Eileen’s First Aid Kit for Dogs: How to put one together

 

Where’s that Liquid Bandage!!!

That’s what I was saying under my breath after one of the Berners suffered a paw pad injury a few weeks ago. Last week I had to hunt for ear cleaner and cotton squares. And I can never find the styptic powder when I need it.

We’ve had a human first aid kit in the house since forever and everyone knows where it is.

For the dogs, not so much. Some things are here. Some things are over there. Sound like your house?

My mission: Get organized.

I needed a first aid kit for the dogs … and so like any good list maker, I made a list. The joke in my family is that I have lists of my lists.

And so, my list became this blog post.

I had most of the items already. I just needed to consolidate them.

And while I hope I never need most of it, it’s like insurance. You think you don’t need it until you really need it.

As for you, you may decide you need more, less or none of this stuff. (Of course, whatever you decide to give your dog should be cleared with your veterinarian.)

But here’s what’s in mine:

The Dog First Aid Kit

• PHONE NUMBERS: For Vet, Emergency Clinic, Poison Control
• Digital thermometer, Vaseline, Q-tip (normal dog temp is 101 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit or 38.3 to 39.2 degrees Celsius)
• 3% hydrogen peroxide/ oral syringe – if you must induce vomiting (CALL VET FIRST!)
• Hand sanitizer for the humans
• Saline solution to flush a wound
• Surgical scrub or antiseptic wipes
• Vetericyn Plus – anti-microbial hydrogel spray
• Neosporin – antibiotic ointment
• Zymox – antimicrobial & inflammation relief cream with hydrocortisone
• Gauze, vet wrap, tape (sports tape or duct tape works great)
• Kotex pad for a wound
• Scissors, tick remover, tweezers
• Liquid Bandage – protects minor wounds, discourages biting/chewing
• Eye wash – for flushing and cleaning irritations and wounds to the eye
• Benadryl – for allergic reaction (Check with vet for dosage)
• Urine collection tray and urine cup – ask your vet for this
• Styptic powder or Quik Stop
• Gas-X (Simethicone) – anti gas
• Bloat Buster by Natures Farmacy (SUSPECT BLOAT? CALL VET IMMEDIATELY!)
• Pepcid AC (Famotidine) antacid (check with vet for dosage)
• Pepto Bismol – for gastrointestinal upset (check with vet first)
• Anti-diarrheal meds (check with vet since some breeds carry MDR-1 gene and can have adverse reactions to some medications)
• Rescue Remedy to calm a dog
• Muzzle or piece of cloth that can be used as muzzle, slip lead
• Ear infection meds, ear cleaner, cotton squares
• RX from your vet. I have Rimadyl, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug
• Bag Balm or Nose Butter for dry/cracked noses (see vet if dryness continues. It could be a medical issue.)
• Musher’s Secret – salt protection for paw pads in winter, also for calloused pads

Now, where to put it

So, how would I store it all? I didn’t need anything fancy. A tool box? A craft box?

What better place to look than The Container Store.

Lots of choices and it’s a dog-friendly store too!

I decided on a 14.6” x 8.8” x 7.4” Livinbox ($16.99). It resembles an art box and has a handle.

My stand up bottles fit perfectly and there’s a two-tier tray for the small stuff. You might need something smaller or bigger. This one worked for me.

Plus, it’s easy to travel with if you’re going camping with your Bernese Mountain Dogs or to a dog show.

And now, everything in one place…finally!