PUPPY FIRST AID
We recommend a few home remedies to keep on hand when
dealing with new puppies:
Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic Acid)
Aspirin can safely be used in puppies for pain or discomfort.
We recommend it for pups that get sore from recent vaccine
injections or injury. It is given at a dose of 5-10 milligrams
per pound. For example, a 5 lb. puppy needs 25-50 mg
aspirin. Since children's (or "low strength") aspirin are 81 mg
tablets, a 1/2 tablet would be an adequate dose for a 5 lb.
puppy. We usually recommend giving it with food for less
potential stomach irritation. It can be repeated at 12-hour
intervals if needed.
Benadryl (Diphenhydramine HCl)
Benadryl or generic diphenhydramine is given to pups for
facial swelling, excess itchiness, and skin welts. It is a very
safe antihistamine usually dosed at 1 milligram per pound.
For example, a 5 lb. puppy needs 5 mg Benadryl. Since the
liquid has a concentration of 12.5 mg per 5 ml (1 teaspoon),
a 5 pound pup gets 2 mls, or close to a 1/2 teaspoon of the
liquid medicine. A 2-pound puppy gets approximately 1 ml or
1/4 teaspoon. An owner can also give @ 1/2 the contents of
a 12.5 mg Benadryl capsule given in bread or in canned dog
food to a 5 pound puppy.
Note: 1 ml (milliliter) = 1 cc (cubic centimeter)
Karo Syrup or Pancake Syrup
Either syrup can be used to help increase the blood sugar in
a weak puppy that has not been eating well. Even though an
adult dog can fast itself for days and maintain a good blood
sugar (glucose) level, young pups under 4 months of age do
not yet have the ability to do this. The most effective way to
give syrup is to wipe it along the gumline every 15-30
minutes in a very small amount. If the puppy is very sleepy,
they may not be swallowing well and larger amounts may
accidentally be inhaled and lead to pneumonia. The pup can
be kept warm with lots of gentle cuddling, or a heating pad
covered in 2 layers of towel and set on "low". If the puppy is
not improving, contact McMillan Veterinary Clinic for an
appointment.
We recommend a few home remedies to keep on hand when
dealing with new puppies:
Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic Acid)
Aspirin can safely be used in puppies for pain or discomfort.
We recommend it for pups that get sore from recent vaccine
injections or injury. It is given at a dose of 5-10 milligrams
per pound. For example, a 5 lb. puppy needs 25-50 mg
aspirin. Since children's (or "low strength") aspirin are 81 mg
tablets, a 1/2 tablet would be an adequate dose for a 5 lb.
puppy. We usually recommend giving it with food for less
potential stomach irritation. It can be repeated at 12-hour
intervals if needed.
Benadryl (Diphenhydramine HCl)
Benadryl or generic diphenhydramine is given to pups for
facial swelling, excess itchiness, and skin welts. It is a very
safe antihistamine usually dosed at 1 milligram per pound.
For example, a 5 lb. puppy needs 5 mg Benadryl. Since the
liquid has a concentration of 12.5 mg per 5 ml (1 teaspoon),
a 5 pound pup gets 2 mls, or close to a 1/2 teaspoon of the
liquid medicine. A 2-pound puppy gets approximately 1 ml or
1/4 teaspoon. An owner can also give @ 1/2 the contents of
a 12.5 mg Benadryl capsule given in bread or in canned dog
food to a 5 pound puppy.
Note: 1 ml (milliliter) = 1 cc (cubic centimeter)
Karo Syrup or Pancake Syrup
Either syrup can be used to help increase the blood sugar in
a weak puppy that has not been eating well. Even though an
adult dog can fast itself for days and maintain a good blood
sugar (glucose) level, young pups under 4 months of age do
not yet have the ability to do this. The most effective way to
give syrup is to wipe it along the gumline every 15-30
minutes in a very small amount. If the puppy is very sleepy,
they may not be swallowing well and larger amounts may
accidentally be inhaled and lead to pneumonia. The pup can
be kept warm with lots of gentle cuddling, or a heating pad
covered in 2 layers of towel and set on "low". If the puppy is
not improving, contact McMillan Veterinary Clinic for an
appointment.
| PUPPY FIRST AID |
| McMillan Veterinary Clinic |