Canine First Aid Kits

Holidays are right around the corner! If you are traveling with your pet, it is always a good idea to pack a first aid kit. You never know what Fido might get into while away from home. A first aid kit will at least somewhat prepare you for whatever gets thrown your way.

So what should you bring?
Things I probably wouldn't think of until it's  after the fact...

•  Pet First Aid book
• Phone numbers and address of an emergency vet clinic in the area you are visiting.
• Phone number of your personal vet.
• Paperwork! All of your pet's vet records and a photograph of your pet. It's helpful to store these kinds of things in a waterproof bag. 
• Leash and a muzzle. The muzzle is in case your pet is injured and tries to bite you. DO NOT muzzle your dog if he is vomiting or choking. 
• Extra identification tags

 

 Basic First Aid Supplies:

• gauze pads (non-stick!! Unless you want to be cutting fur.)
• adhesive tape
• antiseptic wipes
• blanket/ towels
• cotton balls
• hydrogen peroxide (this can be used to induce vomiting, but first CONTACT YOUR VET for proper instructions before attempting!)
• ice and heating packs
• non latex disposable gloves
• petroleum jelly
• rectal thermometer (A pet's temperature should not rise above 103-degrees F. and should not fall below 100-degrees F.) Here is a link for how to take a dog's temperature.
• scissors with blunt ends
• self-cling bandages (these will not stick to your pet's fur).
• sterile saline solution
• tweezers
• syptic powder (This is a powder that helps stop bleeding on minor cuts and scrapes).
• rubbing alcohol
• flashlight
• antibiotic ointment
• nail clippers 
• Benadryl (diphenydramine). This can be taken orally or made into a paste and applied to a sting. For dosage, please click here. I recommend writing your canine's medication dosages somewhere handy, for quick reference.
• Calendula cream (relief from hot spots and stings)
• socks (for torn foot pads)
• fine toothed flea comb (to find ticks)
• TREATS!!!! (Your dog will probably think this is the most important one.)

I know, it seems like a lot of stuff and hopefully, you won't need it. But, it's always better to be safe than sorry and most of this stuff can be used on humans too. ;)