First Aid Kits for your Dog

Do you have a first aid kit prepared for your dog?

Where is it? Does it travel with you?

Here are some common items that you should have in your first dog’s first aid kit:

Place everything in a durable and portable container (like a small plastic tote to keep materials dry).

Identification and Phone Numbers
Phone number and address of your regular vet and the nearest emergency vet. (update if you travel)
Animal Poison Control Hotline number
Micro chip info (if applicable) and a photo of you and your pet

List of any supplements or medications; most current vaccination records
Have an idea of your pet’s weight or make a cheat sheet with dosing instructions for common urgent care situations (like peroxide or benedryl).

Supplies

• Gauze pads and rolls
• First Aid tape
• Nitrile / non-latex gloves
• Sterile saline rinse (Contact lens solution)
• scissors
• antihistamine pill
• Neosporin or triple antibiotic ointment, antiseptic wipes
• tick remover / tweezers
• activated charcoal (for absorbing poisons if advised)
• extra leash and collar, slip lead, muzzle or long cloth to improvise a muzzle
• collapsible bowl / water / food source

You can add additional things if there are specific activities or things you are concerned about with your dog. Be sure to check your kit at least once per year to make sure supplies are still in good condition, have not expired and that you have a sufficient amount.

Being prepared will help with administering aid and recovery.

If you have not, take Pet First Aid class so that you know how to safely and properly help your pet in an emergency. Our staff and clients recently completed training for First Aid and CPR. Check out the video here.