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what emergency medicine do i buy for my cocker spaniel puppy?

ive got a 8 week old cocker - im just a new hyper owner so i want to know in advance what emergency first aid and medicines i should keep

for falls
for a broken limb
for burns
for electric shocks
for other dog bites

for choking

what else - the more exhaustive the better

Public Comments

1. a vet will take care of it

2. The only stuff I keep on hand for my pets is neosporin and the stuff to stop bleeding if you cut your dogs nails too short, otherwise I go to the vet.

3. All those things sound like emergencies that you would need to take your dog to the vet for. Make sure you have the name and location of the emergency vet nearest you. As for a first aid kit to hold you over on the ride there, I would suggest gauze, some vet wrap, towels (to wrap your animal in because if it's in pain it can bite you), some hydrogen peroxide (in case it gets into something toxic and you need to make it vomit, but this would depend on which substance it ate so talk to your vet first, they may have you do it on the way in). But mainly, try not to worry, most animals have very few problems in their life, just make sure you get them their vaccines and keep them away from any public areas until they are completely protected.

And congrats on your new puppy =)

4. All of the things you mentioned couldnt be treated at home without the advice of a vet. You just need the everyday items toys,food,fresh water and treats.Good Luck !!

5. usually an emergency will require a vet visit.
go to your local petco or petsmart and get some dog pain meds, anti-diarrhea med, some ointment for infection and some doggie ace bandage wrap.
anything more than that may require a trip to the vet, i also suggest having a fund set aside for emergencies or purchasing pet insurance so you don't run into a common issue here of ..... "don't say vet, i have no money"
good for you for thinking in advance!!

6. If you google Dog First Aid kit you should find stuff. But I made one and I find I use it more than the dog. Lol

7. I have the best book. The First Aid Compaion For Dogs& Cats By Amy D. Shojai. Get it great book =p

8. Learn how to tie a soft/gauze muzzle - an injured dog may bite even the owner. (Your vet can show you how to do this - its quick and easy).

I keep vet wrap on hand (although be careful about bandaging -- a misplaced bandage on for too long can cause some serious problems, often more than not putting it on at all.)

I also like ot keep hydrogen peroxide in the cupboard. (to induce vomiting).

Know which over the counter meds are OK for your dog (although still don't give them without advice from the vet re. dosing, but have them on hand should you need them). Aspirin (ASA) is one that is OK in the right dose (check with your vet), many others are not (ibuprofen, acetominofen, etc. can be quite dangerous).

Best of luck with your pup.

9. The most important one is to get a refrigerator magnet where you can fill in the name, address and phone number of your nearest emergency vet :)

Most of what you listed would require vet attention. There's nothing wrong with keeping some Neosporin on hand as a temporary wound cleaner, and then maybe some bandages and tape, but you probably have this in your med chest. Never try to set a suspected broken limb - you can turn a bad sprain into a compound fracture without even realizing it.

Some people also give Pepto Bismol in small amounts, but do not do this unless you've gotten your vet's input on it and also know the situations where it would be dangerous. Pepto treats symptoms, rather than underlying disease, so if the pup has something more serious than a simple case of the trots, it can mask the symptoms and suddenly you have a real emergency on your hands.

And I totally agree with whoever mentioned either vet insurance or else making sure you have access to ready cash in the event of an emergency. Fortunately, most of us don't need this or only once/twice, but it can add up into the hundreds for an emergency, and these hospitals are snarky about getting prepaid, so it's important to do this. Weekends can be so scary when you know your regular vet isn't available!

10. Red Cross gives a pet first aid course to teach you how to handle emergencies
they also sell an excellent first aid kit for pets