Being that these food items can be either made for humans or dogs and are available in innumerable forms, it is important to familiarize ourselves with what is safe for our canine companions to consume. Sorbitol is a common food additive and can be found in both human and dog products. Because most pet parents are particular about what their pup ingests, it’s natural to wonder: is sorbitol safe for dogs?

Read on to find out more about sorbitol, including exactly what it is and whether it’s okay for your dog.

What is Sorbitol?

Sorbitol is a colorless, odorless sugar alcohol that can be natural or manufactured depending on the need. Natural sources of sorbitol include berries, apples, peaches, pears, and other fruits. When manufactured, it is used as a sweetener substitute with less calories than traditional sugar and can also help food items retain texture. It is often made from potato starches. Sorbitol also has some medical indications, including for use as a laxative in humans. When scanning ingredient lists for the presence of sorbitol, it may be listed as D-sorbitol, E420, or D-glucitol.

Is Sorbitol Safe for Dogs?

So, we’ve covered what sorbitol is. Now let’s get to the heart of the matter: is sorbitol toxic to dogs?

Generally speaking, and in small amounts, sorbitol is considered safe for dogs;  however, if consumed in excess, it has the potential to create some unwanted side effects in dogs.

Why is that, you might ask? Although non-toxic, sorbitol is still a non-essential food additive for pet food items, and consuming it in excess could cause your dog discomfort. 

There are no well-defined parameters around what is considered a small and tolerable amount of sorbitol for dogs. If you realize that your pet has ingested sorbitol, you should keep tabs of how much of the food item they have consumed and monitor them closely for gastrointestinal upset. 

That being said, sorbitol is not toxic like its infamous relative xylitol, so there is no need for immediate stress or panic following sorbitol ingestion, as your pet may tolerate the amount ingested. If your dog develops clinical symptoms (more than likely gastrointestinal-related) that were not present before consumption of sorbitol, however, be sure to contact your veterinarian right away and discontinue use of the product.  

Foods and Products that Contain Sorbitol

As mentioned previously, sorbitol is both naturally occurring and made as a food additive. Natural sources include most pitted fruits and some cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli or brussels sprouts. Both human and pet products alike have potential for exposure to sorbitol as an added ingredient. Some common human-made products that may contain sorbitol include:

• Sugarless gum
• Diet beverages
• Candy
• Ice cream
• Toothpaste
• Medication suspensions
• Other “sugar-free” foods and beverages

Specifically focusing on pet products, sorbitol can also be found in:

• Treats
• Dessert biscuits
• Dog toothpaste

The very small amount of sorbitol in toothpaste for dogs is likely not enough to cause an issue for your pet unless they are overly sensitive to it, the ASPCA notes [1]. If you do notice any sensitivities, discontinue use of the product and discuss alternatives with your trusted veterinary team. Do not allow the presence of sorbitol in your pet products to deter you from practicing preventive dental hygiene for your pet or providing them treats in moderation and as tolerated; instead, allow it to help guide you in making an informed decision.

Sorbitol and Dogs: Precautions to Take

Being an aware and educated pet parent is the best way to avoid unwanted side effects of sorbitol consumption in dogs. Take note of where sorbitol-containing products are in the home and place them out of reach of your dog to prevent ingestion. 

In the cases of human products containing sorbitol, the product may be toxic or harmful to the pet for reasons other than the sorbitol itself. Anything that the dog receives by mouth should have its ingredients scanned for potential problems prior to it being given. 

For pet-specific products containing sorbitol, the amount considered safe for dogs to consume without unwanted gastrointestinal side effects is not set in stone, so these products should only be given using your discretion and reflection on how your pup may have tolerated the item before. 

Some signs that your dog may have consumed more sorbitol than they can comfortably tolerate include:

• Bloating
• Excessive flatulence
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Mild cases can be self-limiting with the elimination of the sorbitol, meaning that they resolve on their own without medical intervention. On the flip side, other cases may have more severe gastrointestinal symptoms, leading to dehydration and other secondary issues that require treatment by a veterinary team.  

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Why Canine Heartworm Prevention is Important 

Heartworm disease is a threat to dogs in every state in the U.S. and prevention should not be overlooked. It has the potential to cause widespread damage to your dog’s heart and lungs as well as damage to other vital organs. Oftentimes, dogs lack clinical symptoms until the disease has already done significant damage. 

