Pet first aid kit

QUESTION:

What items should I include in my dog's first aid kit?

answered by Christine McLaughlin

ANSWER:

Below is a list of items that should be included in a pet first aid kit. But first, it's important to remember to keep everything in your dog's kit out of his reach and your children's reach. Second, be sure to regularly check expirations of medicines and supplies in the kit and throw out any outdated items. And third, if your dog has a specific medical condition, ask your veterinarian what else to add to the kit. And finally, you might want to keep your supplies in a waterproof box just to be sure it's extra-protected, and keep a spare one in your car.

You can buy most of the items in the first aid kit at your local pharmacy. Otherwise, check your local pet store and/or hardware store.

Non-latex, powder-free disposable gloves

Muzzle: you can buy one or make your own with a roll of gauze

Penlight

Absorbent compresses (or gauze sponges in a variety of sizes)

Cold compress

Roll gauze: 2 inch width

Roll bandages, such as 3-inch gauze wrap that stretches and clings

Material to make a splint: household items like newspaper, sticks and pieces of wood

Adhesive tape, hypo-allergenic

Non-adherent sterile gauze pads

Small scissors (with a blunt end to prevent cutting skin)

Grooming clippers

Nail clippers

Nylon leash

Clean cloth

Towel

Compact thermal blanket

Rectal thermometer (nonmercury, non glass)

Pediatric dose syringe

Water-based sterile lubricant (like KY Jelly)

Petroleum jelly

3% hydrogen peroxide

Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl)

Over-the-counter triple antibiotic ointment

Epsom salts (for making saline solutions)

Sterile eye lubricant

Sterile saline eye wash

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl, only use with veterinarian's guidance)

Glucose paste or corn syrup (if your dog is a diabetic or has low blood sugar)

Styptic powder (to help with bleeding toenails)

Needle-nose pliers

Small wire cutters

A list of emergency phone numbers including your veterinarian, an after-hours emergency veterinary hospital and the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-426-4435). Tape the list to the outside of the box and the inside.

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