Preparing a First Aid Kit for your Dog
Whether you are on the go or at home, a pet first aid kit should always be accessible. Just like people, dogs need first aid and the result of poor planning on your part can bite you in the tail if your dog ends of ill or injured and you don’t have what you need to help him. Prepare now!
Where do I start?
A pet first aid kit can easily be assembled using a first aid kit that you would use for your human family members. Then by adding a few extra items, it will be custom fit for your pets. If you’re just not up to preparing a kit on your own, check out these first aid kits. They are specifically targeted and sold as first aid kits for your pets. Just be sure to reference our list below to make sure that you have everything that you need, ok?
Before you get started, grab a copy of a pet first aid book so you can administer aid to your pet at home or as you are en route the veterinary hospital in times of need. The First Aid Companion for Dogs and Cats by Dr. Amy Shojai is highly rated on amazon. There’s a preview, so if you take a peek, you’ll see get a good glimpse of what the book gives you. Once you purchase one of these first aid books, become familiar with the set up and contents so you can quickly navigate the book in times of need.
So, what exactly goes into my pet first aid kit?
The basics:
- Absorbent gauze pads
- Adhesive tape
- Antiseptic wipes
- Blanket
- Cotton balls or swabs
- Gauze rolls
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Ice pack
- Disposable gloves
- Petroleum jelly
- Rectal thermometer
- Scissors
- Self-cling bandage
- Saline solution
- Tweezers
Other possible items:
- Nail Clippers
- Benadryl
- Glucose paste
- Flashlight
- Plastic syringe
- Towels
- Leash
- Pet Carrier
Finally, be sure to have on hand the following important information and documentation: (to be kept in a waterproof container or plastic gallon bag for safekeeping)
- Phone numbers to veterinary clinic, animal hospital and poison control
- Pet health records including vaccination records
- Current photos of your pet
With a quick trip to your local pharmacy or with a few taps on your key board, you can have access to any and all items that you would need for your pets. Assemble this first aid kit now so that you are not scrambling when an emergency or accident arises. In fact, I suggest you assemble two – one for at home and one for your car. Don’t forget to check out The First Aid Companion for Dogs and Cats by Dr. Amy Shojai.