Creating a home first aid kit for your Lhasa Apso is a great way to be prepared for any accidents. Knowing exactly what to put in your kit and what it is for may even save your Lhasa Apso dog a lot of pain and suffering. In order to ensure that your Lhasa Apso first aid kit is fully stocked and ready to go, I’ve created an easy to follow list.
Should you find yourself away from a trusted veterinarian or if your Lhasa Apso has received a minor injury, a properly stocked homemade first aid kit can solve a lot of problems. What should be included in a Lhasa Apso first aid kit? There are numerous items required in a first aid kit, but some of the most commonly used items include gauze, tweezers, alcohol wipes, and disposable gloves. Using the complete list to create your kit will help to account for almost any scenario.
Storing the first aid items in an easy-to-grab pack or box will make them portable and simple to store away. On the case of your kit, write or attach the contact information for your Lhasa Apso dog’s veterinarian and emergency vet offices so that they can be reached if needed. It is ideal to take the first aid kit with you if your Lhasa Apso joins you on a hiking trip or goes camping. It can also come in handy if he or she finds trouble in your own backyard. Having a Lhasa Apso first aid kit handy will never be a source of regret!
(Also, check out answers to your related questions at the end of this article).
16 Items to Include in Lhasa Apso First Aid Kit
There are a variety of items that can be included in your Lhasa Apso first aid kit. While there may be additional things that are not mentioned in this list, these suggested components are typically included in the best-equipped of kits. By planning ahead and adding each of these items to your own kit, your Lhasa Apso will be better off.
Gauze pads in a variety of sizes. Gauze is used in numerous ways, from stemming the flow of blood to preventing dirt and debris from entering an open wound. While it is most commonly used as bandages by those with no medical training, it can also be used to pack an open wound, scrub an area clean, or even as a bind to secure a splint in place. It is a versatile medical item that any first aid kid should never go without.
Medical tape. This everyday first aid kit item is usually used alongside gauze, as it secures it in place. Waterproof tape is ideal for a Lhasa Apso’s first aid kit.
Scissors. Not only can scissors be used to cut medical tape easily, but it may also be necessary to trim your Lhasa Apso dog’s fur away from the injury. This will allow you to be able to see the extent of the injury more clearly and also keep hair or dirt from entering into the wound.
Tweezers. Like with any human use of tweezers, your Lhasa Apso may find themselves with splinters or hazards stuck in their skin. In some cases, tweezers will even work to remove briars from fur. With a Lhasa Apso’s penchant for long fur, they are bound to get sharp or prickly objects caught when outdoors.
Antibiotic ointment. Unless your Lhasa Apso has a specific prescription for an antibiotic ointment, an over-the-counter version is acceptable. Use this product on small cuts or scrapes. Be sure to check with your veterinarian for specific information or a recommended brand, as it is likely your Lhasa Apso will attempt to lick at the ointment.
Cotton balls or q-tips. Most commonly, these items are used to apply the abovementioned antibiotic ointment, but can also be used to clean a wound or the ears of your Lhasa Apso. If infection occurs in the ears of your Lhasa Apso, cleaning with q-tips outside of the ear canal is a good first step to take.
Alcohol wipes. While typically used to cleanse a minor wound such as a cut or scrape, it is a good idea to clean your own hands with alcohol prior to treating your Lhasa Apso. Doing so will help to prevent infection. Alcohol wipes can also be utilized to clean your hands after treatment is complete.
Disposable gloves. Sometimes a quick hand
Styptic powder. This item is not one that the average pet owner has used or even heard of before, but it is a component that could save the life of your Lhasa Apso if they seem unable to clot blood. By putting styptic powder on a cut or even a bleeding nail, the blood flow will slow or come to a stop much faster.
Ice pack. In the event of swelling or pain, an ice pack may help. The easiest ice pack to include in your Lhasa Apso first aid kit is one that is activated by hitting it. These are more easily stored and become cold only when needed.
Towels. One use for a towel in your kit is to wrap around the ice pack. It can also be used for heavy bleeding, drying a washed area, or numerous other medical emergencies. Ensure that the towels are clean and not intended for use elsewhere, as stains may occur.
Dog shampoo or dish detergent. At times you may find that the smaller options for cleaning are not going to cut it. Having a bottle of soap available ensures that your Lhasa Apso can be thoroughly cleaned to help prevent any infection.
Hydrogen peroxide. A common misconception is that peroxide is only to be utilized to clean wounds. While it is a great tool for cleaning, it is typically intended to be used for cleaning blood from around the injury. Most vets do not use it to clean inside a wound, although it can work in a pinch. Hydrogen peroxide can also be used to induce vomiting, should your Lhasa Apso eat something he or she shouldn’t have. If this is a route that must be taken, be sure to consult with a vet prior to giving your dog hydrogen peroxide.
Oral syringe. It is not likely that your Lhasa Apso would consume hydrogen peroxide willingly. An oral syringe would be necessary to get the liquid in the dog’s system. This item can also be used to flush out a wound of dirt and debris.
Saline solution. If something gets into your Lhasa Apso’s eyes, it is best to use a product intended to flush the eyes rather than other liquids that might damage the eyes. Although water can be used if necessary, an eye saline would allow for the proper moisture and help to produce real tears.
Flashlight and batteries. Having the ability to see clearly will help you to determine the extent of your Lhasa Apso’s injury. Putting a flashlight in your first aid kit is ideal for better visibility and other emergency uses.
