6 things that should not be missing in any dog pharmacy

Don't have a dog pharmacy yet or thinking about getting one? This has many advantages. We show you what exactly belongs in such a pharmacy and should always be there as an emergency kit. In addition, we have chosen for this article Advice from veterinarian Mag.med.vet. Emin Jasarevic obtained. Note: This article is written for the german country. 

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It makes sense to think about the appropriate dog pharmacy. In the meantime, more and more dog owners are opting for a mobile emergency kit. This creates safety even on the road.

Why a dog pharmacy is so important?

Many people have plasters and other utensils for emergencies at home. But only a few also think of their four-legged friend. We try to protect our pets as best we can. But often we are not able to protect them from all everyday dangers.

The dog pharmacy is especially suitable for situations when it is not life-threatening for your furry companion.

Therefore, we refer at this point to the following necessity: situations that are life-threatening for your dog (such as acute respiratory distress, fractures or allergic reactions and Poisonings) cannot be treated from home. In this case, please see a veterinarian as soon as possible. 

Non-hazardous situations

For non-dangerous situations, the dog pharmacy is recommended. These are, for example, cuts or harmless diarrhea. Here you have a more detailed overview of the respective situations:

  • minor cuts or lacerations on the paw
  • torn claws
  • Tick bite
  • watery eyes (complaints should also not last more than a few days)
  • Pinched tail or paw (if no evidence of fracture).

The above accidents can usually be alleviated with dog pharmacy aids. However, if you have any concerns, you should definitely contact your veterinarian. 

Are you not sure if your paw is broken? Then clarification at the vet is the key. Is your pet's health not impaired? Is there no life-threatening situation? Then you can use the aids of the dog pharmacy.

Situations in which immediate veterinary attention should be sought include the following:

  • Burns
  • Swallowed objects
  • Ingestion of toxic bodies
  • allergic reactions (these can intensify in seconds)
  • Fractures
  • Poisoning (chemical household products, food toxic for the dog, etc.)

Remember: An individual pharmacy is important!

The creation of a dog pharmacy can not be generalized, because each animal is different. So that you can also set up your dog pharmacy for home optimally, talk to a veterinarian.

Think about allergies or intolerances in your pet. Make sure that the medications do not cause allergies in your pet.

This belongs in a dog pharmacy

Now we will go into the various items and tools that should not be missing from a dog pharmacy. You can easily order most of the products online.

To this end, we also provide a brief explanation of why these items are so important to the dog's medicine cabinet. First of all, here is a helpful infographic in short form 🙂

Hundeapotheke EN

1. muzzle

A muzzle belongs in any case in a dog pharmacy. Often your pelt-nose suffers a shock from the accident. Dogs and humans react in a similar way. 

After a shock, they are either set on a flight reaction, are afraid or are aggressive. With the last two points your quadruped can also snap. A suitable muzzle is indispensable in this case.

2. various tools for connecting

Especially in the case of wound injuries, the various aids are important. Among the most necessary tools for bandages are:

  • Gauze bandages
  • Gauze swab
  • Bandages and dressing cotton
  • Adhesive bandages
  • Self adhesive bandage
  • Bandage scissors

3. disinfectant

The right disinfectant is also essential when it comes to items in a dog pharmacy. You should make sure that this disinfectant is suitable for dogs. Various pet stores offer a wide selection here.

4. disposable syringes

Disposable syringes are the optimal solution to administer something to your four-legged friend. Liquid medicine or other liquids can, thanks to the disposable syringe, be perfectly guided into the mouth. It also makes it easier to apply a disinfectant.

5. children or baby socks

Small socks are particularly suitable for various paw injuries. This way you can treat the wound on your dog's paw faster. 

6. clinical thermometer

A clinical thermometer is just as important for your dog's first aid kit. Ideally, you should get a digital thermometer. This allows you to measure the temperature faster and more conveniently.

Checklist for your pharmacy

CHECKLIST
Subject Note
Activated carbon
Disinfectant from the pet shop
Disposable gloves
Disposable syringe
Deworming tablets according to prescription from the veterinarian
Clinical thermometer digital
Flea & insect repellent
Children or baby socks
muzzle
Gauze bandages
Gauze swab
Ear cleaner specially for dogs
Self adhesive bandage
Tweezers for broken glass
Phone number from vet
Telephone number of the emergency veterinary service
Vaseline for easier insertion
Bandage scissors
Bandage absorbent cotton
Wound ointment specially for dogs
Tick Pliers

Medicines in the dog pharmacy?

