Dog first aid kits can be purchased online, but you may find that they are quite costly. Preparing your own first aid kit for dogs is relatively easy. You just need to gather a few items together and have a general knowledge of what to do with each item when the time comes. Having a dog first aid kit available with you when you are out on the road will ensure that you are prepared if an emergency should arise.
*Important: Should your dog get hurt, the best thing to do is get it immediate veterinary care. However, a dog first aid kit may be used to help your dog until you are able to get it to the vet.
Here are the things that you should make sure to have in your dog’s first aid kit.
All of Your Dog’s Paperwork
Keeping a copy of your dog’s vaccination and medical records inside of your first aid kit is a smart idea. Should your dog get hurt, it will help get him or her to get faster treatment.
Hydrogen Peroxide
As you are likely aware, hydrogen peroxide is excellent for cleaning out minor wounds. In addition to this, it is also used to induce vomiting in dogs. This procedure is typically done when a dog swallows something poisonous.
*Never attempt to induce vomiting in your dog without receiving instructions from a poison control professional or a veterinarian.
Antibiotic Ointment
Keeping a tube of antibiotic ointment in the kit may be useful for either you or your dog. If either of you get scratched when you go outdoors, for example, it provides an immediate barrier from dirt and germs. It also prevents cuts from becoming infected and relieves pain.
Gauze, Scissors, and Tape
This is technically more than one item, but they all work together. Gauze works to control the bleeding, the scissors cut the gauze and the tape is used to keep the gauze in place. Scissors can also be used to cut fabric to make a larger bandage out of an old T-shirt.
Wet Wipes
Whether you want to call them wet wipes or baby wipes, they are handy in your dog’s first aid kit. They can be used to clean dirt or blood off of a wound. They can also be used to clean around the eye area or inside of your dog’s ears. Wet wipes also come in handy when your dog has muddy paws and tracks mud into your car.
Towel or Blanket
When a dog gets hurt, sometimes it makes him or her feel better to be wrapped up inside of a blanket. A towel or blanket also provides a soft surface that the dog can lay on when being examined.
Collapsible Food and Water Bowls
Be ready to give your dog food and water at any time when you are out and about. Have a bottle of water at the ready as well as an emergency stash of food at hand.
Pet First Aid Guidebook
It only makes perfect sense that should an emergency happen, you should be able to know what steps to take to help your dog until they get to the vet. Having a pet first aid guidebook in your kit can help you know what to do in various different types of situations.