What to Put in a Dog First Aid Kit
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1. Emergency Food & Water Supply
If you forget or otherwise lose a main source of food and water, it’s important to have an emergency supply, preferably stored in airtight containers, plus bowls for use.
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2. Day Pack
Fill a small day pack with emergency items you might need in the field while you are away from your vehicle and/or home, including wraps for an eye injury, needle nose drivers to take out porcupine quills, pliers to cut snares, etc.
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3. Medication Bag
Talk to your veterinarian and see if there are some medications—like anti-inflammatories and different pain meds —that you could keep with you and use in case of emergency prior to getting your dog to a vet.
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4. Bandaging Kit
Keep all necessary bandaging components in one kit, so you don’t have to search for them when the time comes. This video walks you through the bandaging process and the items needed.
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5. Additional Items
Additional items that are useful to have on hand:
- Toenail trimmers: to keep your dog’s toenails short so they don’t break them out in the field
- Thermometer & hair clippers: useful if there is a laceration that needs to be cleaned up
- Buff: can be used to make a tourniquet
- Syringes, needles, and stapler: useful for wound clean-up
- Slip leash: useful if you need to control your dog in a certain area or situation, if there are other dogs around, or if your dog is injured and you need to craft a makeshift muzzle
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