- Saline solution, for flushing debris from eyes
- Antibiotic ointment such as Polysporin or Neosporin, to apply to healing wounds
- Iodine such as Betadine solution, for applying to and washing fresh cuts and wounds
- Sterile gloves
- Digital thermometer and lubricant; ask your veterinarian to teach you how to take your dog’s temperature
- Flat slanted tweezers, magnifying glass, non-locking hemostat
- Q-tips
- Clotting agent, such as Superclot (which also numbs pain), or styptic gel or powder; used to induce clotting
- Benadryl, for allergic reactions. Dosage is usually around 1 milligram per pound; check with your veterinarian.
- Tick remover
- Antiseptic wash, to keep abrasions and other minor surface wounds clean as they heal
- Alcohol wipes, to take on-the-go in case of scratches and scrapes
- Sterile gauze rolls – these can cause more harm than good if used improperly; only use in emergencies, and always wrap loosely. My veterinarian says that the most common mistake people make is to wrap the gauze too tightly, which can be uncomfortable and even dangerous for the patient
- Medical scissors, for cutting bandages
- Sterile gauze pads
- Cotton balls
- A soft muzzle is good to have in case of emergencies, to help calm a dog in duress and protect people from bites
- Hydrogen peroxide, which is used to induce vomitting. The ASPCA recommended dosage is 1 tsp per 5 lbs, never exceeding 3 tablespoons. Check with your vet for correct dosage, or if necessary, call an emergency vet if you are unsure
- Foldable comfortable recovery collar (my pick is the Boobooloon) to prevent dog from chewing and scratching wounds and irritations
- Instant cold pack
* This list has been reviewed and recommended by a veterinarian
* Ask your veterinarian about products, as brands vary by location
* This is a list of items that are good to have on hand, in case of emergency, and only as supplemental to the care and observation of a veterinarian
Article © 2012 Miles & Emma
I would always include (and have often used) hydrogen peroxide. I have never used it externally, but it's a good way to induce vomiting. For example, I once saw one of my dogs wolf down a dead mouse (I ask you– a dead mouse???) but I was concerned that poison had killed the mouse. I used peroxide (3%) to get that mouse back up before it could harm my dog. The dosage I remember is a teaspoon for every ten pounds of dog, and you can repeat in 20 minutes, but no more often. Check this out with your vet, of course, but do that before you need it!!!
All the rest is a great idea! And may we all have dusty first aid kits we never need!
Thanks Peg, I'll add it right now. I really appreciate the tip.
And yes, dead mouse, how appetizing! Mmm…
Great post, I've been meaning to put one of these together myself!
I used your list, and now I feel prepared for minor dog accidents! Thanks!
Thanks for posting the E-box list for dogs. I have three small dogs and you never know what they can get into.