Dogs who test positive for heartworm have to undergo an extensive and expensive treatment regimen, and prognosis varies based on a dog’s symptoms, age, and medical history. Dogs undergoing heartworm treatment also have exercise and lifestyle restrictions that can be difficult for pet parents to manage. If the disease is advanced or if treatment is delayed, heartworm disease in dogs can be fatal.

Preventing heartworms in dogs with oral or topical medications such as Interceptor Plus, Trifexis, or Advantage Multi for Dogs is much easier and more affordable than treating the disease. But keep in mind that most preventatives must be administered monthly throughout the year to ensure continuous protection.

How Do Dogs Get Heartworms?

Dogs contract heartworms through the bite of a mosquito carrying infected larvae. 

Prior to this transmission of infection from mosquito to dog, the mosquito takes a blood meal from an infected dog (or coyote, fox, or wolf) and ingests immature heartworms, known as microfilaria. With the passing of about 14 days, the microfilaria reach the stage of being infective. At that point, they become transmissible to other dogs when that same mosquito transfers the larvae through their bite. 

After about 6 months of being in the ideal host, heartworms reproduce. They can grow to be about a foot in length and one dog can have anywhere from a few worms to hundreds depending on how advanced the infection is. Adult heartworms can live for several years inside a dog. 

Although dogs who spend a considerable amount of time outside are at an increased risk for heartworm disease, dogs who remain indoors are still susceptible since mosquitos can easily get inside. Male dogs have anecdotally been reported to test positive for heartworms more frequently than female dogs, but the direct reasoning for this is unknown. 

The biggest risk factor for heartworm in dogs is not routinely receiving veterinarian prescribed heartworm prevention.  

4 Ways to Prevent Heartworm in Dogs

Although the thought of your furry friend contracting heartworm disease is alarming, there are several things you can do as a vigilant pet parent to keep your dog safe and protected.

Administer Heartworm Preventatives 

There are several veterinary prescribed prevention options (see our picks below) depending on you and your dog’s needs. Many of these preventive medications also deworm your dog for gastrointestinal parasites such as hookworms, roundworms, whipworms, or tapeworms. There are also heartworm prevention medications that are combined with flea and/or tick prevention minimizing the number of monthly tablets or topicals you must administer.

Schedule Regular Veterinary Checkups and Heartworm Testing 

These are important for preventing heartworms in your dog to ensure the medication is working as intended. Heartworm preventatives for dogs work by eliminating presence of larval stages of heartworm circulating through the blood, and do not prevent the initial mosquito bite or transmission, nor do they eliminate the presence of adult worms. Although these methods are highly effective when used as directed, missed doses or other variables – such as the animal spitting it out unseen – can impact a product’s efficacy. Heartworm testing is done once per year unless there are known doses missed or other faults found in the preventive protocol.

Use a Dog Safe Mosquito Repellent

If the mosquito does not bite the dog, it cannot transmit heartworm to the dog. Ensure that whatever product being used is safe for your dog, nontoxic, and safe to use around your other species of pets if applicable.

Treat Your Home and Environment

Another great way to reduce your dog’s risk of contracting heartworm disease is by eliminating mosquitoes from your home environment as much as possible. This can include removing all types of standing water that are on your property and using pet-safe yard treatments to keep mosquitoes away.

Top Heartworm Prevention Products for Dogs

As previously mentioned, keeping your dog on a year-round heartworm preventative is the best way to protect your dog from infection and disease. Here are some of the top heartworm prevention medications recommended by vets. 

All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the Great Pet Care editorial team and do not reflect a direct endorsement by the author.

Interceptor Plus

This chicken-flavored chewable not only prevents heartworm, but it treats and controls adult hookworm, roundworm, whipworm and tapeworm infections in dogs. While Interceptor Plus isn’t a flea and tick preventative, it does offer more protection against intestinal worms than any other formula. Protection lasts for 30 days and this dog heartworm medication is available in four different sizes. It can be given to dogs who are at least 2 pounds and 6 weeks or older.

