How To Make a Dog First Aid Kit

Being prepared for any situation for your dog is part of being a pet owner. One way to be prepared is by having a proper dog first aid kit. Dogs get into a lot of things and you never know when you may need something to aid them. Dog first aid kits can be filled with similar items that human first aid kits have in them. You may want to buy a pre-packaged kit online, or you can put your own dog first aid kit together containing similar items. 

Dog First Aid Kit Essentials

Adhesive Tape

Self-adhesive tape can be a breathable choice when needing to wrap up a wound. WePet Pet Wrap is a good adhesive tape option. 

Antibiotic Spray/Ointment

Non-toxic ointments or sprays can be used on cuts, sores, rashes, dry skin or allergies. It is safe for dogs if accidentally ingested. Vetericyn Plus creates a 100% non-toxic spray hydrogel that can help heal your dog. 

Cotton Balls

In addition to wearing gloves, it is nice to have some cotton balls in your canine first aid kit. They can be used to apply medicine or clean cuts or wounds. 

Digital Thermometer

Need to know if your dog has a fever? Be sure to include a digital thermometer in the kit! Coat the thermometer in petroleum gel or baby oil. Gently insert the thermometer in your dog’s anus, about one inch, and wait approximately 60 seconds for the thermometer to register their temp.

Emergency Blanket

For worst case scenarios, especially if you live in colder climates, you may need to include an emergency blanket in your pet first aid kit. If your pet is experiencing shock or hypothermia, simply cover your dog to hold in body heat.

Gauze

Latex-free medical gauze is an essential item to include in your kit. If you or your dog have any injury, use this with a bandage and apply around the wound. Scissors are also necessary in order to help cut bandages or gauze, so make sure to add those to your kit as well.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is an antiseptic solution that can be applied to any injury to prevent infection. This solution is also suggested to be used to induce vomiting. If your dog has eaten something that they shouldn’t have, simply administer hydrogen peroxide into their throat. Dogs will often vomit within a few minutes of ingesting the solution. Even if you are able to get your dog to vomit using hydrogen peroxide, you should still make sure to contact your vet afterwards to see if an appointment is necessary for a check-up. 

Leash & Collar

You never know when you may need another collar and leash, especially in an emergency situation. It’s also best to have an extra set just in case your dog’s collar comes off or if the leash breaks.

Soft Muzzle

When dogs are in shock from an injury, they can become frantic and harmful. A soft muzzle can help to stop them from biting. 

Syringes

If you are needing to flush out a wound or give oral medication to your dog, try adding in some syringes. Look for non-toxic, individually sealed syringes. 

Travel Dog Bowl

For adventure medical kits especially, be sure to include a few travel bowls. Making sure your dog has plenty of water and food is essential to their well-being! Vapur has a nice EZ lick portable dog water bottle and KONG has easy, fold-up dog food bowls. 

Tweezers

A must-have essential in any first aid kit for dogs, tweezers can be precise tools when trying to achieve a variety of tasks. Stainless steel with slant tips are important for picking splinters out or getting ticks out of your dog’s fur.

In addition to your kit, include important paperwork such as your dog’s medical records, vaccination records, and emergency phone numbers. If you’re traveling with your dog, it’s never a bad idea to look up animal hospitals or vets in the area before you go so you have the phone number and address handy in the event of an emergency while you’re away from home. 

If you are ever in an emergency situation, call 9-1-1 and alert them of your location and that you have a dog with you. If you suspect your dog has ingested something that they shouldn’t have, contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 or visit their website aspca.org to find more information.