Be Prepared - Pet First Aid & Essentials

April is National Pet First Aid Month, which means it’s a great time for pet owners to learn how best to handle pet accidents and emergencies. Animals can’t tell you when they aren’t feeling well and many hide signs of illness until a problem is well advanced.

The majority of pet parents will, at some point, find their dogs or cats injured or sick and in need of immediate help beyond home remedies or preventatives. This will require transporting to a veterinary clinic or pet hospital and the best thing you can do in an emergency situation is to stay calm.

Have your Veterinary office information on your pet’s carrier so you are not fumbling for information.

While you drive to the Veterinarian, if you can, designate a “helper” to call ahead and let your Vet know where you are. Your helper may sit in the back with your pet if they are passive, but should sit in the front if your pet is showing signs of aggression during the pet emergency. 

Pet First Aid Month is also the right time to stock up on your pet’s preventative wellness needs prior to any emergency so you are fully prepared. Read labels and find products that are created for pets to avoid any chemical interaction that could be problematic or require Veterinary care.

Boo Boo Balm

 A great pet essential is a wellness balm for any minor cuts and scrapes. While Neosporin works for dogs, licking is a concern because there is a toxicity aspect. Be sure to prevent your pet from consuming this otherwise outstanding antibiotic cream. For peace of mind, consider the USDA Certified Organic Pure and Natural Pet Organic Boo Boo Balm – all-purpose Ointment. It’s made with food-grade ingredients. This is important as it means the balm is safe if licked, and you don’t have to pull out a pesky cone. It has organic Calendula to promote healing, Neem to reduce irritation and strengthen the immune system, Thyme an antifungal and anti-inflammatory that helps heal wounds, Teatree to prevent topical bacteria and Shea Butter that acts as a protectant.

It is important to note that any serious wounds should be attended to by your Veterinarian.

Nose Rescue

Dogs rely on having a healthy nose as they have millions of sensory receptors in their nose. Dogs can lick their noses excessively due to neurological conditions (partial seizures) or anxiety, or because their nose itches due to allergies. If your dog is acting sick, feels warm, seems to be licking her nose excessively, and/or is coughing or sneezing, then it is time to see your Vet.

There are some diseases that can cause a chronically dry nose. Auto-immune disorders, such as lupus or pemphigus, can cause changes in the surface of a dog’s nose that leads to dryness, cracking, and bleeding. Excessive sun exposure, especially in dogs that have pink skin and noses, can lead to a painful sunburned nose that can peel or crack. Specific breeds, like Pugs and Bulldogs, can’t lick their nose very well due to the shape of their head. These dogs will often develop an uncomfortable crusty or cracked nose.

A quick and natural solution for ongoing healthy nose maintenance is the USDA Certified Organic Pure and Natural Pet Nose Rescue. It’s made with Beeswax to hydrate skin while creating a protective barrier that won’t clog pores. It is also rich in Olive Oil which treats skin conditions and contains Rosemary which acts as a natural SPF.

Paw Rescue

Just like their noses, a dog’s paws are sensitive and can be impacted by the weather causing dry and cracked skin. Dogs use their Paws constantly throughout the day. The paw pads are soft and help protect bones and joints from shock while your dog moves. The paw pad also provides protection during extreme weather conditions in the summer or winter and can shield the paw from rough terrain.

To help heal, or to prevent paw injury and keep your dog's paws in shape, use the USDA Certified Organic Pure and Natural Pet Paw Rescue. Like all of our healing balms, Paw Rescue is made to food-grade standards, and is safe if licked.

Paw Rescue features Calendula Oil with antibacterial properties and contains St. John Wort, Rosemary, and Hemp Oil which all reduce inflammation and serve as natural pain relief.  Other ingredients include Sunflower Oil, Olive Oil and Beeswax which moisturize and protect.

Hot Spots

You may not be familiar with the term Hot Spots, but your dog sure is. Canine hot spots are lesions that occur when dogs scratch, gnaw and/or lick at an itchy area on their bodies. These sores are red, wet, and often warm to the touch (hence the name “hot spots”).

If you can, trim the area around the hot spot with dog hair clippers (not scissors). This will allow the affected area to get some air and prevent excess moisture from slowing down the healing process. Spray the affected area with the USDA Certified Organic Pure and Natural Pet Hot Spot/Anti Itch Spray. It quickly and effectively treats Hot Spots and helps them heal. The Calendula Oil helps control bacterial growth in the hair follicle and acts as an anti-inflammatory to soothe irritated skin. The Jojoba Oil reduces pain and inflammation.

