Dogs Need First Aid Kits, Too — Here’s How to Prep Your Own

It’s officially summer, aka vacation season. If you’re planning on bringing Fido along for your cross-country ride, there are a few things you’ll want to pack in order to keep him safe. Having a first aid kit for dogs on hand could potentially save your pup’s life if you’re on the road, thousands of miles from home and your regular vet’s office. To keep everyone safe this summer — including our furry friends — we’ve compiled all the essentials pet owners should have in their dog’s first aid kit. 

Pet-Specific Supplies

• A first aid book for pets
• The contact information for your veterinarian, as well as instructions on how to get there
• Phone numbers for animal hotlines like ASPCA Poison Control Center
• Your pet’s health records and proof of shots and vaccinations
• Extra leashes and pet bandages

General First Aid Supplies

• Antiseptic wipes, sprays, lotions, or powders
• Blunt scissors
• Cotton swabs or balls
• Disposable gloves (non-latex)
• Foil blanket
• Hydrogen peroxide (Use this to induce vomiting only if you have the OK of your vet or pet poison control specalist.)
• Gauze pads 
• Gauze rolls
• Ice pack
• Non-latex disposable gloves
• Pet carrier
• Petroleum jelly (Use this as lubricant for inserting the thermometer.)
• Pillowcase (Use this to house your cat during treatment.)
• Rectal thermometer (A dog’s internal temperature should not rise above 103 degrees Fahrenheit or fall below 100 F.)
• Saline solution
• Tape to seal bandages
• Tweezers

Other Useful First Aid Supplies

• Antibiotic ointment
• Benadryl (as long as your dog isn’t allergic to it)
• Ear-cleaning liquids
• Expired, old, or sample credit cards (Use these to remove insect stingers if you don’t have tweezers handy.)
• Eyedropper
• Flashlight
• Glucose paste or corn syrup (Use this for dogs who are diabetic or for those who have low blood sugar.)
• Nail clippers
• Needle-nosed pliers
• Rubbing alcohol (Use this to clean the thermometer.)
• Splints
• Styptic powder or pen (Use this to stop bleeding.)
• Temporary pet ID (Use this when you’re traveling, so your dog is wearing his or her local contact information.)
• Tongue depressors
• Towels

Where to Buy Pre-Made First Aid Kits for Dogs

If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of collecting everything on these lists, you can open up a new tab in your browser and search Amazon for pre-made first aid kits for dogs. Your local pet store may also carry already-made kits. 

Best Dog First Aid Kit

If you want the best dog first aid kit and you don’t care how heavy it is or how much space it’ll take up in the car, this is the pack for you. It comes in a sturdy, durable material so you can just throw it in your car, hiking backpack, or tent and know that it’ll hold up. Where to buy it: $35.29, Amazon.

Best Dog First Aid Kit for Hiking

If you’re hiking, you don’t want to add a lot of weight to your pack. That’s why this compact bag is the best dog first aid kit for hiking. Where to buy it: $14.99, Amazon.

Best Dog First Aid Kit for Camping 

If you’re taking your dog with you on a journey through the great outdoors, you’ll want to keep him or her hydrated. That’s why this pack, which comes with an emergency foldable water bowl, is the best dog first aid kit for camping. Where to buy it: $29.99, Amazon. 

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