I have posted on my website Irish Wolfhound Health Concerns the items that are absolutely necessary for an Emergency Kit. This kit is terrific for any of our Sighthounds but could be a lifesaver. If anyone has additional suggestions please send me a comment or an email.

Irish Wolfhound Emergency Kits

I suggest that all Irish Wolfhound owners organize and have an emergency kit available at all times, especially if you plan on traveling with your Wolfhound. In it should be several indispensable items that I have linked to Amazon for ease of purchase. Just click on each item’s photo following the list.

1. Hyland's Carbo Veg. 30X Tablets, Natural Homeopathic Relief of Nausea, Heartburn or Gas. IMO, these Carbo Veg pellets are crucial to have if you own any giant or breed prone to Bloat. If your wolfhound is pacing, looking very uncomfortable, has difficulty lying down or lies down and immediately gets up or is retching and or vomits yellow bile, or has a firm, distended stomach then dose immediately with the adult human dosage of 4 pellets. However, if you have a very large IW weighing approximately 160 pounds or more then I would begin with 6 pellets. Tip 6 pellets into the bottle cap and then raising his muzzle upwards, open your IW’s mouth and drop the pellets into the back of their throat, quickly closing his mouth and massaging his throat. If they are not swallowing or trying to gag grasp the muzzle closed and then blow in his nose to make them swallow. The pellets dissolve within a 20-30 seconds. Repeat again every 30 minutes while you seek emergency medical care.

2. Alumina from Boiron 30c. This is another important homeopathic remedy that is in my Emergency Kit at all times. Boiron® indicates that Alumina may be effective in alleviating various digestive issues. Aloe in this form could provide relief from stomach problems‚ like flatulence and indigestion. I use this the same exact way I use the above Carbo Veg. and dose immediately after I dose with Carbo Veg. I recommend using the adult human dosage of 5 pellets, but again if you have a very large wolfhound over 160lbs. then I would increase to 6 pellets. Repeat again every 30 minutes while you seek emergency medical care. Both of these homeopathic remedies may alleviate the gas buildup causing distress and could very well save a life while you are seeking emergency care, and may relieve or reduce the gas buildup while you are en route to a Veterinarian.

   Remedies for simple upset stomach. If your dog has an upset stomach, the above recommended Carbo Veg and Alumina should be used to quell the nausea. For non-emergencies, use the Carbo Veg and Alumina 4 times per day if your dog is nauseated, car sick or is refusing food and they do not have a temperature.

3. Metronidazole aka Flagyl. We do not travel with our wolfhounds without bringing along prescription Flagyl. It is an antibiotic that treats diarrhea resulting from inflammation of the colon due to bacteria, as well as intestinal infections due to the Giardia parasite, Gastritis and Colitis to name a few. This you will have to obtain from your Veterinarian as it is only available via prescriptions. Get a bottle before you leave.

4. Proviable DC Digestive Health Supplement. This is a portable Probiotic with Prebiotics that should be given when a dog has diarrhea. Each Capsule has 5 billion CFU’s. However, I give this on the day of our trip and every subsequent day afterwards while traveling until we return home as it regulates the Ph balance in the gut and is very helpful during times of stress. Dosage is one capsule daily during times of travel and is easily hidden in a soft treat. Give immediately at the first signs of loose stools.

5. Rectal Digital Thermometer.

6. Gauze, non-stick bandages, and adhesive tape. This is for covering a wound, stopping bleeding or even a sprained ligament. I use 3M Vetrap 4” wide, soft gauze and nonstick gauze pads. Also stock waterproof adhesive tape, especially if it is wet outside as Vetrap is not waterproof.

7. A Canine First Aid Manual and/or download The American Red Cross App “PET FIRST AID”. Have either or both available at all times —I recommend “Dog First Aid: A Field Guide to Emergency Care for the Outdoor Dog” which is pocket sized and can fit in any emergency kit. The American Red Cross App PET FIRST AID is very good as well and is on my Smartphone and iPad. Another choice for a small portable emergency book is the Pet Emergency Pocket Guide 2nd Edition which has tabs at the bottom making it very easy to find information in a hurry.

8. Cephalexin Antibiotic. I do not travel without this antibiotic in case of the onset of high fever which may be present if the Wolfhound has diarrhea or lethargy. You will need to obtain Cephalexin from your veterinarian as it is a prescribed antibiotic. Explain that you will be traveling with your hound and in case of emergency, away from home, it may be extremely helpful to control an unexplained fever as a result of a bacterial infection such as a respiratory tract infection or a soft tissue infection.

9. Dog Ear Wipes. Such as VetWELL Dog Ear Wipes - Otic Cleaning Wipes for Infections and Controlling Yeast, Mites and Odor with Aloe and Eucalyptus.

10. Cotton Balls and Swabs. I carry the long ear swabs such as BambooStick Cotton Buds for Dogs for hard to reach spots deep in the ear canal.

11. Scissors.

12. Bottled Water. Always, always, always use bottled water or bring enough water from home to last the duration of your trip. Do not give your dog water that he or she is unaccustomed to as it could result in diarrhea.