First aid – for man’s best friend

At SHEQ Management, we normally write about the health and safety of two-legged creatures (as in humans). But what about health and safety for four-legged creatures, who also happen to be man´s best friends?

Especially so when they fall victim to ruthless burglars, who resort to poisoning them to gain access to a property…

The increase in this disgusting trend has pushed Blairgowrie, Randburg, resident and community leader of Blargowrie Residents Against Crime (BRAC), Bev Boswell, to create a “First Response Emergency Poisoning Kit” – called the Buddy Bucket.

“Over the past few months we have been researching dog poisoning, in consultation with a homeopath, due to the increase in this terrible crime.

“When one is faced with the tragic realisation that their furbaby has been poisoned, panic sets in and it is extremely traumatising. The idea of a first-aid kit for dog poisoning is new to South Africa; as crime increases, so too have the instances of dog poisoning as a precursor to home robberies,” she explains.

The Buddy Bucket is a comprehensive kit that has everything a dog owner needs to deal with a situation of poisoning while getting to their pet to the closest veterinary clinic.

“The first hour of the poisoning incident is critical and it is during this time the kit will assist to purge poisoned food from the dog’s stomach and absorb toxins. The natural ingredients also help to protect the kidneys and liver and assist in flushing toxins,” Boswell says.

She explains that the Buddy Bucket is intended to buy time for one’s pet on the way to a qualified vet. “It in no way replaces the need for a veterinary consultation,” she reiterates.

A portion of every bucket sold is donated to P.E.T.S, a non-profit rescue organisation assisting township animals and local feral colonies.

“Our Facebook page has gained a number of followers and we have only received positive feedback thus far,” Boswell comments.

The Buddy Bucket retails for R110 and orders can be placed at buddybucket4dogs@gmail.com for collection in Blairgowrie or delivery within a two-kilometre radius, or nationwide via courier.  The Buddy Bucket can also be purchased online through the Good Dog! website. It is also currently available at Extra Pets, Blairgowrie Plaza, and the Monkey Fountain, Bram Fischer drive.

For any further information contact Bev: 076 412 7254, or Buddy Bucket: 063 616 4114.