Pet First Aid Kit

Since you never know when an accident will happen, everyone should have a pet first aid kit handy!  It is best to have a kit in your home, as well as in your car. With a few simple items that you can buy at your local store, you will be prepared to help your dog when an emergency situation arises. Here is what you will need:

• Container to hold materials (for example, a new fishing box, Rubbermaid container). Ideally, the container should be new and unused.

• Your Vet's phone number (both the regular number and the emergency number)

• A poison control number. The ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center's number is 1-888-426-4435 (www.apcc.aspca.org)

• Bandage materials: Sterile gauze (1"rolls, can be used as muzzle if needed, emergency leash), Non stick bandages, Adhesive bandages, Tape, Sterile gauze pads (3x3")

• Isopropyl alcohol (Rubbing Alcohol)

• Hydrogen Peroxide

• Activated charcoal (to absorb ingested poisons.  CONSULT VET BEFORE USE)

• A blanket or sheet (to be used as a stretcher or to warm dog)

• Nylon slip leash

• Clean towel or rag

• Tweezers

• Oral syringe or eye dropper

• Ace bandage

• Rubber gloves

• Sterile saline solution or eye wash and sterile eye lubricant

• Rectal thermometer

• Pepto Bismol tablets

• 325 mg of canine aspirin

• Triple antibiotic ointment

• Cold pack (for swelling)

• Scissors

• Benadryl capsules, 25 mg for allergies)

• Hydrocortisone cream

• Mineral oil (to be used as a laxative)

• Safety pins

• Jar of vaseline

• Any prescribed medicines for your dog

NEVER give Tylenol or ibuprofen, only buffered aspirin is safe for dogs.

Give liquid medicines using oral syringe tucked into the side of your dog's mouth, holding his jaws closed. DO NOT poke straight down his throat and risk getting liquid into his lungs.

It is a good idea to keep copies of your dog's medical records in your first aid kit.

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