Doggy First Aid Kit 101

A Dog Owner’s Guide to Building the Perfect Emergency Kit

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As the responsible and concerned pet owners we are, we’re always thinking about the health, safety, and well-being of our pets.

We do everything we possibly can to keep them out of harm’s way, and to extend their health and subsequently their life. However, we cannot always stop certain injuries, accidents, or emergencies from happening. Due to this, we must be prepared in case these circumstances arise!

As a pet owner, it’s essential to keep an emergency first aid kit on hand at home for not only you and your family, but your pets as well. While some dogs are definitely more accident prone than others, being prepared for an accident or minor injury can be the difference between a serious health concern, and an accident that is under your control.

Your first aid kit does not have to be extremely elaborate, but it should have certain essential items which will be discussed in this article, that are used to help clean and treat minor injuries. If you would like to be extra prepared for an emergency, it can be an excellent idea to keep some extras that will also be mentioned below. These items can be especially helpful when on-the-go during your various adventures. Once you’ve put together this first aid kit you can feel at ease knowing that you are prepared for any small injuries or emergencies that may occur with your dog.

Building Your Pet’s Kit

Essentials & Non-negotiables:

• Phone numbers & addresses to local emergency veterinary hospitals

• Instant Cold Packs

• Tweezers

• Blood Clotting Powder

  • Helps to clot wounds, cuts, and bleeding nails

• Pet-Safe/Vet-Approved Medications (ONLY use under the recommendation of Veterinary Professional)

• Latex or Nitrile Gloves

• Pet Thermometer & Lubricant

  • Petroleum jelly or a water based lubricant if using a rectal thermometer

• Wound Supplies

  • Cleansing: Saline solution for flushing out wounds or eyes, chlorhexidine 2% & iodine (dilute both) for disinfecting purposes

  • Bandaging: Sterile gauze pads & roll, self-adhesive vet wrap, bandaging tape, scissors, cotton balls/pads & q-tips,

  • Reminder: Do NOT use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide on wounds as they can damage healthy tissues and DELAY healing!

• Clean Towels

*There are plenty of pre-made emergency kits that include many of these items, if you are not interested in building your kit from scratch. Some we recommend are:

Extras and Helpful Supplies:

• Flashlight or Headlamp

• Muzzle

• Cone Collar

• Transportation Equipment: towels, blankets, leash, carriers, emergency airlift sling

Dog-Safe Over-the-Counter Treatments

As many pet parents know, there are some over-the-counter medications and treatments that are typically very safe for dogs to use in certain instances. If you are considering giving your dog an over-the-counter treatment that is aimed from human use, make sure to ask your veterinary office first, to ensure it will be okay for your pup. It is also important to keep in mind that dosages vary by weight and size, and you can find dosage information based on your dog’s build and body type on trusted websites such as PetMD and BetterVet; or you can ask your veterinary office.

With this said, none of these treatments are meant to be long-term solutions to chronic health problems (unless directed by your vet); they act as a short-term relief from an acute issue or to hold the symptoms at bay until you can get in for a veterinary appointment.

Reminder: Do NOT use any of these over-the-counter treatments without professional veterinarian advice!

• Antihistamines: Anti-allergy medications such as Benadryl or Zyrtec to relieve allergic reactions or allergy symptoms.

• Anti-diarrheal/anti-nauseants: Such as Pepto-Bismol or Imodium to treat stomach upset and diarrhea.

• Famotidine & Cimetidine: Such as Pepcid AC to treat acid reflux and gastrointestinal upset.

• Steroid Sprays, Gels, and Creams: Can decrease itchiness and discomfort from hot spots and bug bites, however can possibly delay healing.

• Topical Antibiotic Ointment: Such as Neosporin, can help treat minor cuts, scrapes, and infections (beware that ingesting it is toxic for dogs, but topical use is okay).

• Anti-Fungal Sprays, Gels, and Creams: To treat fungal infections only.

• Hydrogen Peroxide: Use orally to induce vomiting in the case that your dog eats something poisonous to them, such as chocolate.

• Artificial Tears: For dry, irritated, or infected eyes.

To Sum Things Up…

Having a doggy first aid kit put together and ready to go can be a game changer when it comes to feeling ready and prepared for an emergency. Just like with children, we do not always know when an accident, illness, or injury may occur, but we do know that they will eventually happen! Create your own piece of mind by building the perfect kit for your individual dog. Your dog will be grateful for your care and readiness!

Written By: Jessica L Hays

Dog Walker, Social Media Associate, & Community Outreach Associate

References

AVMA. (n.d.). First aid tips for pet owners. American Veterinary Medical Association. https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/emergencycare/first-aid-tips-pet-owners

Bond Vet. (2023, March 15). First Aid For Dogs: A Guide to basic supplies and procedures. https://bondvet.com/b/first-aid-for-dogs

Williams, K., Weir, M., & Buzhardt, L. (n.d.). Over-the-counter medicines that can be safe for dogs. VCA Hospitals. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/are-over-the-counter-medications-safe-for-my-dog