After reading the story about Misty’s rescue in Colorado by a group of dog lovers, I started wondering if we should invest in a first aid kit for dogs. Someone recommended the Skinny Mayday Pet First Aid Kit for Dogs
But can dog lovers create a first aid kit for dogs at home?
Barbara E of Olympia, Washington was kind enough to share some of the things she has in her First Aid Kit for Dogs. She keeps these items in a big, red tool box. This isn’t an exhaustive list – I would appreciate recommendations to add to the list. Thanks!
- Field Guide: Dog First Aid Emergency Care
(please study in advance so you can react confidently in an emergency!)
- Roll cotton
- Cotton balls
- Gauze pads
- Gauze tape
- Hydrogen peroxide (check the expiration date)
- Hydrocortisone ointment
- Scissors
- Eyewash
- Silver nitrate
- Tweezers
- Oral syringes
- Pediolyte or other balanced electrolyte fluid
- Simethicone (i.e. GasX for bloat)
- Baby food – meat flavors work best
- Large towel
- Exam gloves
- 1 inch white tape (in addition to gauze tape)
- Rolls of elastic wrap
- Emergency ice pack
- Thermometer (both oral and rectal thermometers can be used rectally)
- Benadryl (for bites/stings/allergic reactions. Check with your vet for proper dosage)
- Soft dog muzzle (never know when an injured animal is found and out of fear may try and bite)
- Phone numbers for your veterinarian or local emergency clinics (if travelling)
- Pictures of your dogs
- Most current vaccination records
Now it’s your turn! Please add items for a first aid kit for dogs in the comments below and I’ll add them to this list!
