Dog First Aid Kits

[Jacqui-S]

So who has their own doggy first aid kit?
You could go overboard here, but some essentials are good and there is a lot of cross-over with a basic human first aid kit.
Mine isn't comprehensive, but contains the basics

• Basic non-adherent wound dressing eg Melolin(TM) or something like these
• Cotton wool for padding and cleaning wounds
• Bandages - I use Cohesive bandages like these ones from amazon, they are great for humans too!
• A tick tool - my preferred one is an O'Tom Tick Twister. Never go out without one in my bag
• Blunt ended scissors
• Tweezers - not for the ticks, but useful for thorns and such like
• Saline or sterile water for cleaning and as an eye wash - handy when out and about for emergencies
• Antiseptic - I have Leucillin spray
• Gloves

Other things you might think about are

• A foil blanket
• A pillow case (can be useful for wrapping/confining an injured dog)
• A muzzle - worth the desensitization training
• A collar - Comfy Cones are possibly the best though not see-through and quite pricey - again worth doing some desensitization
• Paw covers - such as the rubber Pawz booties
• A thermometer and lubricant if you are confident about checking your dogs temperature

Medication isn't particularly within my expertise to share, but you may wish to consider painkillers like metacam, and an antihistamine for allergies, bites and stings. You really should check this with your vet to ensure you are using a suitable product and dosage for your dog. Some human medicines can be used for dogs, are often cheaper too, but not all - do check first!

Ref: Dog First Aid Kit Contents

 

[Naya]

I have one I brought from pets at home, but have also added vet wrap, tweezers and a tick tool. It’s in my car so goes everywhere with me.

 

[Charlie]

Arrgghhh ... No I don't, will get on that. Thanks Jac xx

 

[Hollysdad]

We have a common first aid kit for dogs and humans for when we're walking. Apart from the usual human items it also includes cohesive bandage and tick twisters. Items like triangular bandages can be used as improvised muzzles and pads.

 

[Jacqui-S]

triangular bandages can be used as improvised muzzles and pads.

Good idea.
I think triangular bandages are actually hilarious. They are SO difficult to get right as a sling, I'm sure nurses need a whole week to learn how to put them on properly and once they are off for undressing at night, they never go back on right.
A good use for them!

 

[Hollysdad]

I was taught about muzzling a dog with a triangular bandage on a human first aid course many years ago. I can't remember the context but it does work.

 

[Jacqui-S]

I wonder if there is a YouTube vid or something demonstrating it?

 

[Hollysdad]

Here's one using a normal bandage. Just roll up the triangular bandage to get the same result.

 

[HAH]

Great list @Jacqui-S - I did a dog first aid course a few months ago, and all these things were on the list of essentials - vet wrap seemed to be the most versatile thing and was a revelation to me!
We were taught muzzling with a triangular bandage but can be done with any bangade/strip of fabric, basically you wrap the bandage once round the muzzle and tie behind the head. It was a VERY temporary measure but just a stop gap - they emphasised not to leave it on unsupervised.

 

[HAH]

ooh, the other thing was a big pot of vaseline - apparently the most useful thing for keep fur/hair away from a wound and creating a good seal round the wound (not on it) if you have to staunch blood or cover a burn. Horrible scenarios, but useful

 

[Selina27]

I'm sure nurses need a whole week to learn how to put them on properly and once they are off for undressing at night, they never go back on right.

How very right you are!

 

[Shortie]

Great list @Jacqui-S i also have triangular bandage as so useful. Must get some saline though!

 

[snowbunny]

I can say with great certainty that I souldn't be without antihistamines after Willow and Squidge's episodes recently. Write on the pack how much each dog needs, so you don't have to work it out when you're panicking.
If you take your dog on hikes, I would also add wire cutters to the list in case your dog gets tangled in barbed wire.