Dogs injure themselves, have accidents, and suddenly get sick. As the owner and dog parent, it’s up to you to provide help, at least until you can get to a vet. This is particularly important when you’re away from home. When you have a fully stocked First Aid Kit for the dog handy, it gives you confidence and prevents panic.
There are ready-made kits available, but it may be best to build your own kit that’s suitable for your dog’s specific needs. The First Aid Kit is best stored in a durable, weatherproof, easily carried container. It should be an easily accessible Pet First Aid Manual, your vet’s contact details and location, and other relevant information, particularly if you’re traveling. In the First Aid Kit, you’ll need the following:
Basics
Medical tape, cotton balls, and swabs to treat wounds.
Disposable gloves, scissors, tweezers, nail clipper and file, and a small flashlight.
Towels, cloths, and a dog blanket keep the dog warm if needed.
Cold and heat packs to cool skin after a burn, or to keep the dog warm.
Saline solution to clean eyes, ears, or wounds, plus an eye dropper.
Gauze pads, rolls, and squares to cover wounds, stop bleeding and even make a muzzle for an injured dog.
Equipment you’ll need.
A slip lead and a muzzle, to help keep an injured (and scared) dog under control and prevent further injuries.
Tick remover tool to remove any ticks, with the embedded head, as soon as possible. Dogs can get Lyme disease and removing the tick is the best option.
Disinfectant and wipes to disinfect wounds.
Non-stick bandages, especially for animals. They don’t stick to fur, and some are breathable and water-resistant.
Digital Thermometer for Canines. Make sure you know how to use and read it.
Dog boots are great for protecting paws and covering a bandaged paw. There are special ones that are waterproof and sock-like.
Medication
Wound spray is wonderful to treat burns, lacerations, and wounds.
Skin and paw balm, to soothe and heal dry, cracked, and sore paws.
Pain relievers, especially for dogs. Ask your vet for the correct one and never use human pain relievers as they can cause bleeding ulcers and kidney damage.
Antihistamine products in case your dog has an allergic reaction. Make sure you use the correct dosage, as it makes the animal drowsy.
Eyewash in case the dog gets irritating stuff into the eyes. There are special eye rinses available for dogs.
Nutrition
An electrolyte replacement. This is especially important if you’re taking your dog to a hot climate where dehydration and exhaustion are possible.
Food and water are obvious things to take along, but you can also invest in a collapsible bowl, that is light and takes very little space when you’re going on a trip.
From a broken toenail to a serious cut, it’s important not to panic when your dog injures itself or gets sick. This is much easier when you know you have the right equipment handy and have the knowledge to use it.
There are ready-made kits available, but it may be best to build your own kit that’s suitable for your dog’s specific needs. The First Aid Kit is best stored in a durable, weatherproof, easily carried container. It should be an easily accessible Pet First Aid Manual, your vet’s contact details and location, and other relevant information, particularly if you’re traveling. In the First Aid Kit, you’ll need the following:
Basics
Medical tape, cotton balls, and swabs to treat wounds.
Disposable gloves, scissors, tweezers, nail clipper and file, and a small flashlight.
Towels, cloths, and a dog blanket keep the dog warm if needed.
Cold and heat packs to cool skin after a burn, or to keep the dog warm.
Saline solution to clean eyes, ears, or wounds, plus an eye dropper.
Gauze pads, rolls, and squares to cover wounds, stop bleeding and even make a muzzle for an injured dog.
Equipment you’ll need.
A slip lead and a muzzle, to help keep an injured (and scared) dog under control and prevent further injuries.
Tick remover tool to remove any ticks, with the embedded head, as soon as possible. Dogs can get Lyme disease and removing the tick is the best option.
Disinfectant and wipes to disinfect wounds.
Non-stick bandages, especially for animals. They don’t stick to fur, and some are breathable and water-resistant.
Digital Thermometer for Canines. Make sure you know how to use and read it.
Dog boots are great for protecting paws and covering a bandaged paw. There are special ones that are waterproof and sock-like.
Medication
Wound spray is wonderful to treat burns, lacerations, and wounds.
Skin and paw balm, to soothe and heal dry, cracked, and sore paws.
Pain relievers, especially for dogs. Ask your vet for the correct one and never use human pain relievers as they can cause bleeding ulcers and kidney damage.
Antihistamine products in case your dog has an allergic reaction. Make sure you use the correct dosage, as it makes the animal drowsy.
Eyewash in case the dog gets irritating stuff into the eyes. There are special eye rinses available for dogs.
Nutrition
An electrolyte replacement. This is especially important if you’re taking your dog to a hot climate where dehydration and exhaustion are possible.
Food and water are obvious things to take along, but you can also invest in a collapsible bowl, that is light and takes very little space when you’re going on a trip.
From a broken toenail to a serious cut, it’s important not to panic when your dog injures itself or gets sick. This is much easier when you know you have the right equipment handy and have the knowledge to use it.