Be Prepared — Have a First-Aid Kit
It is really nice to have a good first-aid kit available for any small emergencies you have with your dog. Most of these items are applicable for people too, so one kit can serve the entire family! Having one kit in the house and another in the car is also a good idea. Make sure everyone in the family knows where the kits are kept.
While you may add some items to customize a kit for your dog, virtually any dog first-aid kit should include the following items:
Activated charcoal: This is to be used in some poisoning cases. Always check with your veterinarian and/or the National Animal Poison Control Center (NAPCC) before giving it to your dog.
Antihistamine: Ask your veterinarian for the correct dose of an anti-histamine, such as Benadryl, and keep some on hand for use after insect stings or other mild allergic reactions.
Artificial tears: These are extremely useful for flushing materials such as dust or seeds out of your dog's eyes.
Bandage material: This could include gauze rolls, gauze pads, and Telfa pads to cover wounds.
Diarrhea medication: This can be as simple as Pepto-Bismol tablets or Kaopectate. Check with your veterinarian so you know the correct dose for your dog.
Disposable hot and cold packs: These are handy for applying to sore areas.
Hydrogen peroxide: This is an extremely effective way to make your dog vomit. Do not give this until you check with your veterinarian or NAPCC to see if this is the correct treatment for any poison your dog may have swallowed!
Ointments: Tubes of antibiotic, corticosteroid, and aloe ointments are good for application to small wounds, cuts, and sores.
Pain medications: Ask your veterinarian for some nonsteroidal pain medications to have on hand for emergencies.
Saline: A small bottle of saline to flush out sore ears or wounds is helpful.
Scissors: These make life easier if you ever have to cut bandage material or gauze.
Silver nitrate or styptic pencil: These help to stop minor bleeding, such as when a toenail gets trimmed into the quick.
Tape: Pack some adhesive tape for fastening bandages (leave a tab for quick removal!) and some duct tape to put over cut pads as a temporary bootie if you are hiking. Vetwrap or Elastikon are very useful for keeping bandages on — just don't make them too tight!
Thermometer: Rectal ones are most accurate, but there are also ear and digital models for dogs.
Tweezers: These are good for removing splinters and thorns. Some are specialized for removing ticks as well.
For the “natural pet,” you might want to include Rescue Remedy for stress and trauma, arnica for trauma and wounds (use only the homeopathic version and give orally), plus a sterile needle for the acupuncture point under the nose that stimulates breathing. (Ask a veterinary acupuncturist to show you where this point is and teach you how to use the needle.) If your pet has special conditions, such as epilepsy or severe reactions to bee stings, you should ask your veterinarian about diazepam pills or enemas for seizures and an Epi Pen kit for anaphylaxis.
How can I safely carry an injured dog?
A small dog may be easily tucked into a towel and safely carried in your arms. Always take extra care if you suspect any broken bones and try not to jostle them. For a larger dog, sliding the dog onto a blanket or board and then having two people pick it up works best. Remember to put a muzzle on before you try to pick up the dog!
