Essential First Aid Plus

02/19/2026

🐾 WHY DO DOGS SNIFF YOUR CROTCH?!

Yes… we’re going there.

If you’ve ever had a dog enthusiastically introduce themselves nose-first to your most awkward area, you are not alone.

Here’s why 👇

🧠 1. It’s a scent goldmine

Dogs experience the world primarily through smell. While humans have about 5–6 million scent receptors, dogs have up to 300 million.

The groin area contains apocrine sweat glands — the same type found in dogs’ scent glands. These glands produce strong chemical signals (pheromones), which dogs find incredibly interesting.

Translation: It’s not personal. It’s just information.

🐶 2. They’re gathering data

When a dog sniffs you there, they’re learning:

• Your age
• Your s*x
• Your emotional state
• Whether you’ve been around other animals
• Hormonal changes (yes — even pregnancy or ovulation)

It’s basically their version of reading your LinkedIn profile.

3. Height matters

Dogs sniff faces of other dogs. But when it comes to humans?

We’re tall. That region is simply the easiest access point for scent information.

🚩 Should you stop it?

Yes — politely.

While it’s natural behavior, it’s not socially acceptable in most human settings. Redirect calmly:

✔️ Step back
✔️ Ask for a sit
✔️ Reward appropriate greeting behavior

No punishment needed — just redirection and boundaries.

🐾 Fun Fact:

Dogs use a special organ called the vomeronasal organ (Jacobson’s organ) to process pheromones. It gives them scent information we can’t even imagine.

So next time it happens…

Take it as a compliment.
You’re interesting. 😆

02/18/2026

TIP TUESDAY – GUMS TELL THE TRUTH

Your pet’s gums are one of the fastest ways to check circulation and shock.

Healthy gums:
• Pink
• Moist
• Refill to pink in under 2 seconds when pressed

⚠️ Concerning gums:
• Pale or white
• Blue or grey
• Sticky or dry
• Slow colour return

👉 Tip: Check gums when your pet is healthy so you know what “normal” looks like before an emergency.
Join us this Saturday at and we will discuss the importance of healthy gums and so much more !

02/17/2026

Good information

💊 It is Medicine Monday! And we bet most owners have a few of these items in their first aid kit. But do you know when to or not to use these products?

🫧 What is betadine scrub?
Betadine scrub is a sudsing iodine that is an antisesptic microbicidal skin cleanser. Patients that have a known sensitivity to chlorhexidine scrub will typically be scrubbed with betadine scrub. For injuries or surgeries near the eyes, betadine scrub is used.

🤎 What is betadine solution?
Betadine solution is a water-based iodine cleanser that is antiseptic and microbiocidal. Commonly used diluted to clean and lavage wounds. And it is great to use diluted in water with epsom salts to soak a foot abscess.

🧼 What is chlorhexidine scrub?
Chlorhexidine scrub is a broad spectrum antimicrobial surgical scrub. It should never be used near the eyes due to the risk of causing permanent corneal damage. And chlorhexidine scrub should always be rinsed off in the event that it may cause irritation. Here at RE we dilute the chlorhexidine scrub.

💙 What is chlorhexidine solution?
Similar to chlorhexidine scrub, chlorhexidine solution is antimicrobial. It can be used to clean wounds and even as a dilute rinse for oral hygiene.

🩸 What is hydrogen peroxide?
Not recommended for wound care, but we love cleaning up horses with it after a bloody procedure.

🤍 What is isopropyl alcohol?
Isopropyl alcohol is an antiseptic. Do not use isopropyl alcohol on open wounds due to it being cytotoxic, meaning it damages healthy tissues delaying wound healing. Also, isopropyl alcohol causes a burning sensation when it comes in contact with nerve endings.

🌊 What is irrigation saline?
Irrigation saline is a sodium chloride solution used for cleansing tissues and lavaging wounds. Typically, wounds are cleaned with betadine or chlorhexidine scrub then thoroughly rinsed with irrigation saline.

🧤 Please follow the recommendations from your veterinarian when it comes to using these products. And wear gloves!

🩺 We always recommend seeking veterinary advice and an exam when it comes to wounds. Wounds may involve important structures including bone, tendon sheaths and/or joints. It is important that wounds be thoroughly examined by your veterinarian so they can recommend appropriate diagnostics, treatment options and possible referral to an equine hospital.

