First Aid Kit For Dogs

I’m in the “being prepared for the unexpected” frame of mind right now. Normally I hate thinking about the worst that could happen. It feels so pessimistic.

I also really hate having to think of the specifics of what I have to gather together. Then, I have to go out and actually buy the stuff.

You motivated me, though. I figured if I feel that way, I’m probably not alone.

So, I sat myself down, and I says to myself, I says, I says…. “Self, get together a first aid kit for dogs, so others don’t have the pain of thinking about this any more than is absolutely necessary.” And so I did.

What I have below is the day trip first aid kit for dogs. This is NOT for complete care, this is for “on the road something happened that needs fixing now.” After which you get in your car pronto and go to the vet or go home for more complete care.

I’ll work on the “life-as-we-know-it-has-come-to-an-end” medical care kit later.

I thought about the different, stupid things dogs can do to themselves (yes, even Shelties can be dumb sometimes) or what other not so nice dogs and people can do to them. Then I made a list of what I would need for immediate care.

What's NOT In The First Aid Kit For Dogs

I also thought about the things that some dog kits include but are totally inappropriate.

  • Like Band-Aids. I don’t know a single dog whose fur would allow a Band-Aid to stick for any length of time.  (Sit, stay, Band-Aid!) And, no I’m not adding a razor to the kit to shave the dog. This is an emergency kit. I’m not gonna do field surgery.
  • Oh, and here’s another one. Anyone who know when and how to properly apply a tourniquet? Please raise your hand. I didn’t think so. Hell, as a nurse of 30 years I’d be hesitant to use one in the field and risk having someone lose a limb.
  • A triangle sling…? For what limb???
  • What about antibiotic ointment? Hmm, no, that’s home in the medicine cabinet. I don’t need that immediately. I just need to wash off the wound and cover it to keep it clean ‘til I get home.

Which doesn’t mean I might not have forgotten an item or two that should be in the bag. You can certainly ask about it.

What IS In The Kit For My Shelties

I wanted something light and relatively small.

Here it is. Put these items together and then you and your pooch will be ready to get on the road.

  • Sturdy bag for all supplies
  • 1 Collapsible bowl 
  • 1 Coban self-sticking mild compression wrap to hold dressings on the dog
  • 1 Conform 3” x 4yds gauze wrap to hold dressings on the dog
  • 5 Gauze 4x4 
  • 2 ABD pads 5x9"
  • 6 Gloves, medium in case you are a clean freak.
  • 1 Bottle hand sanitizer (2 oz)
  • 5 Lubricant packets (for the thermometer so you can stick it you-know-where)
  • 1 Nail clips for when they tear a nail
  • 5 Normal saline flushes (5ml) to wash wounds, eyes etc.
  • 5 Paper towels
  • 1 Bottle hydrogen peroxide for cleaning wounds (can be mixed half and half with saline) or for inducing vomiting
  • 1 roll Poop pick up bags
  • 1 Bandage scissors
  • 1 container Styptic powder (1.5 oz) if the nail begins to bleed
  • 1 Syringe (20cc) to administer the saline or peroxide
  • 1 roll Tape to secure the gauze wrap
  • 1 digital Thermometer
  • 1 Tick remover
  • 1 Tweezers
  • 1 roll flexible universal splint for broken bones. This is a flexible splint that can be cut to any length with scissors and molded as needed. Then use the gauze wrap to hold it on the limb.
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