You’re out walking with your dog when suddenly, they stumble and start limping. What do you do?
When you’re hiking, camping, at the beach, or enjoying other outdoor activities, you probably carry a first aid kit for yourself. But don’t forget to be equally prepared for your four-legged friend.
What should you include in a pet first aid kit?
You can create your own dog first aid kit from scratch or add items to your existing human first aid kit. Here’s a list of items recommended by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA):
- Emergency phone numbers (veterinarian, emergency clinic, poison control center, etc.)
- Copies of your dog’s medical records
- Current photos of your dog (in case they go missing)
- Self-adhesive bandages (sticks to itself but not to fur)
- Gauze (sponges and rolls)
- Antibiotic ointment
- Antiseptic wipes
- Removal tools – tweezers
- Aluminum foil – emergency blanket
- Cotton
- Eye wash (to clean your dog’s eyes)
- Activated carbon to absorb poison. Only use it if advised by your veterinarian or poison control center
- Ice pack
- Muzzle (to prevent licking/biting)
- Leash
- Disposable latex-free gloves
- Rectal thermometer (your dog’s temperature should be between 100°F and 102.5°F)
- Petroleum jelly (to lubricate the thermometer)
- Scissors (with rounded ends)
- Solid sodium chloride solution
- Syringe (to flush out wounds with sodium chloride solution)
- Pipettes
- Electrolyte rehydration tablets
If your dog has any health issues (such as allergies) or regularly takes medication, you’ll also want to include the necessary supplies to assist your furry friend in case of injury.
