Whether you have a house pet, a competition dog, or an active working dog, a sudden emergency involving your pet is not the time to wish you had a basic first aid kit on hand. Pre-assembled first aid kits can be purchased from companies like Ray Allen or Gun Dog Supply, but you can also make your own at home (or add to an existing kit).

Most first aid kits contain materials for trauma injuries, but it is important to also include medicines and materials for other emergency situations like bee stings, allergies, poisoning, and bloat. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has good suggestions for a basic pet first aid kit that will get you started, but building an ‘any situation’ kit will require a few more materials.

What To Include:   

• Contact numbers for your veterinarian, emergency clinic, and Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435)
• Copies of your pet’s vaccination records, medications, and medical history (including known sensitivities or allergies)
• A copy of proper dosages of various medications, including Benadryl, Gas-X, and Aspirin.

• Bandage and trauma materials:
• Gauze squares, rolls of gauze
• Non-stick bandages of various sizes
• Adhesive tape
• Vet Wrap
• Ace Bandage (can also be used to make a muzzle for your dog)
• Cotton swabs and cotton balls or squares
• Tweezers
• Hemostats
• Bandage scissors
• Disposable Latex or Vinyl gloves
• Digital “fever” thermometer
• Oral Syringe
• Several syringes of various sizes
• Cold pack
• Tongue depressor
• Enema syringe (can be used to deliver fluids rectally in case of dehydration)
• Muzzle
• Light leash and a spare collar

• Medicines and Ointments:
• Betadine scrub (iodine solution)
• Saline solution
• Eyewash
• Triple Antibiotic Ointment
• Activated Charcoal
• Hydrogen Peroxide (3%)
• Rubbing alcohol
• Children’s Liquid Benadryl (dye/alcohol-free) or antihistamine tablets
• Buffered aspirin*
• Gas-X tablets (for bloat)
• Pedialyte electrolyte fluid
• Nutri-cal, Vita-cal, or other similar high-calorie dietary supplement

• Homeopathic Medicines (optional)
• Arnica (30C potency)–used for trauma and bruising
• Nux Vomica (30C potency)–used for vomiting, poisoning, indigestion
• Rescue Remedy (Bach Flower Essence)–good for relieving stress
• Parvaid (by Amber Tech)–herbal Parvovirus support

*Both Acetamenaphin (Tylenol ) and Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) are TOXIC to dogs. Only use Aspirin for short term pain relief. Buffered aspirin is easier on the dog’s stomach.

For more information on what to do in an emergency, please visit the AVMA’s First Aid website.