Chinut Chihuahuas

Chihuahua First Aid Kit

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, our little ones become sick or suffer a misadventure. Prepare for the unexpected by keeping the following items on hand.

List of emergency numbers - When we're panicked, it's easy to forget memorized numbers and looking up information can take precious time. Keep a list of numbers near the phone. I keep my list taped to the inside of a cabinet door. Program numbers into speed dial if your phone has the feature. I suggest you keep the following numbers: your regular vet, the closest vet, the closest animal hospital, a 24 hour emergency animal hospital and poison control.

Medicine dropper or syringe - Use for administering liquid medicine or fluids. Pharmacies often provide these free of charge.

Tweezers - Useful for removing ticks, slivers, thorns or shards of glass.

Rectal thermometer - Digital thermometers are inexpensive and easy to read. Normal temperature of a Chihuahua is between 101 and 103 (rectally). It is a good idea to take you Chi's temp when he's feeling well to establish a baseline temp. Make sure to label thermometer as "canine". It is a good idea to use the disposable thermometer covers when taking a temperature. It is easier to keep the thermometer clean and prevents the spread of viruses between animals.

Gauze pads and Cor bandage - A Cor bandage is a wrap bandage that sticks to itself.

Nutrical or Nutragel - A high-energy supplement to maintain blood sugar levels, available at pet supply stores. Use for hypoglycemic episodes or when your Chihuahua is sick and not eating well. Use a dab about the size of a kidney bean. If your dog won't lick it off your finger, apply to the roof of the mouth. You can use Karo syrup as a substitute. A medicine syringe simplifies administration. Personally, I keep Nutragel on hand and a syringe filled with Karo syrup inside a plastic bag taped inside my pantry.

Laxatone - (or feline hairball remedy) A kidney bean sized dose eases constipation. A tablespoon of canned pumpkin is a natural constipation remedy. Other less-effective (and higher calorie) options are butter or vegetable oil.

Children's Benedryl - Helps for allergic reactions, including sneezing. 1/4 tablet up to 5 lbs., 1/2 tablet over 5 lbs. Can be given every 8 hours, but not more than three times in a 24 hour period.

Hydrogen Peroxide - Administer to make your dog regurgitate after eating an inappropriate item. Administer 10 mg. Vomiting should occur within 15 minutes. If not, give 10 mg. more. Do not use in the case of a caustic substance being swallowed. If the substance is caustic, give milk and call poison control, preferably on your way to an animal hospital!

Neosporin or Septiclens - Use to kill germs on wounds. Septiclens is made specifically for animals and can also help in mange.

Styptic powder, gel or pads - Press against bleeding nails or wounds to stop the flow of blood. In an emergency, you can make do with a wet teabag. Another option is using a sanitary pad.

Kaopectate - Give 1 ml. per pound of Chihuahua, every 2 hours for diarrhea.

Jar of baby food chicken or lamb - Useful for enticing a Chi to eat.

Other items that are useful to have in case of emergency

Muzzle - When hurting, a dog may bite. If you don't have a muzzle, you can use a necktie. Wrap the tie around the muzzle, crossover underneath, bring ends together and tie behind the head.

Stretcher - You can use a small piece of plywood, heavy duty cardboard or storage bin lid as a stretcher to transport a dog into the car safely. This is especially important if the dog has been hit by a car. Slide the stretcher under the dog, trying not to move extremtries or neck, in case of broken bones.

Blanket - A baby blanket is a good size to put over an injured dog to keep her warm.