What to Include in a Dog First Aid Kit: Essential Items to Have

Exciting emotions can be experienced when going on an adventure with your dogs. But before you get too enthused, you should be ready for emergencies by having a first aid kit on hand in case the unexpected occurs. Don’t forget, you wouldn’t want an accident to ruin the fun.

Having a first aid kit with you allows you to treat minor wounds right away and stop them from getting worse. Continue reading to learn more about the items that should be included in a dog first aid kit. Additionally, we’ve provided advice on how to handle a few typical dog injuries.

What to Include in a Dog First Aid Kit

Paperwork

You need all of your dog’s information in one place in case of a serious emergency. If your dog is injured and needs medical care, this will be helpful.

If you can get to the emergency vet, they’ll be able to give your dog better, safer care if they are familiar with his medical history. Even if you lose your phone, which is usually where you save your contacts, you’ll want emergency numbers on hand.

You might not have access to electricity, the internet, or phone service during a disaster. Along with your emergency supplies, keep a hard copy of all of your dog’s documentation. Having a backup of your dog’s records on a USB drive is a good idea.

Make sure your dog’s sitter or friend is aware of the location of the necessary paperwork and emergency contacts before you leave town and leave your dog with them.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Not only is hydrogen peroxide useful for treating minor wounds. If your dog does ingest something toxic, you may have to induce vomiting with hydrogen peroxide.

Always check with a poison control professional or your vet before inducing vomiting, and familiarize yourself with the proper instructions on how to do this. You shouldn’t learn how to do this sort of thing in the middle of a crisis.

Printing out the instructions is also advised. Having a hard copy of something like this could save your life in the event of a natural disaster because you might not have access to electricity or internet service.

Again, do not attempt to administer this to your dog without professional guidance.

Gauze, Scissors, Tape, Rubber Gloves

The fact that there may be more than one of these, in my opinion, makes them a package. When you require them, they all work together.

Gauze can be used as a temporary brace for suspected fractures, a clotting agent to stop bleeding, and in a pinch, even as a makeshift muzzle.

Using scissors to cut an old shirt into strips will create a more sturdy bandage for larger wounds or in the event that gauze runs out. Tape can be used to secure gauze or other first-aid supplies in place.

In any medical emergency, rubber gloves are crucial. When handling blood or bodily fluids, always put on protective gloves, and ideally goggles or glasses if you have them.

A Towel Or Blanket

Wrapping your dog in a soft blanket can calm them down if they are anxious or hurt, and it will also protect you from being bit or scratched while you access the wound.

Ultra-absorbent microfiber can be useful in sticky situations. Literally.

If the ground is too hot, hard, or covered in jagged rocks, a towel or blanket will also provide a soft surface for you to rest your dog while you examine the situation.

Collapsible Travel Food & Water Bowls

Both emergencies and non-emergencies can benefit from these. Anytime you are away from home, whether for a long hike or a cross-country drive, you should bring a collapsible bowl or other container to provide your dog with water.

All living things must drink enough water to survive. Even if you’re just out for the afternoon running errands, remember to give your dog plenty of water.

To avoid plastic leaking into your dog’s food and water, try to stick with silicone instead of plastic. Plastic can easily break into sharp pieces.

Medications

Consult your veterinarian about storing a backup supply of any prescribed or helpful medications in your first-aid kit.

You’ll always have a backup supply of the medication so you won’t need to worry or waste time having your veterinarian call in a prescription across the country if you lose or can’t find it while traveling.

A few over-the-counter medications that have been approved by your veterinarian should always be kept on hand, especially if you are traveling. This includes any prescribed anti-flea and anti-tick medication, antacids, or medications for stomach problems, as well as any travel-related sedatives.

Make sure these medications haven’t expired by checking frequently.

A Comfort Item

It’s always nice to have a creature comfort to calm your dog down if you’re in a high-stress situation with them, like during a bad storm or a particularly traumatic event.

Keep a beloved childhood object that you were contemplating retiring and place it in the first aid kit. In particularly trying situations, the sight and smell of a beloved object can help them calm down, soothe, and find comfort.

Extra Leash, Collar, & Poop Bags

Your dog may use more poop bags than you can imagine if they become ill. Always keep a backup supply on hand.

Keeping an extra collar and leash handy is always a good idea. Leashes are very helpful if you come across a lost or stray animal on the road or in the mountains and want to transport them to the neighborhood veterinarian or the closest town, but I’ve seen dogs snap them in accidents.

Sometimes the free leashes or collars the vet gives you are ideal for your emergency kit or are just good to keep in your car in case of an emergency.

Materials for your first-aid kit can once again be recycled. If you’re about to replace your dog’s collar or leash, some old leashes or collars would be a simple addition to your kit, and you won’t have to spend any additional money.

Flashlight

Not just for the dark hours, you should always have a flashlight with you. To remove a splinter or locate a dropped medication, you might simply need to get more light.

Flashlights can also be useful for frightening away animals like coyotes if they are putting you or your dog in danger.

Additional batteries are necessary, too, and solar-powered flashlights might be something to think about. They charge in the light so you can use them in the dark and are ideal for emergencies. Just be sure to keep it in a location with plenty of light so that it can stay charged. To ensure that they are always available, I hang mine in the kitchen window.

