This trusted first aid item can save your pet’s life

This is a true story that happened a few years ago and it has changed my life in a number of ways.

Living in California, we are pleased to have many wonderful places to walk our dogs. I had recently adopted a lab mix named Schroeder and would often take it to a large meadow near my house for long walks. My friend Lisa decided to come one day with her two standard poodles.

The dogs chased balls and frolicked in the spring sun, it was quite a sight!

About a kilometer from the car, Schroeder screamed and began to shake his head frantically. Lisa exclaimed, “Shoot, he just got stung by a bee. I saw it!”

I quickly went to see him. Schroeder looked a bit strange and distracted. Then it abruptly collapsed.

As a chiropractor, I know a little about medicine, so I immediately thought, “Oh my God, he’s having an anaphylaxis reaction!” In a panic, my mind began to race as I tried to figure out what to do next. I suddenly remembered that I always carried Benadryl soluble antihistamine strips in my belly bag ever since my niece and I were chased and stung by a swarm of bees the year before.

I quickly fumbled in my fanny pack and found the strips. I pulled them out and shoved three strips of Benadryl into Schroeder’s mouth, praying they would help. I knew it was quite a large dose for a dog his size – he weighs about 45 pounds. sort of, but he was desperate.

It is amazing what the human body can do in a life or death situation. Moving as fast as I could, I carried it in the direction of the car. Fortunately, when we got to the vehicle, he began to be a little more conscious.

In the end everything was fine. Although Schroeder survived that challenge, I ALWAYS carry soluble antihistamine strips with me wherever we go. It can save a life … and not just your dog’s life.

Schroder

Sometimes people and animals will have an unexpected anaphylaxis reaction. My brother-in-law, who is a doctor, had a friend who had an unexpected anaphylaxis reaction on an airplane. The airline had no adrenaline or significant antihistamine products on board and sadly, he died as a result.

It’s easy to keep several strips of Benadryl in your wallet, in your car, and in your home pet first aid kit. It could save your pet’s life, and maybe even your own. Although, at the very least, having a few soluble antihistamine strips on hand will possibly give you a little more time to get your pet to the emergency room.