02/17/2026

Kelp is a humble marine plant that’s highly nutritious and quietly becoming a superstar in modern pet nutrition. 🌿🌊

Whether you’re trying to freshen up your dog’s breath, soothe itchy skin, or give your senior pet a gentle boost, kelp might be just what the vet ordered. ✅

📌 But while it has earned its “superfood” reputation, kelp isn’t something to toss into your pet’s bowl right away. It’s important to use it thoughtfully and with proper guidance.

Information from Bark and Whiskers

02/15/2026

Despite their small size, raspberries pack a lot of punch with nutrients your furry companion can enjoy. 🐶🐱

🤔❓ But what’s stopping some pet parents from offering them? Many worry about raspberries naturally containing xylitol – a sugar alcohol that can be harmful to pets.

The good news is that raspberries contain only trace amounts, meaning a few pieces are not considered high risk. When offered in moderation, they can be a meaningful addition to your pet’s diet.

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02/14/2026

Happy Valentine’s Day ♥️♥️♥️

02/14/2026

Did you know that February is ? 🦷

Your equine’s dental health is an essential part of their overall health and well-being. Therefore, it is imperative that your veterinarian perform AT LEAST one dental exam on your horse per year to ensure that their teeth, gums, and other oral structures are healthy. Poor dental health can also have adverse effects on other areas of the body if not addressed.

This graphic offers a quick overview of things you might not know about equine teeth and tooth wear.

Thank you to the Horse Owner Education Committee for providing this information.

If you have questions or concerns about your horse’s dental health, contact your veterinarian.

02/13/2026

If you know, you know!!! 🤣🤣🤣 Happy Friday 13th!

02/13/2026

Still time to register!

is hosting Canine Emergency First Aid February 21, 2026. Join us for a day of learning life saving skills for your dog, including taking vitals, CPR and mouth to nose resuscitation. Contact us to register at essentialfirstaidplus@outlook.com or 905 505-2537

02/12/2026

If you’re gifting flowers to a pet-loving home this Valentine’s, it’s best to avoid blooms that could put their furry companions at risk. 💐❌

Instead, choose pet-safe flowers to make both your loved one and their beloved pets happy! 🐶🐱
Join us at February 21 for our Canine Emergency First Aid course to learn more about toxic plants and so much more !

02/10/2026

❄️ Can Horses Get Enough Water from Snow? 🐴💧



It’s a common winter question, but no, snow is not an adequate substitute for fresh water. Horses need year-round access to liquid water, with the average horse requiring 37–45 L (10–12 gallons) per day to stay properly hydrated.



To put this into perspective, about 10 inches (25 cm) of snow equals just 1 inch (2 cm) of liquid water.

That means a horse would need to consume an unrealistic amount of snow, the equivalent of four football fields’ worth after a 2-inch snowfall, to meet daily water needs.

On top of that, eating snow requires extra energy, as the body must warm the frozen intake, increasing calorie expenditure.



Even in snowy conditions, fresh, unfrozen water is essential for digestion, thermoregulation, and overall health.



💬 How do you manage hydration for your horses during winter?
Do you use heated buckets, soaked feeds, added salt, or other strategies? Share what works for you below. 👇🐎💙

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02/10/2026

What Your Dog’s Paw Pads Reveal About Walking Surface Damage

The condition of your dog’s paw pads can tell you more than just how cute they are. Each time your furry friend takes a stroll, their pads encounter various surfaces that can affect their health and well-being. Understanding the signs of surface damage through your dog’s paws is essential for their comfort and overall health.

Rough surfaces can lead to abrasions or injuries on your dog’s paw pads. For instance, if you notice roughness or wear, it may indicate that your canine companion has been walking on harsh terrains like asphalt or rocky paths. These surfaces can irritate the pads, causing discomfort and potential injury.

Cracked pads are another common issue that pet owners should recognize. Cracking can occur due to dryness, often from hot pavement in summer or cold weather in winter. When the pads become too dry, they lose their natural elasticity, making them more susceptible to cracking.

Discoloration is also an important symptom to watch for. If your dog’s paw pads appear unusually red or discolored, it may signal an allergic reaction or even an infection. This change in color should prompt a closer examination of their walking environment and recent activities to identify potential allergens.

Excessive wear on paw pads can suggest that your dog is overexerting themselves on hard surfaces. This can lead to painful conditions, making it essential to monitor their activity levels and provide appropriate rest.

Lastly, redness or swelling can indicate irritation from various surfaces. If you see swelling around the pads, it is a clear sign that your dog may need a break from certain walking routes or surfaces.

By keeping an eye on your dog’s paw pads, you can better understand their walking environment and take steps to ensure their comfort and health.