Be Prepared With This DIY Dog First Aid Kit
As dog owners, we always want the best for our furry friends. This may include searching out the highest-quality foods and treats, partnering with the best trainer in the area and locating the best possible veterinarian within driving distance. However, what are you going to do if disaster strikes and you have to respond? Today we’re going to talk through what you need to know to create a DIY dog first aid kit.
DISCLOSURE: THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS, MEANING I WILL EARN A COMMISSION IF YOU PURCHASE THROUGH MY LINKS, AT NO COST TO YOU. FOR MORE INFO, PLEASE READ MY DISCLAIMER.
We often hear about the importance of keeping a fully stocked first aid kit on hand, but when was the last time you stopped to consider whether you have the necessary gear to care for your furry friend?
In the event of an emergency, your dog is relying upon you to keep him/her safe. This includes everything from minor medical disasters to natural disasters. To provide this care, it is your responsibility to ensure that you have everything required on hand. Even if you already have a first-aid kit, this is the perfect time to make sure that the supplies you have stored are fully stocked and haven’t expired.
To begin, you need to consider the perfect bag or container to house your first aid kit. You want to choose something that can travel with you when necessary, especially if you plan to travel with your dog. This will also allow you to move quickly when necessary. It is also recommended that you choose something water-tight or water-resistant to keep your supplies safe such as a tote or water-resistant backpack.
Now let’s walk through everything you should include in your first aid kit…
Paperwork & Documentation
*Please Note: All of this information should be kept as a hard copy as you may not have electricity, phone service or an internet connection in the event of an emergency*
- Vaccination Records
- Medical Records (Including information about any allergies, current medications and past surgeries)
- A Picture of Your Dog (Make note of any identifying marks that may not be visible. This can be used to help find your dog in the event that he/she gets lost)
- Emergency Contact Numbers (Including your veterinarian, poison control, animal control and the nearest 24-Hour animal hospital)
- Identifying Information (Tattoo or microchip number, City licensing number, etc.)
- Dog First Aid Manual or First Aid Information
Medical Supplies
- Vet Wrap/Bandages
- Absorbent Gauze Pads
- Adhesive Tape
- Kwik Stop Styptic Powder
- Antibiotic Ointment
- Cotton Balls or Swabs
- Eye Wash Solution
- Antihistamine (Consult your veterinarian for the appropriate dosage for your pet)
- 3% Hydrogen Peroxide
- Activated Charcoal
- Tweezers
- Scissors
- Plastic Syringe
- Rectal Thermometer and Water-Based Lubricant
- Latex Gloves
- Backup Supply of Any Necessary Medication
- Ice Packs
Non-Medical Essentials
- Spare Leash and Collar
- Biodegradable Poop Bags
- Old Blankets or Towels
- Muzzle (Even if your dog is well behaved. Dogs often behave differently when injured and in pain.)
- Wet Wipes or Grooming Wipes
- Collapsible Food and Water Bowls
- A Small Supply of Your Dog’s Food
- Drinkable Water
- Favourite Toy or Blanket (Select something that has your dog’s scent as this can be calming in a stressful situation)
- Flashlight and Extra Batteries
- Tick Removal Tool
- Nail Clippers
Not only should you have the supplies necessary available, as a responsible pet owner it is important to know the basics of pet first aid. To get started, check out this video from the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society sharing how to bandage your dog’s paw!
This is fantastic! I have never thought of putting together a doggie medical kit? Just last week my dog got into a tuna can and started chewing on the metal. By the time I got back to the house there was blood everywhere and my dog bleeding from the mouth. I panicked. The bleeding stopped by itself, I offered a lot of fresh water, and reminded myself to recycle can immediately. Thanks for sharing the list of products needed, I’ll start compiling a kit.
You never know when something is going to happen! My girl Daviana actually got 3 stitches in the top of her snout after running face first into the side of a futon while playing and catching the mental plate on the side of the futon the wrong way lol Who could have predicted that??
Thank you so much for sharing this! Even though I think I have most of these items somewhere in our house, in case of emergency I wouldn’t know where to quickly get it so this made me realize I have to gather all the items and make sure I have an easy, accessible place to store my first aid kit for my dog. Definitely using your list to tick everything off and making sure I can help my baby at all times!
xoxo Simone | https://beautymone.com
It’s definitely one of those things that we don’t tend to consider until an emergency happens, and then it’s too late! I know I realized that a couple items on the list were missing from mine while I was writing this!
It’s good to have an emergency plan or kit for pets. We were just cleaning our garage and I made sure that our cat carriers are kept in a convenient location in case of emergency.
That’s a great tip that a lot of people forget! Also, keeping leashes in an easy to access place in a hurry for those who have dogs.
I read this and thought why had this never occurred to me? We have 2 pets. I keep separate grooming tools but never had a first aid kit! Probably could’ve avoided a few vet bills if we did!
I just made my pet first aid kit for the first time last year, and I grew up with animals!
This is an incredible post! Although I’m sure I’d have everything in the house if I needed it (and my vet is only a two minute walk up the road if I really was in a pinch) but I don’t have a proper first aid kit to hand for him but I’m going to get one ready for him now. This is such a great idea x
Sophie
I think that’s the case for most pet owners – we have the stuff we need, but not necessarily together to make it easier for us to access in an emergency lol
This is an amazing list!! I have two dogs and will print it and make sure we are ready in case of an emergency!!
Thank you! You can never be too prepared!
Wow, I had never thought about making an pet emergency kit! This is an excellent resource.
I will admit that I’ve grown up with pets all my life and this is a more recent addition to our home. When you stop to think about it, it makes sense! We go to lengths to make sure that we have everything on hand for ourselves, the kids, etc. – why not the pets too?
I love this idea! I can actually put one of these together with a lot of the same items for my 2 cats. Thank you for a great idea that I can put to good use.
Yes! This carries over really well for a cat – we have 2 cats and definitely had them in mind as well putting ours together.
All good things to have for your fur babies
Better safe than sorry, right?
It is really important to have a dog first aid kit. We have it for my fur baby, just in case of emergency.
It is! Too often we think about our ‘people first aid kit’ and forget about the pets until something happens and we’re scrambling to find the supplies that we need!
This is SUCH a good idea! I hadn’t thought of this!
It’s something that I think most pet owners overlook until we need it!
What a great idea! Hadn’t thought of this but will be putting one together for our dog ??
I’ve had dogs all my life and only recently stopped to consider the importance of this lol
I’ve never thought of this! So helpful! Thank you!
Thank you!
I need to say thank you for this post! A few things I really didn’t know and I think a lot of people do doesn’t think about the first-aid kit for animals!
Check also your e-mail! I would like to collab with you! 🙂
P.S. You have a great blog ♥♥♥
Thank you! I don’t think that most people realize that some of these items are needed until the situation arises. I learned a few of these through first hand experiences growing up (I have had pets all my life). I hope that sharing this will help some pet owners avoid learning first hand!
I’m all about preparedness, but I wouldn’t even know where to start with pets! This was a very comprehensive and helpful list for people with pets to be prepared. Very informative. I love the name of your blog, too!
Thank you!
It is great blog post about maintain a first aid kit. Thanks for sharing these information with us.
Thank you!
A DIY doggy first aid kit would be a super useful gift for any new dog owners!!
Roni | myelevatedexistence.com
That is so true! It would be a great ‘congratulations on the new pup’ gift!
We love our dogs and we consider them as a part of the family, so learning health and first aid kits are very helpful. I hope I won’t have to use it. Thank you for sharing your first aid kit list.
Ideally, no one would have to use them. You’re so right! That would be the dream. However, I’d rather be prepared if something DID happen.