Your Holistic Emergency Kit
Emergencies always happen when you least expect them, but if you know what to do and have the right supplies on hand you can provide temporary relief for your dog until you can transport her to your veterinarian. Keep a first-aid kit in your house and one in your car and you'll be covered for emergencies both at home and on the road.
There are ready-made kits you can buy from online services or from your holistic veterinarian, or you can put one together yourself. Use a hard plastic tub with a tight-fitting lid, and make sure everyone in the household remembers where you store this. Put the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center's (
The following items will come in handy for all dogs:
Activated charcoal. For use in cases of accidental poisoning. The charcoal helps absorb the poison and remove it from the body. Before using it, contact your veterinarian and/or the National Animal Poison Control Center (NAPCC) because it may interact with other medications your dog is taking.
Aloe vera gel. This is invaluable for soothing burns, cuts, and abrasions.
Arnica. This is ideal for sprains, trauma, and wounds.
Arsenicum album. This helps treat allergies.
Bandages or Vetwrap. Include different shapes and sizes of gauze rolls or pads or Vetwrap, which clings to itself and doesn't shift off the wound.
Bandage scissors. You'll need these to cut bandage material to fit the wound.
Bulb syringe. This is indispensable for irrigating wounds.
Clean towels. One or two bath or hand towels will come in handy to absorb blood, wipe down your dog, or cleanse a wound.
Cold packs. Use these to reduce swelling or pain. Wrap one in a towel before using it so it's not too shocking on the skin.
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Use this antihistamine for allergic reactions, such as spider bites or bee stings. Contact your veterinarian for the correct dosage for your dog.
Disposable gloves. Use these to protect your hands and prevent contamination if your dog is bleeding or has an open wound.
Emergency blanket. If your dog has been injured, this will keep her warm and help prevent shock. It also comes in handy if she is bleeding and you need a clean place for her to lie while you transport her to the veterinarian.
Eyewash. If your dog has dust or particles in her eyes, you'll need this to flush out the material.
Goldenseal. An antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory herb, it has a soothing effect on open sores.
Heating pad. If your dog goes into shock or her temperature is very low, this will help keep your dog warm until you transport her to the veterinarian. Cover the heating pad with a towel so that it isn't too hot on the skin or fur.
Hydrogen peroxide. Used topically, this is useful for cleansing wounds.
Kaopectate or slippery elm. This is effective for diarrhea.
Lubricating jelly. Apply this liberally to a thermometer before inserting it.
Muzzle. This is for your protection. Any dog — even yours — who is injured and in extreme pain may bite. If you don't have a muzzle, you can make one from a roll of gauze in a pinch.
Pedialyte. A fluid of water and electrolytes, this prevents dehydration.
Rescue Remedy. This will help your dog re-establish balance and harmony.
Slip leash. If you can't reach your dog's regular leash, this quickly slips on your dog without a collar.
Thermometer. If your dog refuses to eat or has diarrhea, use a digital or rectal thermometer to register her body temperature. This is helpful information for your veterinarian.
Tea tree oil soap. This helps cleanse wounds.
Tweezers. These are useful for removing foreign objects from your dog's paw or skin.
To make sure these items stay in good condition, put a note on your calendar to check your first-aid kit once every few months. Be sure to add anything specific that your dog needs. Keeping a pet carrier in your car or someplace where you can easily access it is invaluable in a disaster situation. If your dog must be confined for any length of time, or if you or someone else has to transport her to the emergency clinic, the carrier is the safest place for your dog.
You should also have your veterinarian's current phone number and the name, address, directions, and phone number of the emergency clinic in your first-aid kit. In an emergency you may not remember this information. If you become separated from your dog or are unable to care for her, write down the name and phone number of someone you authorize to care for your dog in your absence.
If You Are Forced to Evacuate
Unfortunately, fires, floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes are devastating facts of nature. When people have to evacuate their homes during a disaster they don't usually have time to look around the house for the things their dogs will need. If you can assemble an evacuation kit for your dog long before you actually need it, your evacuation will be a little less stressful.
In addition to the first-aid kit, put the following items into a separate waterproof container with a tight-fitting lid:
Bottled water. You'll need at least a two-week supply. Replace it every two months.
Blanket for your dog's comfort
Commercial quality dog food. Place a two-week supply in a sealed container and replace it every three months.
Dental cleaning supplies
Dog life preserver
Grooming supplies
Leash and collar with an identification tag. Although you probably have a leash you use every day, you may not have time to go looking for it.
Medical records and any medication your dog is taking
Plastic bags for waste cleanup
Recent photograph of your dog with his name, description, age, and medical information, and your name, phone number, and address.
Include the name and phone of a contact person who will know your location if you become separated from your dog.
Toys
Disaster Preparedness Kit
If there's ever a disaster in your community and you cannot leave your home, having a few emergency supplies on hand for your dog will keep him safe and healthy until normal conditions are restored. Plan ahead with the items on the following page:
A sealed bag of treats. Your dog will appreciate these reassuring tidbits if your home is dark and cold.
Bottled drinking water. Keep a two-week supply or about a quart a day per dog. Store in a dark place and replace it every two months to guarantee freshness.
Cooked dog food in the freezer. Keep a two-week supply, but keep alternatives ready in case you lose power. This may mean stocking a food your dog does not normally eat.
Commercial dry food in a sealed bag in case you cannot heat the frozen food. Keep a two-week supply.
Medication. If your dog is on medication, keep an extra two-week supply on hand at all times.
Rescue Remedy. This will calm your dog if he becomes fearful.
Don't forget to keep a few special toys in reserve and a dog sweater or an extra blanket for your dog's warmth.