Complete 5-Worm Protection

Interceptor Plus for Dogs

• Single monthly chicken-flavored chew that's easy to give
• Protects against five common types of worms that infect dogs
• Available in four dosing sizes to accommodate dogs of different sizes*

Learn More

*Dogs and puppies 6 weeks or older and 2 pounds or greater

Simparica Trio for Dogs

If you are looking for an all-around medication that can prevent heartworm, fleas, ticks, and other types of intestinal worms, Simparica Trio is an ideal choice. This chewable dog heartworm preventative is easy to administer and protects against heartworms, fleas, five types of ticks, roundworms, and hookworms. It can be given to dogs 8 weeks and older and is administered once per month. Different doses cover dogs from 2.8 pounds all the way up to 132 pounds, making this a top choice of both pet parents and veterinarians. 

Heartgard Plus

Worms are no match for Heartgard Plus. This well-known brand of heartworm prevention has been around for over 30 years, and the Plus version offers protection against roundworms and hookworms in addition to heartworms. The active ingredient, ivermectin, kills developing heartworms before they turn into adults. This beef-flavored chew is gobbled up easily by most dogs and is administered once per month for year-round protection. Heartgard Plus is safe for dogs 6 weeks of age and older. 

Trifexis

If protecting against fleas in addition to heartworms is top of your priority list, then Trifexis is a great option. This monthly chewable tablet offers protection against heartworm, but it also starts killing fleas within 30 minutes. Additionally, Trifexis also protects dogs against hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms. This dog heartworm preventative is available in five different sizes and should be given to dogs once per month for 30 days worth of protection. 

Advantage Multi

Advantage Multi is a 6-in-1 monthly topical solution that prevents heartworm disease, treats and controls sarcoptic mange and intestinal worms, and treats and prevents flea infestations. This prescription topical solution is easy to apply on the back of your dog and needs to be administered monthly. It can be given to dogs starting at seven weeks old. Dosing is determined by the weight of your dog, so be sure to select the correct dosage when purchasing through your veterinarian.

Steer Clear of Natural Heartworm Preventatives

It should be noted that natural heartworm preventatives are dangerous and ineffective. The only FDA-approved medications for heartworm prevention in canines are sold through veterinarians or pet pharmacies and require a prescription from your dog’s veterinarian. 

To qualify for the prescription,  your dog will need to have been examined by the veterinarian within the past 12 months as well as have up-to-date heartworm testing. There are no effective or approved over-the-counter preventatives nor treatments for heartworms in dogs. 

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Can Dogs Get Heat Rash?

Simply put, yes, dogs can get heat rash. Heat rash in dogs is certainly more frequent in the warmer months but can also occur from inappropriate use of warming devices (e.g., heating pads) or other direct sources of heat at any time of the year. 

If exposed to hot conditions for too long, any dog could contract a heat rash. However, dogs who have less fur, more skin folds, and shorter snouts (brachycephalic breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs, and Shih-tzus) are more susceptible to this condition. 

Dogs with shorter snouts have a harder time cooling themselves off due to narrowed airways and less effective panting. Areas on the body with less fur also create an easier entryway for heat and can lead to inappropriate temperature regulation. The skin folds can trap moisture and heat, especially if the dog is overweight. This can often cause secondary skin conditions if not treated promptly, as well as contribute to generalized temperature increase in the dog. 

Along with certain breed and physical predispositions, dogs in hotter and more humid climates also find themselves more susceptible to heat rash.

What Does Heat Rash Look Like on Dogs?

Heat rash can present itself differently in dogs based on severity. In the beginning, heat rash often emerges as small red bumps on a dog’s skin and can be quite itchy and irritating to the pet. Generalized redness can also be noted, with a heavier focus in the affected area. 

Common areas for heat rash in dogs to begin include the groin and “armpit” areas, as well as the belly where there are sparse amounts of fur. These spots are prone to harboring more heat and moisture as a dog’s temperature rises. Pet parents should check these areas first if concerned about potential heat rash in dogs. If left to progress, these smaller areas of irritation can turn into larger raised sections and can even turn into more painful boils and blisters. 

The progression of red bumps to blisters indicates that a dog’s heat rash is now classified as a second-degree burn, versus first-degree upon initial presentation. Once the skin is compromised, it is much easier for dogs with heat rash to then suffer from secondary skin infections, which may cause pustules and widespread irritation.

