The Dog Scout’s Guide To Dog First Aid Kits

Amy Tokic
by Amy Tokic
Don’t wait until it’s too late – have Dog First Aid Kits ready for when accidents happen


Always be prepared – it’s the dog scout motto! Even though we don’t like to think about it, you need to be prepared in case your dog has an accident or in the event of a disaster. Having Dog First Aid Kits stashed where you need them most – in the house, in the car, at the cottage – will ensure you can treat your dog for injuries if he ever gets hurt. Of course, you’ll have to take your dog to the vet for complete treatment, but the items in your Dog First Aid kit will patch him up until he gets there.


There are pre-made Dog First Aid Kits on the market that you can buy, but if you want it customized to ensure you have everything your dog will need, we suggest you make your own. After all, a store-bought kit might not have the essentials that will treat your dog’s medical individual needs.


If your dog is on a special medication, you should have a couple days’ supply in your Dog First Aid Kit. These meds need to be rotated to make sure they don’t expire. And if you get stuck as to what your dog will need in his kit, you can always ask your vet for her advice.


Must-Have Items For Your Dog First Aid Kits


If you’re doing it yourself, this is a comprehensive list of items a Dog First Aid Kit should contain:


  • Scissors
  • Tape
  • Gauze
  • Vet Wrap (a conforming bandage wrap used over a telfa pad or gauze that clings to itself and is semi-watertight)
  • Telfa pads (non-stick dressings)
  • Bandage Scissors
  • Antiseptic wash or wipes
  • Styptic powder or pencil
  • Antibiotic ointment
  • Hydrogen peroxide 3% to induce vomiting in the case of poison ingestion
  • Toenail trimmer
  • Ear and eye wash
  • Tweezers
  • Vet-prescribed pain relief
  • Benadryl (for allergic reactions)
  • Thermometer and water-based lubricating jelly
  • Syringe or eye dropper
  • List of emergency phone numbers, including your own
  • Ice and hot packs
  • Clean towels and blankets
  • Muzzle (Dogs may bite when injured or afraid)
  • Extra leash and harness
  • A large plastic or metal box to carry all of these items


Be sure that medications and supplies are labeled clearly and go through your kit yearly to replace expired medications and replenish used supplies.


Extra Bonus


And because September is Disaster Preparedness Month, we’ve got a little something special for you. Dr. Emmo’s is offering free trial travel sized samples of its all-natural, antibiotic free, pet first aid Wound Care Spray Wash and Wound Care Spray Gel. Safe for use on all pets, these products contain a special antimicrobial solution that kills common bacteria, germs and fungi. These would go great in your DIY Dog First Aid Kits! To take advantage of this free offer, just go to visit Dr. Emmo’s website, click on the Buy Now/Consumer Specials button for The First Aid Travel pack and on checkout use the coupon Code PR1. You’ll have to cover the $3 shipping and handling costs, but it’s still worth it.


Do you have a Dog First Aid Kit assembled? Have you ever had to use it? Share your stories in the comment section below.

Amy Tokic
Amy Tokic

Amy Tokic, Editor of PetGuide.com, is a passionate animal lover and proud pet parent of Oscar, a Shih Tzu/Chihuahua cross, and Zed, a Japanese Chin. Her love of animals began in kindergarten, when she brought her stuffed dog Snoopy into class with her every day. Now, she writes about her adventures in pet ownership and tirelessly researches products, news and health related issues she can share with other animal enthusiasts. In her free time, Amy loves perusing used book and record stores, obsessing over the latest pet products available and chasing squirrels with wild abandon (a habit attributed to spending too much time with her pooches).

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