Since you never know when an accident will happen, keeping a pet emergency kit in your home and car is a good idea. You can put a first aid kit together yourself and buy the items separately, or buy one ready-made. If you make one yourself, use a small plastic tub with a tight fitting lid to store the necessary items.
Important Phone Numbers
It is important to have your veterinary clinic's phone number and directions to the clinic handy in case of an emergency. It is especially important for all members of your household to know where to find this information in case you are not present when the emergency occurs. It is also a good idea to have the nearest 24 hour emergency clinic's phone number and directions to that clinic in the first aid kit as well in case of an after hours emergency. Another emergency number to have on hand is the poison control center's phone number.
Equipment and Supplies
It is often necessary to muzzle a pet that is injured and in pain. Keep a muzzle or roll of gauze that can be used for making a muzzle in your first aid kit so you can prevent your injured pup from biting while you render first aid. It is also a good idea to keep a nylon slip leash in the kit.
Keep a magnifying glass, scissors, tweezers, hemostats or needle-nose pliers, and a penlight in the first aid kit for removing ticks, thorns, or other foreign objects. Nail clippers and a nail file are handy in case of a broken nail. Also keep styptic powder or cornstarch on hand to stop bleeding from a broken or torn nail. Grease-cutting dish soap can be included in the kit to clean away oil or other debris on the pet's fur.
A first aid kit should also include cotton swabs, cotton balls, cloth and paper towels, disposable gloves, lubricant jelly, and a rectal thermometer. Also include large towels or blankets that can be used as a stretcher and also to keep your pet warm. A thermal blanket works well to keep a dog warm. A pet carrier can also be used to transport an injured pet. Cold packs and heat packs should also be included in the kit. If you need to use either a cold pack or a heat pack, be sure to wrap it in a towel before placing it on your dog's skin.
A stethoscope can be useful in some emergencies if you need to listen for your dog's heartbeat or breathing. If your pup stops breathing or his heart stops, you may need to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR. Include a first aid book to your kit to assist you if the need arises.
An eye dropper or oral syringe can come in handy for administering medications by mouth. Other syringes of varying sizes can be used to flush a wound.
Bandaging Materials
Some of the most important and most used items in a first aid kit are the bandaging materials. Proper bandaging technique is important, so check with your veterinarian before an emergency arises so you know how to properly bandage your pet. Bandages can be applied too tightly and cause severe damage to the tissues if the blood flow is restricted.
The most commonly used bandaging supplies include square gauze of various sizes (sterile is best), non-stick pads, paper and adhesive first aid tapes, gauze rolls, and Vetwrap. Bitter Apple is a smart choice to apply to a bandage or an area to discourage licking. Do not apply Bitter Apple directly to an open wound.
Nutritional Support
If your dog is suffering from dehydration, a rehydrating solution containing electrolytes such as Gatorade or Pedialyte can be beneficial. Nutritional supplements such as Nutri-Cal, Vitacal, or Nutristat can help replace spent calories and keep your pooch's energy high. If your dog suffers from a condition that can cause low blood sugar, a high sugar source such as Karo syrup is also a necessity in a first aid kit.
Medicines
In most cases, it is recommended to check with your veterinarian before giving any medication to your dog, including over the counter medications. Some over the counter products can be harmful to your dog if they are not used appropriately. Your veterinarian should advise you as to whether the medication can be safely given to your dog, the appropriate dose, and also how to use the medication correctly. Examples would include diphenhydramine (used for treating allergic reactions), cortisone spray or cream, antidiarrheal medications, or triple antibiotic ointment for the skin. Hydrogen peroxide may be recommended to induce vomiting in an emergency, but this can cause other issues and is only recommended if there is no other option. Activated charcoal is often given after a dog ingests a poison, but again, consult your veterinarian before administering this to your dog.
Other things to include in your kit are a wound disinfectant such as chlorhexidine, eye wash solution, sterile saline, and ear cleaning solution.
Do be aware that medications, washes, and sterile bandaging materials all have expiration dates. Replace items as needed to avoid having expired products in your first aid kit.
Hopefully, you will never have a need for a veterinary first aid kit. But in the event of an emergency, be prepared by having a first aid kit on hand for your dog.