Safety is at the top of every dog parent’s priority list. Emergencies can occur anywhere and at anytime. Having a first aid kit ready can be a lifesaver in any medical emergency! Being prepared will help you administer first aid to your dog, no matter how stressful of a situation it is. Here are 8 must have items in your basic Dog First Aid Kit.
1. Emergency Contacts
In an emergency, you need to know who to contact without wasting any valuable time. Keep the contact phone numbers of your dog’s veterinarian, the animal poison helpline, and the closest emergency vet clinic or hospital. Poison helplines are useful for expert advice in the event your dog ingests poison. ASPCA poison control center (800-426-4435) and Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) are two great resources.
2. Medical Records
It is important to keep your dog’s medical records handy in his first aid kit. These records provide important information to the person administering first aid to your dog. Keep hard copies of your dog’s vaccination records, prescriptions, and medical notes. This will help the first aid expert make an informed decision in a medical emergency. You can also store electronic copies of your pup’s medical records. Online storage services such as Google Drive and Dropbox are great for this.
3. Pet’s First Aid Manual
Administering first aid can seem daunting for any new dog owner. First aid manuals, such as “Pet First Aid” by the American Red Cross, are great resources to have. You will have clear guidance on how to perform CPR on your dog, which is something not every dog parent might know. Other topics covered include what to do in the event of bleeding, choking, trauma, poisoning, and wounds. The book is available on Amazon and we recommend that every pet owner reads it. There are also apps for Apple and Android devices. Take some time to learn first aid and CPR. It saves lives, and it works.
4. Eye & Ear Wash
Dust and other harmful pollutants inside your dog’s eyes can cause long term damage if not treated right away. Your pup might experience itching, burning, or stinging. Carry a Dog Ear Cleaning Solution and Sterile Saline Eye Wash in your dog’s first aid kit. Washing your dog’s eyes and ears will flush out any harmful chemicals. This will also help prevent any further damage caused by pollutants or chemicals.
5. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a very useful item to have in your pet’s first aid kit. If your dog consumes a poisonous substance, you can give him hydrogen peroxide. This will induce vomiting in your dog. Toxic substances can cause damage. Hence this solution is effective in helping your dog spit out the poison. You can use it immediately before you take your dog to the clinic for further treatment. But you must only give hydrogen peroxide with the advice of your dog’s vet. If you’re unsure, you can call one of the poison helplines listed above for guidance. It is vital to know what dosage to give your dog before administering hydrogen peroxide.
6. Medications
Always consult with your Veterinarian before giving your dog any medication. Carry a small quantity of your dog’s regular medication in his first aid kit. Additionally, you can carry diphenhydramine, styptic powder, glucose tablets, and an antibiotic ointment. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine which helps with allergic reactions, such as a bee sting. Styptic powder helps to prevent further bleeding in wounds plungesandiego.com. An antibiotic ointment acts as a barrier from bacteria. This is great for preventing any infection when your dog gets a cut or wound.
7. Materials for Wound Dressing
Gauze, scissors, surgical tape, and gloves will come in handy when you dress your dog’s wound. Keep non-adhesive bandages in your dog’s first aid kit. Adhesive bandages will stick to your dog’s fur and make it uncomfortable to remove. You can use gauze not only to protect wounds, but also as a brace for fractures or as a muzzle if required.
8. Rectal Thermometer & Petroleum Jelly
According to the American Kennel Club, your dog’s body temperature ranges between 99.5 °F and 102.5 °F. If you suspect your dog has a fever, use a thermometer. Veterinarians recommend that you take your dog’s temperature rectally for better accuracy. You can use petroleum jelly or another water-based lubricant as lubrication to make the insertion more comfortable for your dog.
A basic dog first aid kit will keep you well prepared for any medical emergency your dog may encounter. You can use it immediately, until you can make it to the veterinarian’s office for further treatment. Having a kit handy will always help you get through dangerous situations with ease.
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