How to Make a First-Aid Kit for Your Dog

Being prepared with the right first-aid supplies could save your dog’s life in an emergency.

Keep the items below in a gallon-sized resealable bag and label it “Dog First Aid” with permanent marker. Then store the kit in an easily accessible place at home. Don’t forget to pack it if you take a trip with your pup.

WHAT TO INCLUDE IN YOUR DOG FIRST-AID KIT

• TWEEZERS

• INDEX CARD: Write down your dog’s veterinary emergency phone number and any special health info to share with the vet if your dog gets hurt or sick.

• NAIL CLIPPERS

• GAUZE: This will let you clean and protect wounds, as well as control bleeding.

• BANDAGES AND ADHESIVE TAPE: Use elastic bandages to wrap wounds or create a muzzle for an injured dog. Use self-adhesive athletic bandages to temporarily support injured limbs.

• BANDAGE SCISSORS: Snip bandages to the right size with these.

• ACTIVATED CHARCOAL: This can be used to absorb poison.

• EAR THERMOMETER: Because an oral thermometer won’t stay in your dog’s mouth.

• EYEWASH

• ANTIBIOTIC OINTMENT: This will dress wounds before you bandage them.

• CORTISONE CREAM: Use this for minor allergic reactions and itching.

• BLANKET

• RESEALABLE PLASTIC BAGS to pack out what you use.

BONUS: If you decide to go for the Dog Care merit badge, one of the requirements is knowing what goes in a dog first-aid kit.

If your dog is healing from an injury or just being an all-around good boy or girl, check out our steps for homemade dog treats.

SAFETY TIPS

Contact your vet as quickly as possible during a pet emergency.

Never treat a dog showing aggression, and avoid injured dogs you don’t know. A dog with an unknown vaccine history could have rabies and spread it to you.