I carry some 2x2" and 4x4" gauze pads and a couple of rolls of that sticky/stretch bandaging material for cut feet. If you have to apply a pressure bandage on a foot, firmly wrap the WHOLE FOOT. Don't leave any toes sticking out.

If you live in cactus areas, I would carry a hemostat to pull them out. They provide a better grip then bare fingers, and will hold onto a heavier cactus spine than tweezers.

Pliers and hemostats can be used to remove fishhooks, but you often need a wire cutter, too. Only try to back the hook out if the back of the barb is visible. If the barb has gone through the lips or tongue, try to advance it enough so you can cut the barb off and then back the rest of the hook out. A swallowed hook requires vet care.

Dogs with foot injuries should receive a tetanus shot.

I also carry a couple of rolls of plain gauze to use as an emergency muzzle: make one loop with a single overhand knot, place over muzzle with knot on top, pull snugly; bring ends of gauze down and tie another overhand knot below chin; bring both ends together behind dog's head (below ears) and tie in a bow at the back. If dog tries to remove muzzle with paws, hold, tie or duct tape paws. Dog will 'blow' through sides of lips, so don't close off the entire mouth area.

See drawing, and PAY ATTENTION to warnings
http://www.flyball.com/region5/Region%205%20Emergency%20Document%20for%20web_files/image006.gif

Dewclaws frequently get torn in brush. Apply pressure, then wrap with a bandage to protect. Don't make it so tight it becomes a tourniquet. Check paw every 10 minutes for swelling or cold foot temperature = bandage is too tight.

Dogs don't sweat, they only can expire heat by panting and through the pads of their feet. Allow enough water, bath feet, wet down if too hot. If you've got a ball- or stick-crazy dog, don't let people keep throwing the ball/stick in hot weather.

Porcupine quills - A pair of pliers are handy to have. Grab the spine as close to the skin as possible and pull straight out. Quills are barbed on the tips, and if left in the body will migrate out of easy reach. Some have been known to puncture internal organs. Give Benedryl if needed.

Have your vet show you how to do CPR.

Scorpions - get to a vet, with the scorpion, if possible. Some aren't very toxic, some are.

Bufo toad poisoning - flush the mouth with water and get the dog to a vet. Effects usually show up within 15 minutes and can be fatal.

Skunks - There are a couple of products made just for skunk encounters, Skunk-Off or Skunk Kleen, but you can make your own (but you can't mix it ahead of time, only for immediate use):
Mix 1 quart 3% hydrogen peroxide (not previously opened) + 1/4 cup baking soda + 1 tsp liquid soap. Wet the dog down with the mixture and work it through the hair in the affected areas. Leave it on a few minutes, then rinse. You will probably have to repeat it several times. Don't get it in the dog's eyes (or yours). Don't try to save the excess, it's only good fresh. If you have to use it around the face, try to put something in the eyes first, even cooking oil.

A dog's normal temperature usually ranges from 100F to 102.5F (size doesn't matter), and the normal heart rate varies with size, the smaller the dog the higher the heart rate (under 30# = 100-160 bpm, over 30# = 60-100 bpm). It could be a good idea for you to check your dog's heart rate when it is in normal condition.

If you have a pet emergency, call the vet to make sure help is there before you go.

Sue