RVing with Pets
Well equipped first aid kid essential for RVing pets
By Christy Powers

With warmer weather, we spend more time outside whether at home or on the road. Increased activity leads to a greater chance of injury or exposure to something harmful. This does not mean we should leave our pets at home, living in a bubble. It does mean that we should be prepared. Prepare a pet first aid kit and keep it in the doggie duffle.

Talk with your veterinarian in advance about your potential need for emergency services from distant places. Make sure you have his phone number in your kit. In case of emergency, you will first want to talk with your veterinarian who knows your pet and hopefully get a referral.

According to the Animal Referral and Emergency Center of Arizona, ARECA, we should all have a first aid kit prepared and ready for an emergency. At best, we should have duplicate kits for home and the RV. These should be checked regularly to make sure that all the contents are there and in good condition and all the medications are current with no expired dates. In it, we should have everything we need in case of an injury, sickness or bite. Also, it should contain a first aid care guide.

According to the ARECA, the inventory should include: conforming 3? bandage rolls, large 4? square gauze pads ? preferably non stick, terry cloth towels, bandage tape, scissors, tweezers, pliers, magnifying glass, triple-antibiotic ointment, disposable iodine wipes, hydrogen peroxide (3%) and rubbing alcohol. Also in this kit should be milk of magnesia, a thermometer, pet shampoo, leash and soft, adjustable muzzle, latex gloves and emergency blankets.

Being prepared with a first aid kit and some basic first aid knowledge for our dogs and cats could save a life. Much of the care required for our pets follows the same rules as for a person. However, it is vitally important to know when to seek the aid of a veterinarian and how to recognize that receiving veterinary assistance is urgent, a matter of life or death. What constitutes an emergency? If it is Sunday or the middle of the night, do you know how to find an emergency clinic?

When any of the following signs are evident, contact a veterinarian immediately and let him know that you are on the way: difficulty breathing, unstoppable bleeding, inability to urinate or defecate, heatstroke, bloated or distended abdomen, loss of balance, unconsciousness or seizure, pain, major trauma or injury, shock, poisoning, continued or excessive vomiting and/or diarrhea, lameness, eye injury, allergic reaction, shaking, excessive salivation, abnormal behavior, severe lethargy, anorexia, fever greater than 104 degrees or other symptoms that are of concern.

In an emergency, it is important to remain calm, keep the animal calm and perform whatever immediate action is required before transporting the pet. If the pet receives a penetrating wound, particularly to the chest, do not remove the object. Instead, make an airtight seal over the wound and around the object by applying a cloth or plastic sheet and holding or taping loosely around the chest. Keep the animal calm, cover him with a blanket and transport immediately.

Arterial bleeding is life threatening and is characterized by a rhythmic spurting of blood. Venous bleeding is a slower dripping or pooling of blood. Control bleeding with gently steady pressure with a clean, absorbent material. Use a tourniquet loosely only as a last resort.

Shock is the body?s reaction to bodily trauma, usually associated with loss of blood pressure and a slowdown of vital body processes. Signs of shock are pale or white gums and tongue, rapid, shallow breathing and a dazed attitude or unconsciousness. Control any bleeding, wrap animal to keep from losing body heat and transport immediately to the veterinarian. Drugs, oxygen and intravenous fluids might be necessary to save your pet.

Broken bones may or may not puncture the skin. In case of a puncture, wrap the area loosely with a clean cloth to keep the area as clean as possible. Support the leg with a folded towel for transport to the veterinarian. Immediate attention is necessary to avoid deformities and lameness.

Snake bites, even from non-venomous snakes, can cause tissue reactions, infection and shock. Do not cut the wound and suck out the venom or apply tourniquets as you have seen in the movies. This might cause more harm than good. Get to the veterinarian immediately.

The more time we spend with our pets, the more quickly we will notice when they are not feeling well or something hurts. If your pet is showing signs of stress, check him over thoroughly. Stay calm and use common sense, the same as you would for a child. If in doubt, contact your veterinarian.

With questions or comments, contact Christy Powers at cpwrather@earthlink.net.