You just never know when an accident can happen, so best be prepared... A Dog first Aid kit should be stocked to assist you in helping your dog. In an emergency, with no veterinarian around, so it is up to you to stabilize you dog.

The following is a pretty good list.

Consult your Vet. for guidance and recommendations.

Important Phone Numbers

• Veterinary clinic phone number and directions to the clinic
• Emergency clinic phone number and directions
• Poison control center phone numbers

Equipment and Supplies

• Muzzle, or roll of gauze for making a muzzle
• Magnifying glass
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Nail clippers and metal nail file
• Styptic powder or sticks, Kwik Stop, or cornstarch
• Penlight
• Nylon slip leash
• Eye dropper or oral syringe
• Cotton swabs
• Cotton balls
• Clean towels - cloth and paper
• Rectal thermometer
• Lubricant such as mineral oil or KY Jelly (without spermicide)
• Disposable gloves
• Syringes of various sizes
• Needle-nose pliers or hemostats
• Grease-cutting dish soap
• Bitter Apple or other product to discourage licking
• Pet carrier
• Towel or blanket to use as a stretcher, another to keep your dog warm during transport (some pharmacies and camping outlets carry a thermal blanket)
• Cold packs and heat packs (wrap in towel before using)
• Stethoscope

Bandaging Materials

• Square gauze of various sizes - some sterile
• Non-stick pads
• First aid tape - both paper (easily comes off of skin) and adhesive types
• Bandage rolls - gauze and Vetwrap
• Band-Aids (for humans)

Nutritional Support

• Rehydrating solution such as Gatorade or Pedialyte
• Nutritional supplement such as Nutri-Cal, Vitacal, or Nutristat
• High sugar source: Karo syrup

Medicines*

• Wound disinfectant such as Betadine or Nolvasan
• Triple antibiotic ointment for skin
• Antibiotic ophthalmic ointment for eyes, e.g., Terramycin
• Eye wash solution
• Sterile saline
• Antidiarrheal medicine such as Pet Pectate
• Buffered or canine aspirin
• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) for allergic reactions
• Cortisone spray or cream, such as Itch Stop
• Ear cleaning solution
• Hydrogen peroxide (used to make a dog vomit)
• Activated charcoal to absorb ingested poisons (consult your veterinarian before using)

*Watch the expiration dates on any medication, and replace as needed.

Having a well stocked dog first aid kit, can buy you precious time. It can also make the difference between life and death.

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