Fundamentals

Doggy First Aid Kit

We know all about the First Aid Kit as described for us by the Red Cross but how many of us know about the Doggy First Aid Kit?

Of course, not all pet owners are totally clueless about first aid for their pooch. In fact, there are those that have fully stocked doggy first aid kits with even a properly documented Excel spreadsheet document where they painstakingly and meticulously record every single item with dates when they were bought and when they need to be replaced. If you’re one of those people, you have our eternal respect. There’s probably nothing that we are going to say in this post that you can’t easily school us about.

But then there are those who do not have the first clue about setting up a doggy first aid kit, being their first time. If you’re one of those, relax, it’s you we’re here for. This article will give you everything you need to know about setting up a doggy first aid kit plus all that needs to be in it. But this will be on one condition. You’ll set it up ASAP, right? Great. Now, let’s put together our doggy first aid kit.

But first…

Why do I need a Doggy First Aid Kit?…

…Because just like humans, dogs can get into accidents and you need to be prepared because that can be the deciding factor in whether the situation is salvaged or complicated. In extreme cases, like swallowing a toxic substance, it can even be the determining factor between whether your dog lives or dies. Your doggy first aid kit should be at home as well as with you for times when you’re going long distances such as a hike, a road trip, or camping. A veterinary hospital might be far from your location and you need to be able to manage the situation till you can get to the vet. That’s why you must compulsorily have a doggy first aid kit.

What Should your Doggy First Aid Kit Contain?

  1. Paperwork: Your doggy first aid kit must contain all his health records, vaccination records, as well as emergency phone numbers. The last thing you want to do is to start looking for these documents in the case of an emergency especially because you won’t be in the best frame of mind. If you’re leaving your dog with a sitter or a friend, then ensure that the person knows where these documents are
  2. Hydrogen Peroxide: Dogs are adventurous, just like babies and sometimes they can take in something into their mouths that they aren’t meant to. Many times, this “something” might even be toxic. If that happens, then you need to induce vomiting by administering hydrogen peroxide. But before you do this, you must be sure you know how to do it properly. Ensure that you have met with your vet and gotten proper instructions on inducing vomiting before trying it out on your dog so you don’t complicate issues. You want to learn this ideally before an accident occurs and you have to do it. A crisis is not the best situation you want to learn such things. In fact, makes sure you have a hard copy of the instructions and don’t depend on the internet, anything can happen and access the internet or electricity could get cut off
  3. Antibiotic Ointment: If your pup is the outdoorsy type, then this item is a must-have. Why? It’s very possible that your dog gets a scratch or a small cut at some point. Treating his wound with an antibiotic ointment will help to avoid the entry of germs and bacteria. This, in turn, prevents any chance of the wound getting infected
  4. Gauze, Scissors, Tape, Rubber Gloves: These set of items are grouped as one item because they all kinda function for pretty much the same situation(s). If there’s a bleeding, then the gauze can help to stop the bleeding. And even in the case of a fracture, it can act as an improvised brace for the time being. Tape (and gauze too) can work as an improvised muzzle too. And with a pair of scissors, you can cut an old shirt and make it into a bandage to hold larger wounds, especially when you’re out of gauze. Any medical emergency at all requires gloves so you should always have them on hand
  5. Grooming (or wet) Wipes: Maybe they aren’t exactly first aid kit material but then they can help to handle fecal accidents, muddy paws, dirty or bloody spots, or situations when the eyes or ears need to be cleaned
  6. A towel or Blanket: You remember your old blankie and the comfort it gave you as a child. Well, it’s the same for your pup. If you want to be able to examine your pup’s injury without risking a scratch, then a good idea is to wrap him gently in a soft towel or blanket to comfort him. Again, if the surface is too rough or hot, a towel or blanket will provide a gentler surface for examination
  7. Collapsible Food and Water Bowls: It is essential to have one of these on hand with you when traveling. Dogs need to be kept hydrated else they can overheat, so always ensure you travel with, at least, one collapsible bowl
  8. A Digital Thermometer: You need this for doing what you already know thermometers are used for. Note that the thermometer can only be inserted into the rectum and not in the mouth. Also, you should get a fever thermometer, not just a regular one. Regular ones do not come with values that pets’ temperatures can reach
  9. Hot and Cold Packs: You need a hot pack for times when joints and muscles are stiff and in pain. Cold packs, on the other hand, help to bring down a swelling while you try to get to the vet. They are also useful in the summer to prevent a heat stroke
  10. Sterile Saline Eye Wash: When it comes to ingesting toxins or getting them into the body anyhow, every ticking second counts and you must work fast to prevent extreme damage. If a harmful substance gets into your pup’s eyes, then you can flush it out with a sterile saline eyewash. Waiting till you get to the vet can be disastrous
  11. Vet-approved Medication: Only use medication approved by your vet on your pet. Some drugs that are safe for humans are fatalistic to pets
  12. Tweezers: Lol. No, you’re not giving your beloved pooch a facial. You know the age-long unholy relationship between ticks and dogs. With tweezers, you’d be able to easily take those blood-sucking imps off your dog’s skin
  13. A leash: This will help to transport your dog if s/he can walk without injuring himself/herself any further while in motion

So, there you have it, your complete guide to setting up your very own doggy first aid kit.

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