Balancing Corporate & Homesteading Lifestyles
Creating An Emergency First Aid Kit For Your Dog
Creating An Emergency Kit for Your Dog
As caregivers for our beloved companion animals, we do our very best to keep them safe and well but sometimes things happen beyond our control. In some cases, your immediate actions are critical to the best outcome. The key is preparation. What better time then now to prepare an emergency kit to have on hand should you need it.
Below is a list of suggested items for your dog's first aid kit. There are many commercial kits available online, if you choose not to make one yourself.
Items to include in an emergency kit:
Information About Your Animal:
- Records of pertinent medical and surgical history
- Vaccination history
- Heartworm status (dogs), FeLV/FIV status (cats)
- Current medications, doses, and dosing frequency
Information About Your Vet:
- Veterinarian contact information
- Local emergency clinic numbers and locations
Medications:
- Several days supply of chronic medications (Remember to check expiration dates)
First Aid Supplies:
- Blanket
- Exam gloves
- Thermometer
- Water based lubricant - for use with rectal thermometer
- Saline - wound flushing
- Muzzle
- Tweezers
- Toenail trimmers, Quick Stop / silver nitrate sticks
- Scissors (blunt and sharp tipped)
- Syringes without needles
- Antiseptic solution/wipes
- Rubbing alcohol
- 3% Hydrogen peroxide - to induce vomiting when indicated (do not use on wounds)
- Bandage material
- Adhesive tape
- Cotton balls/swabs
- Antihistamine - for allergic reactions - see here for dosage recommendations
- Activated charcoal - for ingested poisons
- Cold pack
Other Supplies:
- Canine first aid book
- Slip lead
- Towels/blanket
- Old credit card - to remove bee stingers (Learn more about how to remove a stinger)
- Flash light or other light source
Make sure you check the kit every few months and keep an eye on any medication expiration dates and replace items as needed. And, of course, keep the kit out of reach of pets and children.
