DIY Doggie First Aid Kit
With summer right around the corner, you have to be prepared for emergencies of all kinds. Your dog will be frolicking outside a lot more and that means splinters, stings, bites, and more. Although you can’t shield your dog from all the summer dangers, you can be prepared when they happen. Make this DIY Doggie First Aid Kit so you can fix your pup in a flash.
First off, find a box that locks or securely closes. Secondly, find a place to store it that’s easy to get to but also out of your dog’s reach. You want to make sure they don’t get into the kit and eat something they aren’t supposed to. On the inside of the lid, write the dog’s name, weight, breed, name, any allergies, your name and contact info, and the vet’s info. Once you got that down, fill it with all the goodies you’ll need in case of an emergency.
- Your favorite first aid manual for dogs.
- A 1-2 week supply of any medication.
- Calming supplement for post emergency.
- A muzzle or strap of fabric. When a dog’s hurt, their instinct is to protect themselves. This will keep you safe from bites when you’re helping him.
- Disposable gloves for sterile cleaning as well as leather gloves to block scratching and bites while tending to your dog.
- Non-stick gauze pads, cotton balls, and cotton swabs for cleaning cuts and wounds.
- Adhesive tape and heavy duty duct tape.
- Liquid bandages.
- Self-adhering flexible bandage like Vetrap or Pet Wrap.
- Blunt tipped scissors, safety razor, or electric trimmer for removing fur around wounds.
- Blunt tipped tweezers or needle nose pliers for removing stingers and splinters.
- Rectal thermometer with lubricant.
- Nail clippers and styptic powder or Kwik-Stop to stop nail bleeding.
- Large clean towel and washcloth.
- Anti-septic solution like Chlorohexidine or Betadine (not rubbing alcohol).
- Sterile saline eye wash for flushing out wounds.
- Anti-biotic ointment and hydrogen peroxide.
- Splinting materials like a ruler, chopsticks, bubble wrap, or thick magazine.
- Saran Wrap to seal and wrap cuts and wounds.
- Needleless syringe or eye dropper for liquid medication.
- Hot and cold packs.
- Ipecac to induce vomiting in case your dog ingests a toxic substance.
- Activated charcoal to absorb toxins that your dog ingests.
- Honey for treating shock.
- Treats to distract your dog and to hide pills in. Try peanut butter to keep him occupied.
- Cone to keep your dog from licking a wounded area.
It’s important that you don’t panic in an emergency. Treat your dog the best you can to make him comfortable and then take him to a vet for further care.
What’s in your first aid doggie kit?
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