Essential First Aid Plus

10/18/2026

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10/18/2026

10/16/2026

The evening walk hasn’t changed—but suddenly it’s happening in the dark. 🌙🐾

Shorter fall days mean reduced visibility for drivers, cyclists, other dog owners and wildlife. Before heading out, make sure both ends of the leash can be seen.

Your dark-walk checklist:

🔦 Carry a flashlight or wear a headlamp
✨ Add reflective material or a light to your dog’s collar, harness or leash
🦺 Wear something bright or reflective yourself
🐕 Keep your dog leashed—even on familiar routes
🏷️ Check that identification tags are readable and secure
📱 Carry a charged phone
🚗 Face oncoming traffic when there isn’t a sidewalk
👀 Watch for wildlife, icy patches and objects hidden in leaves

A black dog on a dark road can disappear from view remarkably quickly—and drivers can’t avoid what they can’t see.

How visible is your dog at night: subtle glow or full Christmas tree? 😂 Tell us what nighttime gear you swear by!

PC:Kepps1987

10/14/2026

🐾 QUICK CHECK WEDNESDAY 🐾

Without looking first—how ready is your canine first-aid kit?

A) Fully stocked and ready to go
B) I have one…but it probably needs attention
C) It’s mostly p**p bags and random dog treats
D) Wait—we’re supposed to have one? 😳

Now go check it!

Do you have:

✅ Gauze and non-stick dressings
✅ Cohesive bandage (vet wrap) and medical tape
✅ Disposable gloves
✅ Saline for flushing wounds or eyes
✅ Blunt-tipped scissors
✅ Alcohol wipes
✅ Tweezers
✅ Small flashlight
✅ Blood stop powder
✅ Oral syringe (no needle)
✅ A clean towel or emergency blanket
✅ Your veterinarian and nearest emergency clinic information

Check expiry dates, replace damaged packaging and restock anything you’ve already used.

Comment with your letter—and tell us the one item you discovered was missing. No judgment if your “first-aid kit” is currently a grocery bag in the trunk. 😂

10/14/2026

Autumn brings its own set of pet toxin risks, from Halloween candy and holiday foods to mushrooms, fertilizers, medications, and other household exposures.

In this seasonal Trends article, AAHA worked with Renee Schmid, DVM, DABT, DABVT, of Pet Poison Helpline to highlight common autumn toxins, clinical signs to watch for, and practical ways veterinary teams can help prevent exposures before they happen.

Seasonal education can make a real difference, whether it happens in the exam room, through social media, or with client handouts.

Read the full article: https://hubs.li/Q04y8s5s0

10/12/2026

🦃🐾 THANKSGIVING WARNING: PANCREATITIS IN PETS!

Sharing Thanksgiving dinner with your pets? Think twice before offering table scraps!

⚠️ Fatty foods like turkey skin, gravy, bacon, and greasy leftovers can trigger pancreatitis, a painful inflammation of the pancreas, especially in dogs prone to the condition.

🐶🐱 Watch for these warning signs:
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain
• Lethargy or weakness

🚨 If your pet shows symptoms, contact your veterinarian promptly.

❤️ Keep the feast for the family and pet-safe treats for your furry friends! A little prevention can help avoid an unexpected holiday trip to the emergency vet.

🐾 Share to help keep our pets safe this Thanksgiving!

10/12/2026

🦃 BEFORE YOU SHARE YOUR THANKSGIVING DINNER…

Those pleading eyes can be convincing, but many holiday favourites aren’t safe choices for dogs.

Keep these off your dog’s plate:

🚫 Cooked turkey bones
🚫 Turkey skin, gravy and other rich or fatty foods
🚫 Stuffing or dishes containing onion, garlic, chives or leeks
🚫 Grapes, raisins and currants
🚫 Chocolate and anything containing xylitol
🚫 Alcohol and raw yeast dough
🚫 Corn cobs, cooking string, foil and food-filled garbage

Want to include your dog safely? Offer a small amount of plain, fully cooked, boneless turkey without skin or seasoning—or stick with their usual treats and food.

Remember that guests and children may not know your dog’s rules. Ask everyone not to feed from the table, clear unattended plates quickly and secure the garbage before your favourite scavenger finds it.

If your dog eats something potentially toxic or swallows a bone, corn cob, string or other object, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison-control service promptly. Don’t wait for symptoms and don’t induce vomiting unless directed by a veterinary professional.

Save this post, share it with your Thanksgiving guests and enjoy a safe holiday together. 🍁🐾

10/10/2026

Puncture/ Impalement Wounds!💚

What to do?
Leave the object alone!! 🛑

As tempting as it may be to pull out said object, this could be very dangerous & potentially life threatening! 🩸

Whatever object has punctured your horse could have also punctured a major blood vessel inside that you cannot see. 😟

So what do you do?
This is a great time to stabilize the object, keep your horse calm & monitor vitals.
CALL YOUR VET -> they will perform x-rays or ultrasound to see what part of your horse has been affected, if at all. They will assist in removing the object and suturing the laceration if necessary. ❤️‍🩹

These types of wounds may seem severe & rare, but it’s best to stay prepared & know how to handle this!🚨

10/10/2026

Haha

10/09/2026

❤️ Rue Update! 🐴

Good news! All of Rue’s hives have gone away, and she’s feeling much better! ❤️ What remains is one large bug bite that we’re keeping an eye on.

Situations like this are exactly why we stress the importance of knowing what’s normal and what’s abnormal for your horse. When you know your horse’s usual appearance, behaviour, and health, you’re more likely to recognize when something isn’t right and take action early.

🐴 Know your horse. Recognize the changes. Act promptly.

Early recognition can make a real difference when it comes to your horse’s health and well-being!

I’m so relieved to see my girl feeling better. ❤️