What to Put in Your Dog's First Aid Kit
A veterinarian's checklist from Dr. Christopher Cauble, DVM, originally shared on the Steve Brooks K9U articles page.
Dr. Christopher Cauble, DVM, recommends putting together a first aid kit not only for the humans in your family, but for your animals as well. Keep the following items in your pet's first aid kit:
- Ace bandage or Vetwrap
- Medical tape
- Nonstick pads
- Cotton padding or other bandage padding
- Betadine solution or other disinfecting solution
- Benadryl
- Antibiotic cream
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Towels for splints, stretchers, or to wrap around an animal
- Your veterinarian's and emergency center's phone number and address
- The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center number: (888) 426-4435
- Any medications your pet takes regularly — rotate them periodically so they don't pass their expiration date
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Drinking water
- Hemostatic powder
Steve's addition: pack a duplicate travel kit for the car, and add saline solution for rinsing sand or debris out of eyes if your adventures include the beach. And every dog owner should consider a pet first aid and CPR class — you'll never regret knowing what to do before help arrives.
About Dr. Cauble
Dr. Christopher Cauble owns and operates Mobile Vet. Since 1985, Mobile Vet has served the Los Angeles area offering medical care, emergency transportation, house-call services, and other high-quality services for all species of animals. Dr. Cauble holds BS degrees in zoology and biology from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of California, Davis.