Creating A Doggy First Aid Kit

Most people have some sort of first aid kit for themselves. If you get hurt, you can find a bandage and whatever else you need to treat the injury. However, few people have a first aid kit for their dog. While human and canine first aid kits have some things in common, there are also some extra things you need for your dog. Some things should be left out of your doggy kit, too. Human kits usually contain some sort of over the counter pain reliever and these may be dangerous or even deadly to your dog. Let your veterinarian suggest extra items you need if your dog has special health needs. Finally, many people find it is a good idea to make two kits: one for your home and one for your car, in case your dog is injured at the dog park or other location while out and about.

These are the things you should have in your doggy first aid kit:

Gauze and gauze tape — this is to bandage a wound and also to put pressure on it to make any bleeding stop. In addition, gauze can be used to fashion a temporary muzzle so that you do not get bitten giving the dog first aid. Even the best dog may bite when in pain or when severely frightened.
A blood clotting agent — you will have to ask your veterinarian which one is best for your dog.
Scissors — to cut the gauze and gauze tape. Go ahead and get ones intended for first aid kits that do not have a short point so you won’t accidentally stab your dog with them when cutting things.
Antibiotic ointment -check with your vet as to which kind to use and in what circumstances. You don’t want your dog to lick it off and get sick from it, but it can retard infections.
Nonstick wound pads -These pads do not stick to the wound so don’t hurt when removed later.
Thermometer — make sure you get an anal thermometer and know how to use it. You should also ask your veterinarian what temperature is normal for your dog so you know if he has a fever when you take his temperature.
Ice packs and hot packs — the ice packs help immediate injuries and the hot packs can help warm a dog who’s temperature is too cold. Put a towel or rag between the dog’s skin and the packs to keep them from damaging the skin.
Tweezers — these are great to remove stickers and other foreign objects from your dog.
Syringe — get a big syringe and remove the needle. Fill the syringe with clean water and squirt it on a dirty wound to clean it, or use it to administer liquid medicine orally.
Eye wash — if the dog gets injured in the eye, or gets a foreign body there, you can gently wash the eye to remove the foreign body or help soothe the injury.

Hopefully, you will never need to use this first aid kit. However, having these things can save your dog’s life if he is injured.