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You can purchase a ready-made first aid kit or make your own.
You're all set for your vacation or the latest trip to your local dog park. But before you go, ask yourself this: Do you have a doggie first aid kit with you? Have you ever even thought about it?
There are several things you can do to make sure your dogs are safe during your summer vacation and one of the big ones on the list is having a dog first aid kit. Although a human first aid kit will help, there are some things a dog needs that might not be included in a human first aid kit. These include the obvious like your dog's vaccine records (especially useful if you need to visit an out-of-town vet) and your home vet's phone number; and the less obvious like vet wrap (which sticks to itself but not fur) and something to treat things like poison ivy and poison oak.
It's also a good idea to get a pet first aid book to help you through any emergencies. And with the AAHA Animal Hospital Locator, you can even look up veterinarians in the city or town you're traveling to and keep the numbers handy.
Some items can be used on both humans and dogs, but be aware of what the effect on your dog will be. Not all human medications are good for treating dogs. Besides the above and, of course, any medication your dog might need, some things you should carry in your doggie first aid kit are:
- scissors and tweezers,
- 3 x 3 sterile gauze pads,
- Rolled gauze for bandaging, stabilizing joints, making a muzzle (or just bring your dog's muzzle if you have one),
- Adhesive first aid tape
- cotton balls
- bandages, including self-clinging (vet wrap), Ace, and waterproof types.
Vet Wrap has tons of uses for pets and people.
You'll also need some sort of anti-bacterial wipes (get your vet to recommend these).
It's always a good idea to take some hydrogen peroxide 3% solution. This can be used to clean wounds but can also be used to induce vomiting if need be. Check with your vet for the exact dosage to induce vomiting for your size of dog.
Be prepared for emergencies for your best friend.
Other items you might need are: Bag Balm for treating paw pads, sterile saline eye solution (to flush out eye contaminants and wounds), artificial tear gel to lubricate eyes after flushing, Epsom salt (mix 1 teaspoon in 2 cups of warm water for drawing out infection and bathing itchy paws and skin), baking soda (good for soothing skin conditions), styptic powder or corn starch (to stop bleeding of torn toenails, etc.), Aspirin (for dogs only, 1 tablet per 60 pounds; do not use acetaminophen or ibuprofen; do not give aspirin to cats), and Betadine solution (a type of antiseptic iodine medicine for wounds to deter infection).
You can get most of these items at your local pharmacy or pet supply store. Be sure to check with your vet before administering any medication.
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