Chances are, you've got a first aid kit for the humans in your home or, at the very least, a variety of first aid supplies in your medicine cabinet in the event of an emergency. But, do you have one for your dog, too?
Of course, you can buy a pre-made pet first aid kit, but in just a few minutes you can build a first aid kit for especially for your unique dog at home! Be prepared for anything from scrapes and scratches, to ticks, bug bites, and broken bones until you can get your pup to the vet.
Because each dog is different, no single ready-made first aid kit will completely meet the needs of your unique four-legged friend. But, the following items, the basics, are a must in every kit.
Start with a zippered bag or close-able container that’s large enough to hold everything in your kit, but compact and lightweight enough to be carried or taken along when you travel. Then, add the following first aid supplies:
Sterile gauze - can be used for bandaging wounds, to stop bleeding, or to clean wounds.
Cotton balls - great for cleaning and applying antiseptic to small wounds and insect bites as well as cleaning ears.
Instant heat and/or cool packs - heat packs can be used to warm a hypothermic pet or soothe joint and muscle injuries, while a cool pack can cool skin after a burn or reduce inflammation and pain in other injuries.
Liquid bandage - make sure to find one specifically formulated for pets.
Ear wash/cleaner
Eye rinse
Wound wash/antiseptic rinse or pre-moistened wipes
Antibiotic skin cream or ointment
Benadryl (or other dog-safe antihistamine) for quick treatment of dangerous bug bites and bee stings. TIP: Find the dye-free “liqui-gel” capsules and tape a safety pin to the back of the silver foil pack. In an emergency, poke the capsule with the safety pin and squeeze directly into your dog’s mouth.
Syptic powder - to stop bleeding quickly and safely.
Tweezers - for removing splinters and stingers.
Safety-tipped Scissors
Fast-Read digital thermometer
Tick removal tool or pads
3% Hydrogen Peroxide - to induce vomiting when necessary. Dosage is one teaspoon for every 10 pounds of your dog’s body weight, given orally. (Reminder: Hydrogen Peroxide DOES lose its efficacy over time. Check your bottle for an expiration date and replace every few months to ensure it will work when you need it to!)
A syringe - for administering liquid medications, providing fluids when necessary, or flushing wounds.
Pet Bandages - require no clips or tape, but adheres to itself without sticking to or pulling on pet hair. Can also be used as a tourniquet if needed.
Latex-free exam gloves
Medical records - proof of rabies and other vaccinations, a list of your dog’s allergies.
Medications - if your dog is currently taking medication, keep a small supply available in your first aid kit.
Extra Collar and Leash - with identification tags.
You May Also Want to Include...
With the above items in your kit, you’re well prepared in the event of any emergency. Though the following items aren’t always a must-have, they will most certainly be useful in your kit:
A muzzle. Any dog can bite, even the gentlest, sweetest dog you’ve ever known, especially when injured and afraid. When dealing with very serious injuries and/or with unknown dogs, it’s a good idea to muzzle the dog.
Towels, washcloths, or a blanket - If you’ve got room in your kit, these are useful in a variety of situations.
A list of emergency phone numbers: your regular vet, closest emergency vet, your local animal control, and pet poison hotline. It’s a good idea to have these programmed in your cell phone, too.
If you plan to bring your kit along during travel or long hikes/walks, include materials for creating a splint in the event of serious sprain or broken bones - tongue depressors or short dowel rods and strips of fabric or surgical tape will work well.