If problems persist, contact your Veterinarian, as there may be an underlying issue.

Wipes

With all first aid, it’s important to clean the wound or infected area. There is a misconception that Baby Wipes are safe to use on your dog. Baby wipes are specifically designed for human skin which has a different pH from dogs. This means that baby wipes can irritate your dog’s skin.

Artificial fragrances and other chemicals in baby wipes pose no danger to babies because they are used externally. Most Baby wipes contain lotion, propylene glycol, and fragrances that can be harmful to your dog and can cause diarrhea and vomiting to dogs.

Dogs are covered in fur which retains chemical substances for far longer than human skin does. This means that any toxins will remain on your dog’s coat long after you have wiped them down.

It’s important to remember that products meant for humans are designed with safety considerations for them and not for your dog. The Pure and Natural Pet Grooming & Cleansing Wipes are specifically formulated for your pet and their sensitive skin. Available in soothing Fragrance-Free Wipes for all pets or relaxing canine Lavender Wipes. Our eco-friendly, biodegradable wipes, feature Jojoba Oil that can reduce dryness on their skin & coat, and Calendula Oil that will soothe dry skin and speed the healing process.

Ear Serum

Ear issues in dogs are very common, and in most cases, these issues are mild and can be treated with simple home care and grooming.

Due to how they are structured, dog ears are prone to many issues, and must be cared for properly and on a regular basis. The canine ear canal is more vertical than that of a human, forming an L-shape that tends to hold in fluid. This makes dogs more prone to ear infections.

Many dog owners have learned to recognize the telltale signs of an ear infection: whining, scratching, and head shaking are often the first symptoms of the problem. Dogs with long and hanging ears like Bloodhounds or Basset Hounds are more likely to be affected by ear infections.

Ear infections are typically caused by bacteria, yeast, or a combination of both. Your pooch can get bacterial and yeast infections, both of which are usually accompanied by strong odors. Other symptoms include redness, swelling, discharge and scabs. Ear infections can also be caused by parasites as well as some auto-immune disorders.

The Pure and Natural Pet USDA Certified Organic Ear Cleansing Serum is exceptional at cleaning and healing the ear. The organic Witch Hazel deodorizes and disinfects while the Mullein Oil is an anti-inflammatory that can also provide much-needed antiseptic properties as well as pain relief. We also carry an Organic Ear Wash that’s ideal for routine cleaning. Any ear infection that chronically persists should be checked by your Veterinarian.

Eye Wipes

Dogs' love of play and innate curiosity makes them prone to scrapes and injuries. Even the most well-behaved dog can end up with an eye injury. This can happen from rough play, chasing small animals through the underbrush, or just digging in the garden.

While our eco-friendly Tear Stain Removing Under Eye Wipes are primarily for removing stubborn stains that can develop around the eye, they are gentle enough to be used for everyday cleaning. The premoistened wipes feature Aloe Vera and Cucumber to soothe and are packed with Vitamin A to boost immune function and work as an anti-inflammatory.

Waterless Shampoo

When you have a pet emergency, keeping your pet clean is important.

A Waterless Dog Shampoo can be ideal when your dog is unable to have a “traditional” bath.  Our Waterless Shampoo is made with ingredients that soak up the excess dirt and oil on your dogs’ skin and coat. A Waterless Dog Shampoo gives you the ability to easily spot clean your pup and keep them fresh and bacteria-free, which is critical if there’s been an injury. It is also a great alternative if your dog has trouble standing for an extended period of time, or if they have had surgery and cannot get wet. A Waterless Shampoo like the Pure and Natural Pet USDA Certified Organic Waterless Dog Shampoo in Lavender is your perfect solution to a clean and relaxing bath.

Create your pet’s wellness and first aid plan prior to any emergency and stock up on your wellness essentials. The better you can prepare, the happier and healthier your pet will be – and hopefully you can avoid any significant emergency and minimize veterinary costs through an ongoing home wellness routine.

For USDA Certified Organic wellness products, visit PureAndNaturalPet.com.

For a detailed list on a Household Dangers Check List. View the link from our friends at the ASPCA.