These essentials are a must in your doggy's first aid kit. Get prepared and make sure your doggy has what he needs! In the event of a disaster, your doggy will have what he needs in case he gets hurt. Your pooch will thank you!
You never know what will happen and it’s good to be prepared. When you are camping, driving across the country, or a natural, manmade disaster hits, you need are going to want to be ready. Just like you have a first aid kit for the humans in your home, it’s important to keep a first aid kit handy for the canines in your life.
1. Hydrogen Peroxide
If your dog does ingest something toxic, you may have to induce vomiting with hydrogen peroxide. Always check with a poison control professional or your veterinarian before inducing vomiting and be sure you are familiar with the proper instructions on how to do this.
2. Gauze, Scissors, Tape, Rubber Gloves
This may be more than one item, but they are a package deal in my opinion. In an emergency situation, gauze can control bleeding, act as a temporary brace for suspected fractures, and can even be a makeshift muzzle in a pinch. Tape can also act as a makeshift muzzle and scissors can cut an old shirt into strips to make a more solid bandage for larger wounds or to help if you run out of gauze. Rubber gloves are essential to any medical emergency. Always wear protective gloves and goggles or glasses if you have them.
3. Antibiotic Ointment
If you and your pup are the outdoorsy type, it is advisable to keep this type of item on you at all times. If your pup gets a small cut or scratch, antibiotic ointments will help prevent infection, relieve pain, and act as a barrier from bacteria and germs.
4. Wet Or Grooming Wipes
These may not seem like “emergency” material, but when your dog has an emergency bathroom situation and decides to take care of his business in the back seat of your car, these will help. These and a few towels.
5. A Towel or Blanket
If your dog is injured or panicking, gently wrapping them up in a soft blanket can help calm them down and allow you to access their injury without being scratched or bitten. Microfiber is ultra absorbent and can help in sticky situations. Literally. A towel or blanket also offer a soft surface for you to rest your dog for an examination if the ground is too hot, hard or covered in sharp rocks and you need to get a better look at what’s going on.
6. A Creature Comfort
If you are in a high stress situation with your dog, such as a nasty storm or a particularly traumatizing event, it is always nice to have a creature comfort to soothe them. Keep an old favorite toys or blanket that you were thinking of retiring and put it in the first aid kit. The sight and smells of a beloved object can help settle them down, soothe and comfort in particularly trying situations.
Having these essentials is important. However, it's also crucial to take your doggy to a vet if he gets hurt. A first aid kit is no substitute for professional doggy health care!
For more doggy first aid essentials, visit DogTime.
