First-aid kits for dogs and humans can share many common components. Dogs don't have much use for adhesive bandages, and humans might not need ear cleaner, but both can use antibiotic cream, tweezers, gauze pads, an Ace bandage, scissors, an eye-dropper, and sterile eye wash. For a dog, the thermometer needs to be rectal (rarely seen for human use anymore).

Contents of Your First Aid Kit

Some pet supply stores and veterinarians offer canine first aid kits, but you can also make your own. Your dog's first aid kit should include:

Antibiotic cream

Disinfectant, whether liquid (Betadine) or encased in swab-tipped vials

Petroleum jelly

Sterile eye wash

Ear cleaner

Antihistamine tablets

Aspirin

Ace bandage

Gauze pads and/or rolls

Adhesive tape (not bandages, but a roll of tape)

Scissors (blunt-tipped are best)

Tweezers

Eyedropper

Cotton balls and/or Q-tips

Compressed activated charcoal

Rectal thermometer

Small, tightly-focused flashlight (to help examine eyes, ears, and mouth, or look for splinters)

Pantyhose or soft rope to use as muzzle

Location of Your First-Aid Kit

At home, keep your kit in some easily accessible location — next to your fire extinguisher, perhaps. Or you could put it under your bathroom sink, if it won't become buried behind toilet paper and shampoo. Know where your first-aid kit is located, be able to access it easily, and be sure it's always kept well stocked. If you use supplies from it, replace them as soon as possible.

If you travel a lot with your Yorkie, you may also want to keep a first-aid kit in your car. If kept in the car it can serve for both humans and dogs whenever an emergency arises. You may also want to have some clean towels alongside your first aid kit, especially in the car. You can use them to help transport an injured Yorkie, for warmth, or for direct pressure on wounds.