When you bring a new canine family member into your home, it’s only natural to feel overwhelmed by the necessities of dog ownership. Do I need a bed? Can I just get him some old blankets? Will he like toys? What kind of food should I get? How do I train him? Is that really his name? The list goes on and on.
Even though questions about how to take care of your new puppy can run rampant, there’s one thing you might be forgetting. Do you have all the meds you’ll need if it gets sick or hurt while he’s under your care? Sure, a vet will be able to help you treat any sickly symptoms and prepare for any major injuries.
But still, it’s good practice to keep some basic medications around in case something small comes up while you wait to see the doctor. So what are these medications, why would they be useful, and when should they be used? Let’s talk about it.
Antiseptic Wipes
Antiseptic wipes are a must-have for any pet owner, especially those with dogs. A wound on your dog’s paw can easily become infected, so it’s important to clean the area thoroughly. Antiseptic wipes are also helpful for cleaning your dog’s ears and mouth.
Not only do they help keep wounds from getting infected and spreading disease, but they can also be used as an alternative to soap when washing your pet’s fur. You may not be able to rinse every inch of their fur in water, but by wiping off a small part of the fur with antiseptic wipes each day, you will significantly lower the risk of bacteria growth.
They come in different sizes ranging from 2-6 inches long, depending on how large or small a patch of skin needs cleaning. Most brands include natural ingredients such as aloe vera or tea tree oil which make them safe for both humans and animals alike. You can take a look at various brands available on PetCareRx.
Mineral Oil
If you’re looking for a quick fix for constipation in your dog, mineral oil is the way to go. It’s safe to give your dog orally or by enema and can be used on dogs of any age. It works well as a laxative because it helps relax the smooth muscles of the intestines, which helps them move more easily.
Mineral oil is not recommended for long-term use as it can cause diarrhea and may interfere with other medications. If you notice these side effects after giving mineral oil, discontinue use immediately. Contact your veterinarian immediately if symptoms worsen or don’t improve within 72 hours of stopping the administration of this medication.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide can be used to clean wounds and ear infections. It’s also a great first aid tool for cleaning teeth, feet, and your dog’s mouth. If a cut on his skin is not too deep, you can pour some onto the wound and rub it in. It will disinfect the area and help stop bleeding. This can be especially helpful if your dog gets into something sharp or dirty.
Use hydrogen peroxide to brush your dog’s teeth once or twice daily. Use a cotton swab to apply it directly onto their gums and teeth. You should see results within three days of using this method regularly. If your dog is having trouble getting used to it at first try using peanut butter as bait while brushing their teeth. They’ll love licking that off while they get used to having them cleaned out by hand.
Canned Pumpkin
Canned pumpkin is a great supplement to feed your dog if they are suffering from diarrhea. The fiber in canned pumpkins helps reduce the frequency and intensity of diarrhea, which is why it’s a good idea to keep some on hand at all times. It’s also useful for constipation, as the fiber assists in moving things along more quickly than they would without it.
Canned pumpkin can also help with upset stomachs and gas issues in dogs because it offers relief from both discomforting conditions. At the same time, canned pumpkin also provides them an additional source of nutrients that they might not get otherwise (especially if they’re lactose intolerant).
Epsom Salt
Epsom salt is a natural home remedy for dogs and is a great option to have on hand if your dog has muscle pain or stiffness. Epsom salt helps to relieve pain in muscles and joints, and it can also be used to provide relief from muscle aches caused by overexertion. It’s also a natural diuretic, so it may help encourage your dog’s urinary tract to function more normally than before.
Epsom salt refers to magnesium sulfate heptahydrate. It is a compound made up of sulfuric acid, water, magnesium oxide (sometimes called magnesia), sodium chloride (table salt), and other trace elements like aluminum hydroxide monohydrate or silica gel. It is found naturally near some mineral springs throughout Europe.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is a natural remedy that can be used to treat many different ailments. It can also be used as a massage oil for your dog or for treating dry skin and other problems.
Olive oil can help treat acne because it has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce redness and swelling from the irritation of pimples. It is also great for helping with skin conditions if you notice that your dog’s skin looks irritated after scratching constantly.
If you use olive oil as an ingredient in homemade dog treats, it has been said to help relieve itching from some allergies. Additionally, it will not cause any side effects if swallowed by your pup, unlike some other commercial medications.
If You Have a Dog, You Should Keep the Above Items in Your Home
If you have a dog, you should keep the above items in your home. If your dog is injured or becomes ill, these medications can be used to help them recover from their symptoms. You should store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. The emergency pet medication kit is also helpful for when your dog has an allergic reaction to something (like bee stings) or if they become ill after eating something that isn’t good for them (such as chocolate).
Bottomline
We hope that you feel empowered to care for your dog and that you have learned something new today. We hope the tips we outlined help care for your dog and make sure they are happy and healthy. Do your best to make sure everything goes smoothly, but we know how unpredictable our pets can sometimes be. If ever in doubt about a situation, don’t hesitate to contact a veterinarian if you need help.
