or bite wound, you need to act fast, use the compressed gauze or trauma bandage to pack the wound, if the bleeding happens on limbs use tourniquet quickly. If there is gunshot wound on chest, use chest seals to seal the open chest wound.
If your dog ingests something toxic, administer activated charcoal immediately to absorb the harmful substance.
Don't move the dog or fix the dog's spine if there is spinal injury.
Fill the essential supplies for your dogs, and be trained to treat trauma, stay safe and keep our hairy friends safe!
Click here to get human Gunshot Trauma Kit Guide.
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