What Should Be in Your Dog First Aid Kit

Have you ever had an accident that you didn’t see coming? Maybe you burned your hand on the stove, fell off of a ladder or smashed your finger in a door. In times of distress, we rely on a first aid kit to help in our emergency situation.

But when it comes to your pet, are you prepared to take action when an emergency situation strikes? The last thing you want is to be unprepared when your pet is in danger. Especially if medical supplies are needed.

In order to avoid that panic here are two lists (one more comprehensive) of items that you should keep in a portable dog first aid kit – just in case you should have an emergency.

MUST HAVES

1. Paperwork: Emergency Phone Numbers and Vaccination Records

Paperwork is especially important to have on hand during an emergency with your pet. When traveling with your pup, you may need to use a different vet or if you have a pet-sitter – having easy access to your dog’s medical history will make it easier.

Instead of carrying all of that paperwork, use an app like Vitus Vet that puts your pet’s medical history in your pocket.

2. Antibiotic ointment

Antibiotic ointment is an essential item in your dog first aid kit. It can help relieve pain and prevent infection from cuts and scratches.

It is especially important to have a long while spending time outdoors frolicking through the woods or camping.

3. A towel or a blanket

Wrapping your inured dog in a blanket can help calm them. This can help you when you’re trying to get a better look at their wound, or pick them up to transport them to the vet.

Microfiber towels are also very absorbent and can help you avoid a sticky situation.

5. A tweezer

Tweezers aren’t just good for removing splinters, they can also be used to pick off ticks. Having tweezers handy is helpful whenever your dog comes inside after being in long grass.

6. Hydrogen peroxide

Not only is hydrogen peroxide good for cleaning wounds, but it can also help induce vomiting should your dog eat something that’s bad for them and you need to call Poison Control Services.

7. Adhesive gauze, tape, cotton balls, splint, and a scissors

These are typical items for most human first aid kits and should not be forgotten in your dog first aid kit to help with cuts and bumps.

Gauze is especially helpful at controlling both bleeding and temporarily immobilizing a leg (with the help of the splint). Cotton balls will help you clean any wound and scissors will help with cutting gauze.

8. Medicine

If your dog is prescribed medicine, have a backup supply is always a good idea. Other medicines you may want to keep on hand include sedatives, flea/tick medications, and Diphenhydramine (Benadryl).

Always double check with a vet and make sure you are giving the correct dosage.

9. A cold pack

Cold packs are useful for treating heat stroke and can also help keep swelling under control as you drive to the vet. Packs that are both hot and cold can be used for stiff joints or muscle injuries.

A MORE COMPREHENSIVE VERSION

While we hope you never have to use most of the items in your dog first aid kit, having them around can be essential in an emergency situation. So always know where your kit is and what all the items in the kit are used for.