Basic dog first aid supplies

Having some basic dog first aid supplies on hand can be a life-saver if your pet has an emergency. 

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Although these may not be high on your list of `new puppy necessities` they`re definitely important and every pet-owning home should a first aid kit on hand.

Accidents and/or emergencies can (and do) happen without warning,and puppies aren`t known for their common sense - so, it`s a good ideato have a well-stocked dog first aid kit on hand - that way you`ll have thepeace of mind that comes from knowing you`re prepared for whatevermischief Fido gets into.

*It`s also a good idea to make up a duplicate kit and keep it in your car for on-the-go emergencies.

Basic Dog First Aid Supplies List

It`s a good idea to put together your own supplies because there aren`t a lot of pre-made dog first aid kits on the market, and the ones that are there often don`t contain everything you need... or they have supplies that are more suitable for people than pets.

Luckily, it`s not too difficult to gather all the stuff you need to keep your pup safe! Here`s a list of the MOST IMPORTANT items you need (including tips for choosing and using them), then a bit further down this page we`ll take a look at some other products that I`d recommend, even though they`re not absolutely essential.

Digital Thermometer

A rectal thermometer is the way most vets take a dogs temperature and you these are easy to find and inexpensive..... but it can be really tricky to do this properly yourself & it needs 2 people.A flexible-tipped design (such as Flexible Digital Thermometer) is safest and easier to use, but regardless you need to be gentle and careful when inserting and removing the thermometer.

The Pet Temp PT-300 Ear Thermometeris especially designed for the job and a good alternative.

One of the newer, non-contact designs is even probably the easiest of all - for everyone - take a look at the ThermoPet Dog Thermometer to learn more.

Normal canine body temperature is between 100.5 & 102F. If your dogs temperature is higher than this it generally indicates a fever (usually as a result of infection).In hot weather 106F or above can mean life-threatening heatstroke. A temp of 99F or below can mean your pup is going into shock...at the very minimum he`s seriously chilled.

Emergency Thermal Blanket

It`s important to keep an injured animal warm if they start to go into shock, as it triggers a sudden, severe drop in body temp.

Emergency Mylar Thermal Blankets are light and portable.

Soft Muzzle

If your dog is injured and/or in pain, he`s could easily snap or bite at you - even if normally he`s the most docile pet in the world.

He`s hurt and afraid, so it`s understandable, but you need to be able to help him without risking getting hurt yourself. A soft muzzle will help you do this. Try Quick Fit Nylon Dog Muzzle, which comes in a range of sizes.

There are also plenty of other designs/styles including those specifically made for flat-nosed breeds such as Pugs and Bulldogs.... Mesh Dog Muzzle for Short Nose - Flat Faced Dogs - One Size Fits All

TIP:If you don`t have a muzzle handy and it`s an emergency, you can use a piece cut from a leg of your panty-hose!

Scissors

Blunt-tipped, stainless steel is best. They need to be sharp enough to gut bandages, gauze and tape as well as trim fur from around any injuries.

Tweezers

Flat, slant-tipped designs give you a better grip. These are good for removing splinters, ticks, thorns from paw-pads etc.

Bandages

A bandage hold gauze pads in place, covers stitches, wraps joints... and so much more. But regular bandages can get caught on your dog`s fur and cause him discomfort or pain.

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Luckily there`s 3M Vetrap Bandage Tape which is especially designed for veterinary use and won`t cause the same problems.

If your dog is inclined to chew at his dressing, you could try PetFlex No Chew which has a bitter taste.

For minor wounds try R-7 Liquid Bandage Spray which gives a quick, waterproof seal over small injuries and is also bitter-tasting to discourage licking.

Gauze Pads

Regular gauze pads from the pharmacy or superstore are fine. 3" x 3" is a good size, but an assortment is even better.

Antibiotic Cream or Ointment

Any OTC antibiotic cream or potion will work just fine.

Styptic Powder, Gel or Pen

This is usually used to stop any bleeding when a dog`s nails are cut too short and the quick is `nipped`, but it is also a good way to stop minor cuts and nicks from bleeding. Miracle Care Kwik Stop Styptic Powder is a popular choice.

Sterile Saline Solution or Wound Cleanser

You can use a sterile saline solution (even contact lens rinse can work if you don`t have anything else to hand in an emergency) to wash foreign objects out of your pets eye, or to clean cuts and abrasions.

A product that fights infection and speeds healing is even better for cleaning injuries than saline is Vetericyn Plus All Animal Wound & Skin Care. It`s amazing and works on all sorts of cuts, scrapes and even sore areas or hot-spot inflammation from allergies and such.

Ear & Eye Washes

Vetricyn also make safe and gentleCanine Eye Wash Liquid, and Canine Ear Rinse Liquid

For eye inflammation, allergies etc. Vetericyn Animal Ophthalmic Gelcan help. It soothes, fights infection and speeds healing... but it`s NOT AN ANTIBIOTIC, so if you need an antibiotic for an eye problem, your vet is the place to go.

Pain Medication

For minor pain, short-term pain you can use Aspirin, but not ANY old aspirin. Check out this page Aspirin For Dogs for more info. and correct dosage.

If your dog is in a lot of pain, or has had surgery, there are other safe and effective pain-killers for dogs that your veterinarian can prescribe.

Benadryl Tablets

These work well to reduce minor swelling or hives that result from an allergic reaction. ONLY GIVE BENADRYL IN TABLET FORM TO YOUR DOG, the liquid contains alcohol which is bad for him, and sometimes even toxic.

The correct dosage is 1/2mg per pound of bodyweight - given every 8 hours.

*If your pup has a lot of swelling around the face, head or mouth this can cause him to have difficulty breathing or become dizzy, disoriented or weak and needs emergency vet treatment immediately.

Good Veterinary Handbook

Although this is appearing at the bottom of the list here, it`s actually one of the first things you want to put into your dog first aid kit! A good animal first aid/veterinary handbook is an essential.

The Dog Owner`s Home Veterinary Handbook or The First Aid Companion for Dogs & Cats (Prevention Pets) are both good choices.

What Other Dog First Aid Supplies Should You Add?

The above items are what I`d say are essential in any dog first aid kit, but there are few other things that I`d also recommend adding. These include:

One-Use Ice Packs

Cotton Balls/Pads

Eye-dropper

Pedialyte

Several small, clean washcloths

Surgical glue

Once you`ve got all your veterinary/medicinal supplies in place, it`s time to assemble the first aid kit itself.

I`d recommend buying a sturdy plastic toolbox (the kind that has expandable, pull-out trays and a carrying handle)is ideal. So are fishing tackle boxes or the kind of boxes designed tohold craft equipment.

If possible get two boxes and stock them both, that you have one ready to put in your car right away.

Whatever type of box you choose, be sure to label it clearly onthe outside (in permanent marker) with the following information:

• Your pet`s name


• Your veterinarian`s telephone number


• Telephone number of the nearest 24 hr. animal hospital


• Poison Control Center Hotline number


• Your own name, address and phone number/s

It`s a good idea to also check with your veterinarian for extra advice, he/she may have other suggestions that you`ll find helpful.

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But please, always remember that these basic dog first aid supplies arefor emergency use only and do not take the place of veterinary care.

Inthe event of illness or accident you should ALWAYS TAKE YOUR PUP TO THEVETERINARIAN`S OFFICE OR NEAREST EMERGENCY PET CLINIC, as soon aspossible!

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