Bandages

Cotton balls, fabric strips, elastic bandages, self-adhesive bandage material like Vetrap, and gauze (sterile gauze pads or rolls) can all be used to control or absorb blood, support strained muscles, and even make a temporary muzzle if necessary. Suspected bone fractures may also benefit from the addition of wooden splints. Keep in mind that circulation is impeded by overly tight taping.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Long used as a rinse to disinfect cuts and abrasions, hydrogen peroxide’s topical use has recently drawn criticism. In addition to damaging fibroblasts, which are cells crucial to the healing process, research suggests that hydrogen peroxide may not completely kill all harmful bacteria, allowing some to infect wounds that have already been treated.

However, hydrogen peroxide still has a crucial place in your first-aid kit because, when ingested, it causes vomiting, making it helpful in poisoning cases. Be sure to heed the advice of your veterinarian, poison control center, or first-aid manual because vomiting is not always appropriate in response to toxic exposures.

When vomiting is recommended, the usual dose is 1 teaspoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide (widely available in grocery and drug stores) per 5 pounds of body weight with a maximum dose of 3 tablespoons for dogs who weigh more than 45 pounds (there are three teaspoons in a tablespoon).

Lift your dog’s chin and use an eyedropper or syringe to inject hydrogen peroxide into the side of your dog’s mouth. There might be some mouth foaming. If vomiting doesn’t start within 15 minutes, you can try the treatment again.

Buy small rather than large bottles of hydrogen peroxide, and keep track of expiration dates to ensure that it will work when you need it. With time and after being opened, hydrogen peroxide loses its effectiveness.

Antibiotic Ointment

Neosporin, an antibiotic ointment that can be used to treat cuts, abrasions, puncture wounds, and other injuries, is typically included in traditional first-aid kits. Products containing medical-grade Manuka honey, colloidal silver, or other natural disinfectants are widely available for those who prefer alternative wound dressings.

The usual procedure for applying ointments is to rinse, blot, or air-dry the wound, and then, if necessary, protect it with a nonstick gauze pad that is taped or wrapped in place. The majority of wound-salve instructions advise changing bandages and ointment twice or three times daily while the injury heals.

Bottled Water and Hydrating Fluid

Any first-aid kit must contain water because it has so many useful applications, including rinsing wounds and preventing dehydration.

In order to help dogs recover from diarrhea or shock, some veterinarians advise Pedialyte, an electrolyte replacement fluid for babies and kids. Look for liquid or powdered hydration products made for pet use instead of Pedialyte, which has more salt and sugar than is advised for dogs.

Wet Wipes Or Grooming Wipes

Pet grooming wipes are useful for many things, so keep a supply on hand. Disinfecting wipes containing alcohol should not be used as the alcohol stings and can harm injured tissue. As an alternative, seek out cleaning products that also soothe. The plant-based, compostable, and unscented Earth Rated Dog Wipes are our favorite brand.

Hot and Cold Packs

Reduce swelling and inflammation by applying cold packs to bruises, sprains, and other wounds. Hot packs can support a dog recovering from shock or injury, improve circulation, make the dog feel warm and comfortable, and speed healing.

These treatments are simple to administer at home where you can keep a cold pack in the freezer and heat a hot pack in the microwave, wrap a hot water bottle in a towel, or use an electric heating pad made for animals. A few instant hot and cold packs, however, will be useful if you’re traveling. Both pharmacies and pet supply stores offer them for sale. Squeeze or massage the pack, wrap it in a towel, and apply it to the affected area to activate either product. Whenever necessary, replace (you might need several because they’re small and don’t last long).

A Pet First-aid Guide Or Handbook

When the unexpected occurs, using first-aid references will help you make the right choices. These are most helpful when you are familiar with their structure and content, and they can be brief (covering the most frequent conditions) or comprehensive.

Read about Horse First Aid Kit

Treat Common Dog Injuries

Knowing what to include in a dog first aid kit will make it easier for you to treat minor wounds. Below are some other first aid recommendations.

Burns & Scalds

First, soak the affected area in cold water for at least five minutes. Avoid using creams or ointments since they can trap heat in the burned tissue and use saline solution in their place. After administering first aid, make an appointment with a veterinarian.

Broken Bones

A broken bone injury should not be touched. To prevent the wound from getting worse, consult a specialist right away. Your pet may require invasive medical procedures.

Poisoning

Both internal and external poisoning in pets are serious medical emergencies that require immediate veterinary attention. Your veterinarian might give you instructions on how to induce vomiting in cases of internal poisoning. You must thoroughly clean and wash the affected area if it is an external poisoning.

Eye Injuries

To remove the foreign object, you can either use a saline solution or apply a cold compress to the area around the eyes. A contact lens solution should not be used as dogs may become ill from them.

Be Prepared for Emergencies With a Dog First Aid Kit

Keep your first aid supplies organized and be ready for any canine emergencies.

The first-aid kit for your dog can be as simple or sophisticated as you like. It will make a difference and has a straightforward goal of helping people be ready for any emergency.

Thank you for reading.