How to make a Pet First Aid Kit

With the summer months arriving, your dogs may spend more time running and playing outside.  It is always good to be prepared ahead of time for accidents.

Below is a list of items that are essential to have on hand to treat your dog for many accidents that may occur:

Absorbent compresses in various sizes (gauze sponges)
Adhesive tape – hypoallergenic
Antibiotic Ointment- triple
Blanket
Clean cloth
Cold Compress
Dephenydramine (Benadryl) – appropriate dose for pets size, if approved by a vet (check expiration date)
Dog First Aid book
Expired credit card (to scrape awaystingers)
Epsom salt (to make saline solution)
Gloves – disposable, nonlatex, powder free)
Glucose paste or corn syrup
Grooming clippers
Hydrogen peroxide – 3% (check expiration date)
List of emergency telephone numbers – vet, emergency clinic, poison control center
Muzzle – soft collapsible, or gauze to use as muzzle
Nail clippers
Needle-nose pliers
Nylon leash
Petroleum Jelly
Penlight
Rectal thermometer – non mercury/non glass
Roll cohesive wrap – 3 inch width
Roll gauze – 2 inch width, cotton
Rubbin alcohol (isopropyl)
Scissors – small with blunt end
Sterile gauze pads –  non-adherent, assorted sizes
Sterile, water-based lubricant – such as KY Jelly
Syringe – baby dose size
Sterile eye lubricant
Sterile saline eye wash
Styptic powder
Towel
Tweezers
Water proof container to place all of the item in
Wire cutters – small
Vitamin B Gel

Source:  American Red Cross, Dog First Aid, Be Red Cross Ready, Safety Series Vol. 2