Always be prepared. That’s the scout motto isn’t it? Well, it certainly is in our house. Since my husband and I are both fairly active with our dogs, because they wouldn’t have it any other way, means that we always have to be prepared for that one thing to go wrong. The just in case situation that can be a simple fix or even a lifesaving action on the way to the vet (thankfully, we’ve not had any of the latter just yet. *knocking on wood!*).
For all of those scratches, cuts, allergic reactions, burns, etc. that your dog may encounter (or you for that matter!), it is always good to have a first aid kit on hand. Our first aid kit is pretty extensive and covers pretty much anything that can be thought of. It contains items both for dog and people use and gets put in the car if we leave with a dog or five for that chance encounter with disaster but your kit doesn’t have to hold as much if you’d prefer it didn’t. We’ve seen some kits that had the bare essentials and then our behemoth-type kits so it’s personal preference.
Our First Aid Kit
When making a first aid kit, remember to have a container specifically designated for your items. This kit needs to be as sanitary as possible so be prepared to have a lot of bags and what not to contain items so they don’t encounter things that could potentially make a situation worse.
In our kit, we have the following items:
- Mesh Muzzles (ones that will fit our dogs)
- Slip leads (the veterinary variety)
- Anti-Diarrheal medication
- Triple Antibiotic Ointment
- Hydrocortisone Cream
- Glucose Tablets/Gel
- Thermometer (and Tip Covers)
- Pill Crusher and Pill Cutter
- White Hand Towels
- Q-tips and Cotton Balls
- Gauze Pads and Wrap
- Liquid Bandage
- Cloth and Self-Adhesive Tapes
- Rubbing Alcohol
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Bag Balm
- Vet/Sport Wrap
- Safety Pins
- Bulb Syring
- Antacids, Asprin and Ibuprofen
- Petroleum Jelly
- Calamine Lotion
- Saline Eye Wash
- Eye Dropper
- Instant Cold Compress
- Emergency Blanket
- Epsom Salts
- Styptic Powder
- Rescue Remedy
- Pedialyte Unflavored or Orange (we change this out every couple of months)
- Hand Sanitizer
- LED Flashlight
- First Aid Books for dogs and people
- First Aid Instruments (gloves, splinter remover, scissors, tweezers, finger splint and light)
As I said, it’s pretty extensive. There are a few things I’d like to add but the kit is always a work in progress when I learn something new and/or important for the wellbeing of the beasts or the humans. We have our current veterinarian’s information on a laminated 3×5 card and make temporary cards with veterinary information for areas we may be traveling near for those just in case moments along with other important numbers – like poison control!
If you’re not up for making your own, there are many ready-made kits available online in every price bracket and at many local pet suppliers as well. It is, however, incredibly important to have something like this assembled before an emergency occurs with your pet or yourself. These items could be a lifesaving difference if something occurred and are a smart idea in any home with or without pets.