Dog First Aid

Your first task is to choose an appropriate container in which to keep all your basic dog first aid supplies.

It should be waterproof, portable and probably bigger than you’re expecting. Stocking it with the right remedies, tools and equipment is essential, and it will fill up fast!

A sturdy, plastic tool box (the kind that has expandable, pull-out trays and a carrying handle) is ideal. So are fishing tackle boxes or the kind of boxes designed to hold craft equipment.

(Remember we suggest you buy two boxes and put together 2 dog first aid kits, just follow the instructions here for each box).

Whatever type of box you choose, be sure to label it clearly on the outside (in permanent marker) with the following information:

• Your pet’s name
• Your veterinarian’s telephone number
• Telephone number of the nearest 24 hr. animal hospital
• Poison Control Center Hotline number
• Your own name, address and phone number/s

Okay, so now you have your dog first aid box all ready, so let’s start to fill it….

Dog First Aid Kit List

• First Aid Book
  One of the first things you want to put into your dog first aid kit is a good animal first aid/veterinary handbook. There are several excellent ones on the market and you may want to choose a bigger, more comprehensive reference book for home and a smaller, more concise version for your first aid kits.
• Essential veterinarian Information Sheet
  Make a list that includes the name, age, weight and breed of each of your pets. Add their identification info. (such as microchip or tattoo numbers), your vet’s telephone number and a copy of each dog’shealth and vaccination records. If possible include an up to date photo of each pet for additional ID purposes.
• Digital Rectal Thermometer
  A vital part of your basic dog first aid supplies. Digital is safer than mercury. Always take a dog’s temperature rectally. Normal temp. is between 100.5 & 102F. Anything higher indicates a fever (usually as a result of infection). In hot weather 106F or above can mean life-threatening heatstroke. A temp of 99F or below can mean your pup is going into shock…at the very minimum he’s seriously chilled.
• Vaseline or KY Jelly
  Use some of this to lubricate the end of the thermometer for easier insertion
• Blanket/heating pad/ice packs
  It’s important to keep an injured animal warm if they start to go into shock, as it triggers a sudden, severe drop in body temp. Single use heat-pads (the kind we humans use for back-ache etc.), hot water bottles or a Space blanket (brand name of a compact, thermal blanket ideal for canine first aid) all work well. One-use ice packs are best.
• Muzzle
  Any dog who’s injured or hurt can snap or bite. A soft, fabric muzzle works best. If you don’t have one handy, you can use a piece cut from a leg of your panty-hose!
• Scissors
  Blunt-tipped, stainless steel is best.
• Tweezers
  Flat, slant-tipped for better grip. Use these removing splinters, ticks, thorns etc.
• Rubber/latex Gloves
  For examination purposes
• Eye-dropper/10cc syringe/turkey baster
  For giving medicines/fluids
• Antiseptic/Disinfectant
  Your basic dog first aid supplies need to include AT LEAST ONE of the following for cleaning wounds – Betadine solution – 3% Hydrogen Peroxide – anti-bacterial pads or wash.
• Cotton Balls/Pads/Q-Tips
  Cotton balls, a roll of cotton pads and a box of Q-tips are essential for cleaning wounds and applying ointments, creams etc.
• Ointments & Creams
  An anti-biotic cream – such as Neosporin for cuts and scrapes
  Benadryl cream – for stings and bites

  Styptic powder – to stop bleeding nails and small cuts

  Bag Balm – for dog paw first aid

  Surgical glue – to stop bleeding on minor cuts

• Medications
  These are a very important part of your basic dog first aid supplies. Try to get all the following tablets, liquids etc. Choose the smallest size you can find, as many are perishable and as you (hopefully) won’t need to use your dog first aid kit too often, you may need to discard some and replace them with new before they’ve even been opened.
  Kaopectate – for diarrhea

  Pepto Bismol – for tummy upset (give 1tsp.per 5lbs body weight)

  Aspirin – not for cats! 1 tablet per 60lbs body weight.

  Bebe-Bac Gel – Combats side-effects of antibiotics

  PureCalm for Anxiety and Panic Attacks – or similar natural anti-anxiety products

  Dramamine - for motion-sickness

  Benadryl tablets – for allergies (1/2mg per lb of body weight, every 8 hours)

  Pedialyte – used to combat dehydration and balance electrolyte levels

  Sterile Saline Solution – to wash out eyes and wounds
  Antibiotic Eye Cream – eg. Terramycin for mild eye infections

  Ear Cleaning Solution

• Adhesive Tape/bandages/Wraps
  Don’t forget to add these items to your dog first aid kit list!
  Roll of 1″ wide adhesive tape
  Assorted bandages – include self clinging, elastic, waterproof. Vet-wrap is designed especially for dogs and clings to itself, not fur!

  Roll of elastic wrap

  Pkt. 3 X 3 sterile gauze pads

  Sterile, stretch gauze bandage

• Miscellaneous
  Other general, but useful items we suggest you add to your dog first aid kit list are :

  Lightweight leash & collar

  Large & small Ziploc baggies

  Small, strong flashlight

  Several small, clean washcloths

  Dog treats containing some sugar (to raise blood sugar levels)

  Okay…that’s it! If you collect all the above basic dog first aid supplies, your canine first aid kit is going to be awesome.

  and finally…..

  A well-stocked dog first aid kit can significantly increase your pup’s chances of survival and rate of recovery.Most illnesses, injuries and accidents suffered by puppies are minor, and if they’re handled quickly and correctly you may be able to prevent them from turning into much more serious or life-threatening situations.