It may be hard for pet parents to distinguish between a heat rash on their dog versus other skin concerns. Here are some questions that may help:

• Has your pet been outdoors in the heat/elements for an extended period of time? Or has your pet been exposed to a heating device of any kind?
• Does your dog have any predispositions for overheating, such as a short snout, skin folds, or being overweight?
• Has your dog gotten into contact with other potential irritants or possible causes of skin rash that you are aware of?

Other Symptoms Associated with Dog Heat Rash

In addition to clinical symptoms with the skin, a dog may have heat rash if experiencing other symptoms of overheating (hyperthermia) at the same time.

If you notice your dog panting incessantly, breathing noisily, being unable to settle, and having bright red gums (gingiva), then it is likely your pet could be overheating, hence the appearance of the heat rash. The normal gum color should be bubble-gum pink, unless your dog has pigmented gums. If your dog has pigmented gums, you can examine the coloration inside their eyelids (conjunctiva). 

If you have a way to check your dog’s temperature, you would likely find that it is elevated. A normal dog temperature is 100-102.5 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the situation and stress level. Signs of heat rash in dogs can occur beyond these temperatures, and the risk of complications also increases along with the heat. If your dog’s temperature is equal to or beyond 103 degrees Fahrenheit and not trending downward despite cooling efforts, you should seek veterinary care immediately.

Heat Rash on Dogs: Diagnosis and Treatment

In cases of heat rash in dogs, pet parents can implement therapy at home to start soothing the problem. Focus on removing your dog from the heat source/environment, cooling them down, and soothing the affected skin with a hydrocortisone cream and/or aloe until you can seek further veterinary care. You can use cool wet towels and fans for this. Do not submerge your dog in ice cold water or something similarly drastic. 

It is still recommended to have your pet seen by a veterinarian in order to discuss potential complications from the heat rash and treat it accordingly if your dog is not showing improvement with at-home intervention. 

In the clinic, the veterinarian will perform a full physical examination to determine whether the dog is suffering from heat rash. This will include visualizing susceptible areas of skin for redness and bumps, as well as assessing gum color and the dog’s temperature. 

In non-complicated cases of heat rash, the veterinarian may prescribe a prescription-strength, hydrocortisone-type cream or spray to aid inflammation and itchiness in the affected areas after the dog is cooled down to an appropriate temperature. The veterinarian may attempt to cool the dog off by applying alcohol to the paw pads, applying a cool towel in the “armpits” and groin, or using an air-circulator such as a Bair Hugger on the cool setting.

If the dog has any secondary complications from the heat rash, such as a skin infection or itchiness (pruritus), then this may need to be treated with separate oral therapy, depending on severity, such as with an antibiotic and/or antihistamine. 

Mild cases of heat rash in dogs can resolve on their own with at-home therapy over the course of several days, but if not improving should be evaluated by a veterinarian. If the dog is showing signs of systemic hyperthermia or not cooling down in a reasonable amount of time, seek veterinary care immediately to avoid damage to internal organs and structures.

How to Prevent Heat Rash on Dogs

Keeping your dog in an environment that is not overly hot or humid will greatly help reduce the risk of heat rash and associated complications. 

During warmer months, consider taking walks and exercising with your dog earlier in the morning or later in the evening to avoid peak heat hours. Wetting your dog’s coat and fanning during activity may help maintain cooler body temperature as well. Dogs should have access to plenty of fresh water, shade, and other ways to cool themselves off at all times. 

The most important tool in preventing heat rash on dogs is understanding the risk factors and minimizing potential for occurrence.

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What Does a Tick Bite Look Like on a Dog?

A tick bite on a dog may appear as a small red bump on your dog’s skin. If your dog was exposed to Lyme disease, the bite may have a round and bull’s-eye type appearance as well. Tick bites are not full of fluid much like general insect bites.

These bites may go unnoticed if you do not check your dog routinely and remove ticks promptly. Begin by checking high-risk areas on your dog, including around and under the collar, the ears, eyelids, armpits, groin, and in between the toe pads. Ticks do not limit themselves to these areas, so be sure to thoroughly scan the remainder of your pet after checking these higher risk sections. 

Run your hands along the base of the dog’s coat of fur, feeling for any bumps or abnormalities. You may feel a scab where a tick may have previously been or may find the tick itself. Ticks can be various shades of gray, brown, and black. They may or may not be engorged (fed), and this causes their size to vary. 

