Siberian Huskies For Dummies
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Before you bring home a Siberian Husky, make a few purchases and assemble a first aid kit so you and your house are ready for a new dog. Study a few symptoms that require a call to your veterinarian, in case your Husky gets sick.

Siberian huskies © Vivienstock / Shutterstock.com

Items for your Siberian Husky first aid kit

This list includes first aid kit items you should have in case your Siberian Husky needs medical attention. Keep your Husky’s first aid kit in a travel case or a small tote for easy storage and portability (for vacations, doggy play dates, and so forth.).

  • Ace bandage
  • Activated charcoal
  • Adhesive tape and gauze
  • Alcohol prep pads
  • Antibiotic ointment
  • Benadryl antihistamine (1 to 2 milligrams per pound, every 8 hours)
  • Cold pack
  • Cotton balls
  • Disposable gloves
  • Ear and oral syringe
  • Electrolyte tablets to rehydrate
  • Epsom salts
  • Eye wash or lubricant (the kind made for people is fine)
  • Gauze sponges
  • Hydrogen peroxide (1 to 3 teaspoons every 10 minutes until the dog vomits)
  • Imodium A-D (1 milligram per 15 pounds, once or twice daily)
  • Kaopectate (1 milliliter per 1 pound every 2 hours)
  • Magnifying glass
  • Milk of magnesia, antacid and laxative
  • Mineral oil, laxative (5 to 30 milliliters per day)
  • Pepto-Bismol, anti-diarrheal syrup (1 teaspoon per 5 pounds, every six hours) or tablets
  • Petroleum jelly
  • Providone-iodine solution
  • Rectal thermometer (specifically made for canine use)
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Safety pins
  • Soft cloth muzzle
  • Scissors (small blunt-end type)
  • Splints
  • Tweezers or hemostat

Preparing to bring your Siberian Husky home

To get your house ready for a Siberian Husky, purchase a few items that will keep your dog happy and safe — and prevent you from making last-minute trips to the pet store.

  • Collars, harnesses, and leashes
  • ID tags
  • Food and treats
  • Food and water dishes (preferably stainless steel)
  • Grooming tools (including a rake, a wide-toothed metal comb, a slicker brush, a pin brush, a dematting tool, a spray bottle filled with water, and a grooming table)
  • Dog bed
  • Crate for training
  • Gates (to restrict your Husky’s access to certain areas of the house, especially before he is completely housetrained)
  • Safe chew toys
  • Pet door (if you have a fenced yard for your Husky to enter)
  • Outdoor run or kennel

When to call the vet for your Siberian Husky

If your Siberian Husky shows any of the following symptoms, it’s time to call the vet. It could be a sign of something serious. It’s always better to call if you are in doubt.) Your vet will know if you need to bring in your dog.

  • Breathing difficulties (Emergency!)
  • Bloat (Emergency!)
  • Blood in feces, urine, or vomit
  • Deep cuts or wounds
  • Eye and vision problems (bloodshot, discharge, unusual tearing)
  • Facial swelling (allergic reaction)
  • Lumps and swellings
  • Pale gums
  • Paralysis
  • Persistent coughing
  • Persistent lameness
  • Prolonged lethargy
  • Refusal to eat (for 48 hours) or drink (for 12 hours)
  • Seizure or shaking
  • Severe or prolonged diarrhea
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Any outward sign of pain

If you dog has been struck by a car or taken a serious fall, contact your vet immediately, even if you see no outward signs of injury!

About This Article

This article is from the book:

About the book author:

Diane Morgan is a Master Instructor of English, Communication, and Modern Languages at Indian River State College in Florida. She's also a writer and longtime owner of many breeds of dog. The Siberian Husky—with its fascinating beauty, personality, and history—is one of her absolute favorites.

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