Dog Emergency Kit

Dog Emergency Kit

Having some supplies ready in case of an emergency is an excellent idea. You won't have to go searching for what you need at a time of crisis, and these basic items will come in handy.

Antibiotic ointment for cuts and scrapes
A rectal thermometer - your dog's separate from everyone else's
Tweezers - to remove thorns, stingers, splinters
Wrap-style bandages and padding
A blanket or large towel to wrap your dog because animals often go into shock when injured, having a blanket near by which will help keep them warm. It can also be used for a stretcher.

Hemostat or tweezers - (use to pull out thorns or as a clamp). Hemostats are like fine locking pliers of clamps. They are excellent for grabbing onto things like sticks, thorns, ticks or anything else that may be caught in your pets mouth or skin.

Water - Fresh water should always be available for drinking as well as flushing wounds and cooling overheated animals.

Styptic Stick or Powder - Useful for stopping bleeding caused by cutting nails too short or from torn nails.

Bandage material - Used to cover wounds to keep them clean or apply pressure on bleeding areas. Can also act as a temporary tourniquet or muzzle.

1 roll of cast padding or soft bandage material
1 roll adhesive tape or sticky bandage.
1 roll "VetWrap" Self adhering type of tape
Gauze sponges 4X4's
1 roll of gauze 2" - 4" or both sizes

Syrup of Ipecac - (1 teaspoon per 10# dog to induce vomiting). Poisons are best treated by early removal from the stomach. Exceptions are caustic or irritating materials that are ingested. A couple of common poisons seen by all veterinarians include rat poison and antifreeze. Ingestion of either one is an emergency. Causing your pet to vomit early will reduce serious consequences. Antifreeze is absorbed even through the oral cavity and is immediately in the system. Antifreeze ingestion needs immediate attention by a veterinarian.

Hydrogen Peroxide - This is a very good wound cleanser and will also induce vomiting if given orally. To induce vomiting give orally until vomiting occurs. This is a very safe product to use.

Activated Charcoal - Useful for poisons that are irritating and where there may be some absorption of the toxic material. Give orally to absorb the material.

Artificial Tears - Used to lubricate and reduce pain on eye injuries. Can also flush eyes profusely with water that you should also have in the kit.

325mg buffered aspirin or baby aspirin - (1 per 50 lbs 8-12 hour interval for sore muscles, pain). Not to be given without some thought. Vomiting animals will vomit more profusely. This drug should not be repeated more than once every 72 hours. Tylenol is poisonous to dogs.

25 mg Diphenhydramine HCL (Benadryl) - Used for reducing reactions to allergies and insect bites.

Triple Antibiotic Ointment - Helps reduce or avoid infection and used with bandages will provide good protection of wounds.

Chlorhexidine - Antiseptic solution for cleaning/flushing wounds.

Scissors - This should be a heavy duty serrated stainless steel type that can be used to cut metal, bandages, belts, wire and other entrapment apparatus.

Small Flashlight - Always invaluable.

Vaseline (Plain - Non-Medicated) - for wound dressing.

Exam Gloves - when handling wounds.

Children's Glycerin suppositories - Use for dogs with constipation.

Related Pages

Dog first aid - essential advice on first aid for dogs

Dog first aid kit - essential first aid items

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