If you do find a tick on your dog, it’s important to remove the tick as quickly as possible. 

How to Treat a Tick Bite on a Dog

Tick bites typically don’t require a lot of treatment, but it is important to clean the bite and monitor it for signs of disease or infection. Here are the steps for treating a tick bite on a dog.

Step 1: The first part in treating your dog’s tick bite is removal of the tick. It must be removed in its entirety to avoid secondary infections or discomfort to the pet. Removing the tick can be done with either tweezers or a tick-removal tool. Place ticks in alcohol after removal and save them for potential future identification by your veterinarian.

Step 2: After the tick has been removed, or if you notice a new tick bite on your dog, clean the area well with a skin antiseptic made for dogs. 

Step 3: Be sure to clean all instruments involved in the removal process with rubbing alcohol. Wash hands after removal and cleansing of the tick bite area. 

Step 4: Monitor the tick bite. Pay attention to the site of the tick bite for several days following removal and cleaning of the area. Most tick bites should heal once treated over the course of 2 to 5 days, but if the area is persistently red, spreading, or beginning to irritate your pet, consult with your veterinarian. Ticks can carry many unwanted illnesses such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, and more, but your dog may not present with symptoms for weeks to months depending on the disease process. That’s why monitoring the bite area and your dog following a tick bit is so important.

Signs of an Infected Tick Bite on a Dog

Some indications that your dog’s tick bite may be infected include increased swelling at the site, pain, and draining of infection through milky (purulent) discharge. 

If you suspect your dog’s tick bite is infected, it is best to contact your veterinary team to determine if a visit is needed or if at-home care with antiseptics and antibiotic ointment may suffice depending on the severity of the infection. 

The way your veterinary team may treat the infected tick bite includes clipping the fur and cleaning the area thoroughly, as well as keeping the pet from traumatizing the area. Oral antibiotics may be sent home if the abscess is advanced enough, but if it is a very small area of local infection, then they may prescribe a higher strength topical treatment. 

Your veterinarian may also discuss screening your dog’s blood for exposure to tick-borne illnesses if they become symptomatic at a later date.

Preventing Ticks on Dogs

Keeping your canine companion on year-round flea and tick preventative medication can greatly reduce the risks for both acute and chronic complications. 

Additional ways that you can help limit your dog’s potential for having ticks include examining them routinely after outdoor activities and limiting time in areas where ticks may be more prevalent, such as in the brush and near trees and tall grasses. 

You may also consider treating your yard or environment with an appropriate pesticide that is safe for dogs to minimize their risk of exposure to ticks. 

With diligent preventive care and observation, you can make tick prevention an easy routine for you and your dog.

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In an emergency, no one wants to be scrambling and spending valuable time trying to find supplies to help their pet. That’s why having it all in one location and ready to go can greatly improve your dog’s medical outcome.

There are many pre-made kits available, but for those hoping to put together a DIY dog first aid kit, here are some considerations.

Why Do You Need a First Aid Kit for a Dog?

As previously mentioned, having an already-prepared first aid kit for your dog can save very valuable time in the event of a pet emergency and greatly improve the outcome. It can also be difficult to think clearly when an emergency occurs, so ensuring that everything is well-organized helps you, too. In fact, before finding yourself in the middle of a critical situation, make sure to check out our article on what to do in a pet emergency. A dog first aid kit should be kept in a central location at home for easy access. For pets with a more high-risk lifestyle –  such as those who enjoy hiking, hunting, dog parks, or other physical adventures – you may want to consider having a travel kit as well. 

Some instances when you may need a dog first aid kit include:

• Scratches/abrasions
• Bite wounds
• Allergic reactions
• Fever
• Broken nail
• External parasite removal
• Toxin ingestion or exposure
• Eye contamination

Dog First Aid Kit List

• Gloves (multiple pairs)
• Wound cleanser (chlorhexidine solution)
• Complete set of bandage material (non-stick bandage, Vetrap/cohesiant wrap, tape, scissors)
• Antibiotic ointment and/or spray
• Thermometer
• Saline or eye wash
• Styptic powder or sticks
• Tweezers or tick removal tool
• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
• Hydrogen peroxide 3%
• Emergency veterinary facility information and pet poison control number/resources

Best Dog First Aid Kit Supplies: 11 Items to Include

Let’s go into more detail about these dog first aid kit essentials and why they’re beneficial to have on hand.

