What do you need to have in your canine first aid kit?

Do you have a canine first aid kit on hand? Dogs are like children in many ways; you just never know what they're going to get into. It's always a good idea to be prepared and have dog first aid kits available in the event of an emergency.

You can find all the supplies you need at your local drugstore or superstore to create your own dog first aid kit - Or you can buy ready-made kits to have on hand when you need it.

If you want to make your own kit, here is a list of some items to keep on hand:

Supplies for Canine First Aid Kits

• Cotton balls
• Adhesive bandage tape 2"
• Pepto-Bismol
• Milk of Magnesia
• Triple antibiotic ointment
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Rubbing alcohol
• Nail clippers
• Plastic eyedropper
• Gauze pads
• Wooden tongue depressor
• Needle-nosed pliers
• Short sturdy stick for a splint
• Betadine solution and scrub
• Eye wash, ointment or artificial tears
• Ear cleaning solution
• Styptic powder for minor bleeding
• Cloth for bandages
• Measuring cups/spoons
• KY jelly
• Q-tips
• Large plastic syringe
• Thermometer (child's rectal)
• Blunt-end scissors
• 4" x 4" gauze pads
• Tweezers or forceps
• Cloth or leather gloves
• Rubber or latex gloves

I got this list from my Vet. Obviously you can adjust the items based on your dog’s needs.

It’s also a good idea to keep important papers and telephone numbers with your kit such as Veterinarian number, Emergency Clinic number, Poison Control Number, etc). Keep a copy of the Ultimate Guide to Dog Health with the kit as well. In addition to being a great resource for keeping your dog healthy, it also comes with a detailed guide to dog 1st aid for those unexpected emergencies.

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