Life is one of those things that usually never goes the way you want to or think it will go. Things just happen! But, if you have a dog and you want to make sure that you are always prepared and ready in case something does happen, you should have a dog first aid kit. While you can purchase these, I would suggest making your own because then you can customize it however you see fit. If you need some ideas on what items you should be included, check out the list below to get started!
Paperwork For Your Pooch
If you are having some sort of a critical emergency, you will want to keep all of this information in one place. It should include things like vaccination and medical records, emergency phone numbers or any other passports for your dog. Also, if you leave your pet with a dog sitter make sure that they know where the first aid kit is.
Antibiotic Ointment or Neosporin
Whether your pup gets a small scratch or a cut, an antibiotic ointment like Neosporin is a great item to have in your first aid kit! Not only can it help relieve any pain or soreness they might be having, but it can help prevent any infections as well as act as a barrier against dirt and germs. If you’re not comfortable with using Neosporin, you can also use coconut oil – though this won’t protect against germs it will soothe the area until you can see a vet, and you don’t have to worry about them eating it.
Scissors, Tape, and Gauze
If you’re in an emergency situation, gauze can help soak up blood – or can be used as a temporary brace. You can also use an old but clean t-shirt and tape for a brace too until you can get in to see a vet.
Collapsible Food and Water Bowls
When you think of food and water bowls you think of clunkiness and something that takes up a lot of space, but there are special collapsible food and water bowls that you can place right in the first aid kit for your dog.
Small Bottles of Water and Emergency Food/Treats
People that live in areas where wildfires, volcanos, or earthquakes are present will also want to add some essential nutrients to their first aid kit for the dog. Like with humans, water = life! So make sure you pack a few bottles of water just in case you don’t have access to water for hours, days or weeks at a time.
Medications
Of course, this should be common sense but if your pup has any medications that are imperative to keeping them healthy, make sure that you pack these in the first aid kit as well. Another idea is to also include their flea and tick meds if you’re going to be traveling.
Creature Comforts
If an emergency ever happens, your pup will want to be comforted. If they have a favorite toy or blanket, make sure that you also pack this away in a first aid kit too. It will help to keep them calm.
Safety Dog Handbook
These are really smart to have! These little guidebooks teach you how to give your dog CPR, how to bandage a wound or even give you more ideas to add to your first aid kit.
In addition to all of the items above, you can also ask your vet if they can suggest any other items or products to have in your dog first aid kit.
As the old age saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Already you will be more prepared for a pet emergency. And our local clients can take great comfort in knowing we are available to you 24 hours a day with the services of Metro Animal Emergency Clinic.