10 Items All Dog Owners Should Include in Their Dog First Aid Kit

Introduction

A lot of accidents happen every day in our day-to-day lives, some preventable and some inevitable. Regardless of the cause or the extent of the injury, it is always advisable to perform first aid. Performing first aid requires one to have a first aid kit and some knowledge on the basic things to do in these kinds of situations. Just like us, dogs too can be involved in accidents and get injuries that may require the services of a vet. However, having a dog first aid kit will enable you the dog owner to provide first aid before taking them to the vet if the injuries turn out to be serious. Minor injuries include cuts, bruises, and strains.

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If you happen to be a dog owner, you should have a dog first aid kit stored carefully in your home or your car. Remember injuries can occur at any time or any place and it is always good to be prepared for such emergencies. There are different breeds and age groups of dogs which mean that not all kits are suitable for all dogs. To take care of this, consult with your dog veterinarian the contents of your dog’s first aid kit. They will recommend the best available kit with appropriate tools, remedies, and equipment which will be convenient both for you and your dog. Building or customizing your kit is better than purchasing a pre-made kit. Alternatively, you can add some items to an existing or pre-made kit to suit your dog’s needs.

Dog first aid kit checklist

1. Water – used to flush out minor wounds, hydrating your dog, soothing burns, and cooling of your dog in case of overheating.

2. Stretch/Elastic bandages – they typically help to minimize bleeding and keeping wounds clean until you get to the vet.

3. Sterile saline wash/Eyewash – useful in cleaning dog eyes for debris, insects, smoke and any other foreign object.

4. Gloves and washing up liquid – gloves minimize the risk of further injury contamination. Washing up liquid, on the other hand, gets rid of toxins from dog fur and skin.

5. Medications and rectal thermometer– if your dog happens to be under medication, you should include the medication in your kit. They include antihistamine if your dog experiences allergic reactions. Checking your dog’s temperature helps to access their condition.

6. Adhesive tape – comes in handy when securing dressings.

7. Towel/Emergency Blanket – needless to say, when your dog is feeling cold or in shock, a blanket can be used to cover your dog. A towel will help to maintain body heat to keep them warm and make them feel safe as you head to the vet.

8. Scissors and Tick Remover – needed for cutting dog fur, tape or splints. Tick remover tools help in tick-infested areas.

9. Tweezers – tweezers may seem unnecessary until you try to remove things like thorns from your dog’s paw using your fingers. They can also be used to remove splinters.

10. Contact details and medical records/paperwork – lastly but not least, as a responsible pet owner you are required to have animal control emergency contacts and your local vet’s phone number. Medical records are also necessary if your dog happens to have illness history. Medical history will be helpful to a new vet when you move to a new town or when your local vet is unavailable.

Conclusion

Just like you deal with your emergencies, hurt or injured dogs need the same care and treatment. Common sense once again comes to play in these type of circumstances. It doesn’t matter if you are going for a short ride with your dog, ensure that you have a dog first aid kit with you at all times. Having a proper kit shows your preparedness and commitment to emergency situations. You may realize the importance of this simple responsibility when you are out in the countryside for a long trip or hike and something that requires a kit comes up. Carry a pet first aid book if you are a new dog owner. Accidents may range from broken bones to allergic reactions.