Canine First Aid Kits

Fall is here, and this cooler weather is perfect for being outside with your dog, whether you’re hiking in the woods, taking a long walk, or just hanging out in the yard. It’s fun to spend time outdoors (and indoors) with your dog, but the more active your dog is, the higher the likelihood that your dog may get hurt. Hidden rocks or wood splinters, poisons, animal bites – you never know what you’re going to encounter. That’s why it’s a good idea to have a canine first aid kit.

We have all of our puppy raisers create a canine first aid kit. These first aid kits have already come in handy. For example, one of the items we recommend keeping in the first aid kit are extra poop bags. Who hasn’t accidentally left home without a bag, or suddenly found themselves in need of more than one? With a good first aid kit, you’ll be ready for anything you and your dog may encounter.

Your canine first aid kit should include:

• Rubber gloves
• Cotton balls
• Gauze
• Vet wrap
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Eye wash
• Antibiotic ointment
• Kwik Stop powder (to stop bleeding)
• Leash
• Poop bags
• Benedryl (for allergic reactions)
• Buffered aspirin (for pain, inflammation, fever)
• Urine sample jar
• Pepto-Bismol
• Blanket (large enough to carry your dog like a stretcher)
• Syringe
• Tweezers
• Emergency contact numbers (your vet, animal poison control center)

HealthyPet also has additional information about pet first aid, so that you know what to do if your dog is bleeding, stops breathing, goes into shock, and more. You can also looking into taking a pet first aid class. The Red Cross sometimes offers classes in pet first aid. PetTech also offers classes in pet first aid for pet owners.