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By nature, dogs can be recklessly playful, which is just one of the reasons we love them. But sometimes, their curiosity and lack of caution can get them into trouble. Accidents can happen anywhere—at home, in the backyard, or on a hike! And just like you have a first aid kit in case of emergencies, your dog needs one too.

Follow this list for all the essentials you need to make a first aid kit for your dog. But if you are a cat parent, don’t despair. This list can be adapted for a cat first aid kit too.

Tips for Your Dog First Aid Kit

• Ziplock bag: Though any medium-sized, lightweight bag will do, we recommend using a Ziplock bag for the kit. That way, it’s easy to take wherever you go with your dog, and being see-through allows you to see when you are running low on an item.
• Emergency contact list: Keep a list with your vet’s phone number, the contact info for the nearest after-hours or emergency clinic and the pet poison helpline handy. During a stressful situation, you don’t want to waste time searching for it. Also, if you’re traveling or taking a day trip, include a number for an emergency vet clinic in the area.
• Paperwork: If you need to go to a vet or an emergency clinic, having vaccination and medical records will be helpful.
• Lifetime Protection Membership: It’s not a first aid item, but getting protection for your dog or cat by registering their microchip and signing up for a membership provides critical benefits for pet parents. If your pet goes missing, the lost pet recovery specialists can access the largest microchip database in North America to help reunite you with your best friend.
• 24PetMedAlert^®: Included in the Lifetime Protection Membership, 24PetMedAlert (one year complimentary) ensures your pet will get the exact care and treatment they need if they go missing. Their behavioral and medical information will be conveyed to the shelter, rescue, or even the individual who found them.

Pet First Aid Supplies to Pack in Your Kit

A pet first aid kit should never replace the expertise and support of a veterinarian. It should only assist you if you can’t get to a vet or need to care for your pet on the way to the clinic. So, in the case of injuries, sickness, or unusual pet behavior, you should always consult a licensed professional.

Some of the items mentioned may be a bit costly. However, the Lifetime Protection Membership comes with a $25 Petco coupon to help you save while building the ultimate pet first aid kit.

• Non-stick pet bandages: These are great in an emergency because they tear easily and don’t need tape. Frequently used options include Coban or Vet wrap.
• Gauze: Preventing infection is crucial to pet injuries. So, as a staple of any first aid kit, gauze sponges can help clean wounds. Though not sticky, they can also form a temporary bandage when combined with tape.
• Adhesive tape: Helps to secure bandages. Remember, don’t apply it too tightly on your pet or you could restrict blood flow.
• Eye wash solution: During a walk or hike, you may have a situation where grass seed, pollen, or something else irritates your pet. When this happens, eye wash solutions are fantastic for flushing them.
• Scissors: Useful for cutting bandages or gauze to the best size to fit your pet’s injuries. They can also help open other items quickly.
• Tweezers: You may need them to remove splinters or ticks.
• Hydrogen peroxide: If you suspect your dog ingested something toxic, you should seek medical advice before administering hydrogen peroxide. Call your veterinarian or Pet Poison immediately. The faster a potential pet poisoning is addressed, the easier it is to treat. Hydrogen peroxide can be used as a disinfectant in cleaning cuts.
• Alcohol swabs or antiseptic spray: You can treat minor cuts and scrapes with alcohol swabs or an antiseptic spray.
• Gloves: When treating cuts and scrapes, gloves protect you and your pet from spreading bacteria.
• Medications: Pack a backup supply of your pet’s drugs. You can rely on them when you’re traveling or can’t find the one your pet uses.
• Irrigating Syringe/oral syringes: To help with administering oral medications, you’ll want to have this syringe.
• Ice pack: It can help reduce swelling if your dog or cat breaks a bone or is injured, and it can also help treat heat stroke. You should also consult your veterinarian.
• Water and food: Your pet should always have access to water. Also, extra food is beneficial if you get stuck somewhere or are waiting at a clinic.
• Flashlight: Not just for the dark, a flashlight is useful to find and remove ticks, thorns, and needles.
• Comfort item: Favorite toys and treats can help soothe a pet when they are hurt.
• A soft muzzle: When dogs are hurt, they are more likely to lash out at someone trying to assist or carry them. A muzzle protects others.
• Extra leash and collar: In case one breaks or snaps in an emergency.

Your pet may never have an accident or emergency, but having a first aid kit ready will give you peace of mind, and if an emergency does happen, you’ll feel more prepared in a challenging situation.

For more information about enhanced Pet Protection Services, contact a 24Petwatch Lost Pet Recovery Specialist today at 1-866-597-2424.