Dog First Aid Kit

Submitted by sharon on Wed, 07/13/2011 - 17:01

I am blessed to have some great vets here in middle Tennessee. When I first moved here six years ago, our new vets had us assemble a collection of medicines and supplies so if we had an emergency with our horses or dogs, they could talk us through it if we could not get to the vet right away or they could not get to us.

Here is a list of supplies I have found useful to have around for my dogs. Some are very obvious and some are items you keep for your own self care.

Gloves
Gauze sponges (2x2 or 4x4)and gauze roll (2 in. width)
Cotton balls
Water based sterile lubricant
Saline
Hydrogen peroxide ( use carefully as it can actually damage injured tissue)
Insect sting/bite pain or itch product (Benedryl Gel and baking soda)
Petroleum jelly
needle nose pliers
small hemostat
small sharp curved scissors
Q tips
Topical antibiotic ointment (Neosporin or like product)
Syringes ( several 3cc, 5cc, 10 cc and 20 cc)
Honey or glucose syrup ( Brand names would be Pet Nutri Drops)
Forta Flora or pet probiotic
Immodium (liquid)
Benadryl Tablets
Capstar ( product that will kill live fleas in 24 hrs)
Diphenhydramine
Epsom salt ( small carton)
Alcohol
Vet Wrap or Co Flex
Vetericyn Wound and Infection Spray
Electrolyte powder
Thermometer
Card with Vet's number, emergency vet clinic number
If your doctor will agree, a emergency supply of antibiotic (must adhere to expiration date information)
Can of organic pumpkin
TUMS or like product
Small clipper

Because I have a health care background, I am more apt to do self care for my dogs with the advice of my vet. I have discuss some of the over the counter medications like Benadryl and Immodium with my vet. She has given me the dosage by weight for these meds and this has been very helpful. Consult your vet about these products. Most of these products can be found at a Walgreen's, WalMart or farm supply store.

The items like Vet Wrap, Vetericyn, Forta Flora and Electrolyte powder can be purchased from your vet or found at KVpet.com or 1-800-423-8211 or Jeffers /JeffersPet.com at 1-800-533-3377 or Revival at revivalanimal.com or 1-800-786-4751.