How to Make a First-Aid Kit for Your Dog

Being prepared with the right first-aid supplies could save your pup’s life in an emergency.

Keep the items below in a gallon-sized resealable bag and label it “Dog First Aid” with permanent marker. Then store the kit in an easily accessible place at home. Don’t forget to pack it if you take a trip with your pup.

WHAT TO INCLUDE IN YOUR DOG FIRST-AID KIT

• RUBBING ALCOHOL AND HYDROGEN PEROXIDE (3% SOLUTION): Use these to disinfect and clean wounds.

•INDEX CARD: Write down your dog’s veterinary emergency phone number and any special health info to share with the vet if your dog gets hurt or sick.

•GAUZE: This will let you clean and protect wounds, as well as control bleeding.

•BANDAGES AND ADHESIVE TAPE: Use elastic bandages to wrap wounds or create a muzzle for an injured dog. Use self-adhesive athletic bandages to temporarily support injured limbs.

•BANDAGE SCISSORS: Snip bandages to the right size with these.

•RESEALABLE PLASTIC BAGS to pack out what you use.

•ACTIVATED CHARCOAL: This can be used to absorb poison.

•TWEEZERS

•NAIL CLIPPERS

•ANTIBIOTIC OINTMENT: This will dress wounds before you bandage them.

•EYEWASH

•RECTAL THERMOMETER WITH PETROLEUM JELLY: Because an oral thermometer won’t stay in your dog’s mouth.

•CORTISONE CREAM: Use this for minor allergic reactions and itching.

•BLANKET

Contact your vet as quickly as possible during a pet emergency.

Never treat a dog showing aggression, and avoid injured dogs you don’t know. A dog with an unknown vaccine history could have rabies and spread it to you.