Is it necessary to store medicines in the dog pharmacy?

This is usually recommended. However, you should talk to your veterinarian in advance about this plan. 

Your pet may have any allergies. Therefore, when choosing medicines, you must pay attention to the ingredients. Your vet can inform you about all the important medicines that can be found in the dog pharmacy. 

As a rule, the most common drugs for home are the following:

  • light sedatives for stressful situations
  • Ointment against swelling and/or insect bites
  • cooling gel/ointment for sprains

                              Attention! 

Do not give your dog painkillers from human medicine.

Even though we don't want our pets to be in pain, they shouldn't have to have a Painkiller that are made for humans. For example, drugs such as diclofenac or ibuprofen can cause severe side effects in dogs even at low doses.

Paracetamol, for example, can cause liver damage to your dog even in small doses. They are therefore not suitable for pain therapy in animals. Depending on the dosage, these drugs can even lead to the death of your favorite.

 

Your emergency kit for on the road

Accidents can happen not only at home. Your protégé is also exposed to factors outside that can affect his health and well-being.

That's why we recommend that you have an emergency kit for when you're on the road. You can access it during walks, trips or other activities.

To help you know what all you need to include in a travel emergency kit, we've put together a short and very informative checklist.

CHECKLIST "EMERGENCY KIT" FOR ON THE ROAD
Subject Available? Comments
Activated carbon
Gauze bandages
Fixation bandages
Command line
Pressure dressing
Self adhesive bandage
Bandage scissors
Wound ointment specially for dogs
Tweezers for glass splinters etc.
Tick Pliers
Phone number from vet
Telephone number of the emergency veterinary service

Additional Tip: This is how you notice if your dog has been poisoned!

Especially during walks lurks the danger of poisonous bodies. These poisonous bodies are unfortunately intentionally designed to endanger the well-being of your favorite.

Do you notice classic symptoms of poisoning in your dog? Please consult the nearest veterinarian immediately.

It is important to recognize the symptoms immediately. Because usually it is seconds that decide about life or death. Here are the symptoms that occur during poisoning:

  • Unconsciousness or clouding of consciousness
  • bloody urine
  • Diarrhea (bloody) and vomiting
  • colorless gums
  • Cramps
  • Paralysis
  • Indifference or indifference
  • irregular pulse
  • Restlessness and trembling
  • constricted or dilated pupils
  • cramped posture

Remember to Follow These Tips! If you suspect poisoning, do not muzzle your dog. One of the most common symptoms of poisoning is vomiting. Does your dog wear a muzzle?

This means that he may have to swallow the vomit again. This can get into the respiratory tract. You should absolutely refrain from forcing vomiting in your dog.

Frequently Asked Questions

The dog first aid kit is a small supply of medical utensils and remedies that you can use for your dog in case of minor emergencies. It can be compared to your own medicine cabinet.

To be able to act quickly in an emergency or to provide relief for minor injuries simply and on the spot, a dog pharmacy is indispensable. It is worthwhile in any case to create a dog pharmacy.

The basic equipment of a dog pharmacy includes: Muzzle, bandages, disinfectant, disposable syringes, fever thermometer, children's socks, various tablets and ointments.

The cost of a dog pharmacy depends on its individual composition. So the total price can vary from about 20 euros to 40 euros.

You should only use your dog first aid kit for minor emergencies. These include scratches, insect bites, bruises or torn claws. For serious emergencies, you should contact a veterinarian immediately.

Veterinarian’s Recommendation

A dog pharmacy is worthwhile in any case.

However, resort to it only when harmless or minor accidents have occurred. The dog pharmacy is comparable with our pharmacy for home. 

Use their tools and objects for harmless injuries. In emergency situations, be sure to seek medical attention.

If you are unsure, it is better to go to your local veterinarian. With any small suspicion of poisoning, this is the best thing you can do.

Picture of Geprüft vom Tierarzt Mag.med.vet. Emin Jasarevic
Veterinarian Mag.med.vet. Emin Jasarevic

I am a veterinarian and writer on animal health topics. Animals are my passion, and it is my personal goal to create medically accurate articles and videos to educate pet owners as much as possible.

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