By creating a Lhasa Apso first aid kit that includes each of the above items, you are preparing yourself for any event. Of course, with moderate to severe incidents, it is ideal to get your Lhasa Apso to a veterinarian. That is not always immediately possible, leaving this kit as your response to emergencies. However, once you’ve got your kit ready to go, you must also monitor expiration dates so that the items inside are still usable when needed. An expired item is often as useful as not having the item at all.
See also: DO LHASA APSOS HAVE HEALTH PROBLEMS?
Treating Minor Lhasa Apso Wounds
It can be a scary event when our pups get hurt. If it is a minor injury, it can usually be handled at home or without the assistance of a veterinarian. If the injury extends beyond a minor scrape or cut, it is best to contact your vet immediately to determine the best course of action.
Knowing what’s best for a minor injury is ideal in order to provide your Lhasa Apso the best possible care. While a small cut or scrape may not seem like a big deal, preventing infection is the key. Infected wounds can cause a multitude of problems over time.
So, you’re Lhasa Apso gets hurt. Once your hands are clean or in a pair of disposable gloves, you’re ready to begin tending to the wound. With a minor cut, it is ideal to start by trimming away any fur that is in contact with the injury. Be sure to keep any trimmings from getting in the wound. You will want to clean the area with alcohol wipes and look for any dirt or debris in the cut. If debris is present, use a pair of tweezers to remove the larger pieces carefully.
After larger debris has been removed from the injury, flush the site with water. If no water is available, hydrogen peroxide will do. If bleeding has not yet stopped, styptic powder can be applied to speed up the process. Once bleeding has been stunted, apply an antibiotic ointment to the wound with a cotton ball or swab. Allow time for the ointment to work without the use of a bandage. If your Lhasa Apso will not leave the injury alone, it may be necessary to use gauze and medical tape to prevent too much licking.
Like with a human scrape or cut, the more air the wound is able to get, the faster it will heal. If you are able to keep your pup from irritating the area, simply wash the injury a few times each day and be sure to pat it dry thoroughly. If a bandage is necessary to keep your Lhasa Apso from licking the area, remember to change the bandage several times each day and allow time between bandages for cleaning and drying the area. Covering a wet open wound will likely cause infection.
If a serious injury occurs whilst you and your dog are not close to veterinary help, be sure to call a trusted vet for instructions on how to care for the animal until he or she can get to an animal hospital or vet’s office. Following the instructions explicitly can save the life of your Lhasa Apso.
Remember, when your Lhasa Apso gets themselves a minor cut or scrape, a vet is not usually necessary. If the blood does not stop flowing, even if the cut seems small, it would then be necessary to contact your dog’s vet. However, in most cases, a simple cut can be attended to at home with the use of a well-stocked first aid kit. If there is any doubt as to whether the injury is minor or not, it is better to play it safe and see the vet.
See also: HOW MUCH DOES A LHASA APSO COST PER YEAR?
CPR for Dogs
Although a first aid kit is a great tool to keep with you, it will most likely be unhelpful in the event that your Lhasa Apso stops breathing. In order to be fully prepared for this unlikely event, it can be a good idea to learn how to perform CPR on your dog.
Prior to starting CPR, double check that no air is being expelled from their nose. Then, check your Lhasa Apso dog’s mouth and airways for any blockage. It is usually necessary to pull the tongue outward to be able to see clearly. You will then want to check for a pulse. The easiest place to check for a pulse on a dog is inside the hind leg near the stomach. You can also check for a pulse directly over their heart.
If your Lhasa Apso has a pulse, but they are indeed not breathing, full CPR is not necessary. Simply ensure that their lips are sealed, cover their nostrils with your mouth, and blow gently. If you see their chest rise and fall with the breath, continue doing so every 3 seconds until he or she is breathing on his or her own.
If your dog has no pulse, CPR is needed immediately. Your Lhasa Apso will need to be on a flat surface on their right side. Straighten his or her airway and ensure that the tongue is forward against their teeth and not towards the back of the mouth.
From your place at the dog’s back, curl your hands around the rib cage. Squeeze around their chest at a rate of 17 times per 10 seconds. You will then need to seal the Lhasa Apso’s mouth and cover their nostrils with your mouth as you breathe gently every 15-17 compressions. After each set of compressions and breath, squeeze the abdomen to encourage blood flow.
Continue CPR until your Lhasa Apso starts breathing again or up to 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, resuscitation is unlikely. If your dog does begin breathing on his or her own, it is still imperative to get the dog to a vet as soon as possible.
If your Lhasa Apso finds themselves in a sticky situation, you are much more likely to be prepared in assisting them if your Lhasa Apso first aid kit is properly stocked and you know how to use it. It is also ideal to know what to do if they are not breathing or have no pulse. Doing so can save your little friend’s life!
See also: 7 LHASA APSO HEALTH PROBLEMS
Related Questions
Are classes available for learning how to perform CPR on my Lhasa Apso? Yes, The Red Cross is one of many CPR training providers. They do both human CPR courses as well as dog CPR lessons.
Do Lhasa Apso dogs commonly have breathing problems? While it may not necessarily be common, the shape of a Lhasa Apso’s muzzle does often cause some trouble with breathing, especially when doing heavy activity or exercise. In order to avoid this issue, be sure that your Lhasa Apso is not overactive or exercising for long periods of time. 30 minutes is a normal limit for the breed.