Gloves

Multiple pairs of disposable gloves are important to have in your kit. Not only do they help protect you from potential irritants, they also help protect a dog’s open wound or injury from microbes that may be on your hands.

Wound Cleanser

A good wound cleanser based with chlorhexidine solution should be included in the event of the dog experiencing an external wound or injury. First, stop the bleeding, then clean the area to prevent infection. Chlorhexidine in particular continues to be effective against microbes several hours after use, which also helps reduce risk of infection.

Bandage Material

Any good first aid kit should have a complete set of bandage material. Some quality options to have on hand include non-stick TELFA pads or dressing, gauze, Vetrap or other cohesiant wrap, quality medical tape, and bandage scissors with a blunt end.

A non-stick pad is important for wounds that may have discharge to avoid discomfort, sticking, and further trauma.

The Vetrap goes around the non-stick pad to help secure it, and the tape affixes the dressing. Bandage scissors with a blunt end help reduce the risk of cutting the dog when trying to remove the material later.

Antibiotic Ointment

Antibiotic ointment acts as an additional defense against potential infection in new, shallow wounds. If the wound is not considerably deep, a light amount of ointment should be applied after cleansing and prior to dressing the wound.

Thermometer

Having a thermometer in your first aid kit can help you evaluate if your dog is experiencing abnormal body temperature, whether it be from external heat or cold exposure, infection, or potentially another cause. When taken rectally, a normal temperature for a dog is around 99 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit, so if the number varies much beyond that, you may need to take action.

Consider the method of taking temperature depending on the dog’s temperament and comfortability: rectal is most accurate, but placing the thermometer snugly under the leg can give you an idea as well.

Eye Wash

Eye wash, or a saline solution, is great to have on hand if your dog gets debris in their eyes or begins to squint. Washing out the eyes is the first step, before evaluating if there is a further problem.

Styptic Powder

Styptic powder or sticks are crucial in the event your dog breaks a nail and is bleeding at the quick (the meaty inside of the nail). Apply for several seconds until the bleeding ceases, then repeat if necessary.

Tweezers

Tweezers can be used for removing foreign material or external parasites, like ticks. (You may want to consider a specially designed tick-removal tool, especially if your pup is prone to ticks.) Tweezers are also useful if your dog gets a splinter or something similar lodged into their skin.

Diphenhydramine

Diphenhydramine (the generic name for Benadryl) should be kept in the first aid kit in case your dog experiences an allergic reaction. Having an antihistamine handy can help stabilize your pet while you contact your veterinarian. To save time, you should consider keeping the dose for your dog written on the bottle for easy reference. If your dog is smaller, you may prefer liquid form, while tablets may work better for larger breeds.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide 3% can be used as an emergency emetic to induce vomiting if your dog ingests something they shouldn’t, such as human medication or toxic food. However, it’s important to note that the use of hydrogen peroxide for induced vomiting greatly depends on what your dog has ingested, being that some items could potentially cause more harm than good when mixed with peroxide. Be sure to contact a pet poison control adviser or veterinarian before administering hydrogen peroxide.

Emergency Contact Information

Lastly, keep your primary veterinarian’s information and veterinary emergency clinic information accessible in the first aid kit. You should also include pet poison control resources in the event that you need to call for advice. Having these resources readily available can save critical time in an emergency, versus having to stop and look up information.

First Aid Kit for Dogs: Other Tips and Advice

Many dog first aid kits may be very similar, but remember to tailor yours to you and your pup’s specific needs. Some additional considerations include keeping a muzzle in the kit, as your dog may bite out of fear and pain while you’re trying to help them. Just remember to get a breathable one that fits well, like a basket muzzle.

Pet wipes can also be helpful when removing external allergens and potential toxins from the skin. Consider adding a pet pilling device or syringe in case you need to administer emergency oral medications, as well as a nail trimming tool in case your pup needs a quick nail clip.

The most important thing to remember in any pet emergency is to stay as calm as possible, and being prepared can definitely help. Be sure to check your first aid kit every three months at a minimum (sooner if it’s used frequently) to keep it well-stocked with in-date and effective items. After administering first aid care, contact a veterinarian (if you haven’t already) to determine the next steps for your dog.

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