Your dog is naturally curious. He loves to run jump and explore. While he’s frolicking and living his best doggy life, accidents can happen. The best thing you can do is to prepare yourself for any bumps, abrasions, or other minor injuries before they occur. It’s a good idea to put together and maintain a pet first aid kit. This way, you know you have supplies on hand if and when your dog needs them.
When Do You Need A Dog First Aid Kit?
Prepping for anything is always a good idea when your dog’s involved. Gathering up emergency essentials so you have them on hand can help when you’re faced with a bad situation, so you can care for your dog straight away. That said, there are some times when a first aid kit could be especially essential.
As A Precaution, Make A Dog First Aid Kit To Keep At Home
When you’re stocking your own medicine cabinet, take the time to set up a dog first aid kit as well. Whether you designate a separate area to keep your pet’s first aid necessities, or you add it to your own kit, it’s important to have all the materials you might need on hand. Here’s what you should include in your everyday, at-home first aid kit to support your pet:
- Find A FIrst Aid Manual: Do you know how to give your dog the Heimlich if he came over to you choking? If not, you’re not alone. Many pet parents don’t know emergency procedures that could sometimes be essential for your pet’s safety. That’s exactly why it’s a good idea to invest in a pet-specific first aid manual. Look for one that includes information on how to handle emergency situations that include broken bones, choking, seizures, and more.
- Get Plenty Of Bandages: Whether you need a little bandaid or a whole gauze wrap, stock your pet first aid kit with a variety of bandages ‘just in case.’ It’s also wise to include pet-safe antibacterial cream you can apply to any scratches or cuts.
- A Thermometer’s A Staple: This one’s essential because if your dog has a fever, it can be a serious cause for concern. Make sure you’ve got one in your first aid kit that’s designated for the dog. You don’t want to accidentally use it yourself after it’s been inserted in Fido’s rectum. No thanks!
- Hydrogen Peroxide’s A Good Idea: It can be used to clean wounds, but it’s also a helpful ingredient to have on hand if your pet ingested something harmful. With instruction from your Vet, it can be used to help induce vomiting to minimize harm from toxic food.
- Cotton Balls And Cotton Swabs Are Multipurpose: They’re a great addition to any first aid kit but can be especially helpful for your pet. Use them to clean out his eyes, ears, and injuries.
- Add Eye Wash: Look for a dog-friendly eye rinse to have on hand. You never know when your dog will be so compelled to smell something, he sticks his face into something harmful to his eyes. Be prepared by adding an eye rinse to your pet first aid kit.
Add In Extra Items When You’re Leaving Your Pet With A Sitter
If you’re headed out of town and can’t bring your four-legged friend along for the ride, there are some additional items you should consider adding to your dog’s first aid kit to keep him safe while you’re away. Here are some things to consider packing when he’s headed to the pet sitter:
- Add Emergency Numbers: Include the phone numbers for important people and places in your pet first aid kit. This should include information for your Vet’s office, an emergency Vet’s office, an emergency contact, etc. Anyone you’d need to get in touch with when you’re having a pet emergency...add them to a contact list to send along with your doggo when he’s headed to the pet sitter.
- Pack Extra ID: If your dog’s stressed and missing you, he’s more likely to run off. Make sure your dog’s got his ID tags, is microchipped, and has his collar on at all times. It’s also a good idea to pack a spare set of ID tags, an extra collar, and an additional leash when you’re leaving your pet behind. This will keep Fido safe and make sure he’s returned if he manages to wander off.
- Toss In Something That’ll Offer Comfort: In addition to all the essentials, grab an old tee or another clothing item that smells like you. Your pet will take comfort in having your scent nearby when you’re not physically there to give him cuddles. This could be especially helpful if your dog’s not feeling well or gets injured while you’re away.
- Send Some Calming Chews: Help your stressed dog calm down by adding treats to your emergency kit that feature soothing ingredients. Look for hemp, chamomile, and other good-for-you nutrients that’ll help your pup relax and destress while you’re away. A stress-free pup is a safe dog!
Essentials For Your Travel-Friendly Dog First Aid Kit
Take extra care when you’re camping or out on an adventure. When you know you’ll be active and you’re far from home, make sure you have plenty of first aid supplies for all the humans you’re with and their pets! Better yet, prep a travel-friendly version of your full first aid kit you can easily toss into your pack before you hit the road. This will ensure you don’t forget anything that’s important and that could come in handy on your adventure. Add in these items:
- Tweezers And Scissors Are Key: When you spend time outside, you’re bound to come into contact with all kinds of bugs and brush. Tweezers come in handy when you need to remove insects, like wood ticks, from your pet’s skin and coat. Scissors? They’re helpful to cut burrs and other brush from your pet’s fur.
- A Collapsible Water Bowl: Everyone knows just how essential staying hydrated is to overall health. And the same’s true for your pet. When you’re not planning to tote along his water dish, plan for an emergency water break by adding a collapsible water bowl to your travel kit.
- Pack Allergy Relief: If your pup’s never been stung by a bee before, you don’t want to find yourself unprepared if he has a bad reaction when you’re out on the trail. Instead, pack emergency allergy relief in your dog’s first aid kit. Ask your Vet for a recommendation about antihistamines that are safe to give your dog. And pack an allergy chew, that’ll help keep his immune system strong enough to handle contact with allergens.
Of course, it’s important to get your pet into the Vet ASAP if he needs medical care. But, having some first aid essential prepared on-hand can help you keep your pet safe before you’re able to get him in to see a medical professional.
Pet Honesty Supplements To Add To Your Pet’s First Aid Kit
When you’re gathering supplies for your first aid kit, consider adding Pet Honesty Calming Hemp Chews to your tote. They’ll help your dog relax, so he is less likely to do anything drastic, like run off or pull an escaping act when you leave him with a pet sitter. And, consider adding an allergy supplement to the mix before your next outdoor adventure. Try Pet Honesty Allergy Support Chews with ingredients like colostrum and turmeric to help support your pup‘s body if he’s experiencing seasonal allergies.
Sources:
https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/emergencycare/pet-first-aid-supplies-checklist
https://www.petbutler.com/blog-pets-first-aid-kit/
https://www.preventivevet.com/dogs/how-to-easily-put-together-a-pet-first-aid-kit
