Dog first aid kit

[bingohandjob]

What kinds of things do you think you should have on hand for emergencies? Any particular items/brands you'd recommend. Read a lot about balm for paws - what do you think?!

I know it sounds stupid/obvious, but basically, only include things you would confidently know how to use. Most of the stuff in pre-made dog first aid kits is stuff that people don't know how to use, so it can be good to just create your own.

Generally I'd say the basics would be things like -

• bandages and tape, in case of cuts
• eye wash or distilled water, in case of something in the eye
• tick removal tool
• tweezers, for things like lodged splinters
• scissors to cut bandages etc.
• drinking water and a spare tin/pouch of food, in case of overheating or lack of energy, shock, exhaustion, etc.
• cotton balls/pads, to clean up wounds
• an antiseptic liquid or spray for wounds

Always good to have extra towels, blankets, sweaters, etc., in your car too (assuming you drive).

As for balm, I don't know, to be honest. I don't use it as I don't think it's necessary. It's your call really!

Vet wrap bandage
Silver spray
Leucillin antiseptic
Trimmex in case of clipping nails a little too short
Probiotic powder in case of upset tums. Or slippery elm.
I also keep brolene eye drops in case of infection that cooled used tea bag won’t sort
Ear cleaner
Honey or cough mixture that’s suitable for dogs. In case of kennel cough.

Thornit powder. Magical stuff.
We have had an issue with reoccurring ear problems for months and this stuff cleared her ears up to completely normal within 48 hours.
You can also use it on itchy paws and bums.
I will always keep it in the house now.
Bloody stinks though!

Vet wrap bandage
Tick remover
Flea comb
Nail clippers
Cotton pads
Non adherent dressings

The above plus
Wound powder
Antiseptic cream suitable for use on dogs
Piriton
Waterproof booties to protect cut pads on walks
Saline to rinse eyes
Hibiscrub

We tend to deal with cut pads at home and have very active dogs, so our dog first aid kit is huge. We put ours together after I'd been on a canine first aid course and it cost about the same as buying a ready-made one, but I had lots of leftover bandage, saline pods etc so we have back-up supplies.

Thank you all so much for these great suggestions. Really helpful!

Yes I agree with a lot of the above.

Hibiscrub to clean a wound (dilute!) cotton wool in gauze to put it on with.
A wound cream/spray/antiseptic
Piriton and an aloe type cream that soothes.
Tick remover.
Vet wrap and non adhesive dressing.
Puppy pads.
A thermometer
Uddecream (for cows originally) is in our kit as it’s great for our dog’s grass allergies.

Anything much else needs a vet in my opinion.

Ps
I had a lab who got cracked paw pads a lot, and mushers paw balm was pretty good.

I’ve just remembered I also have boots and a comfy cone. (Recurrent foot issues!)

Our first aid kit includes:
Muzzle (our dog nips and bites if frightened or if his feet are touched, this keeps everyone safe in case he is hurt)
Vet wrap
TXA (liquid to stop bleeding, there are readily available powder options)
Super glue (medical grade, our dog is a Lurcher so has thin skin and likes to rush headlong into brambles/barbed wire)
Gauze
Antibiotic gel
Painkillers of various kinds
Tweezers, needle nose pliers and small forceps
Saline ampoules
That is what I take with me on every walk, he is very accident prone. At home we essentially have a small field hospital in our kitchen cupboard for anything else, but I like to have what I need to patch a badly bleeding injury whilst out so I have time to get him to the vet.

Another vote for Piriton. Can be a lifesaver, particularly in the summer when bees and wasps are about in abundance. It's what we kept on standby when I worked in emergency vets' clinic. Fast-working and effective.

Also tweezers and some antiseptic.

When I had a Staffie with quite large ears, I also used to put sun lotion on his inner ear-flaps (never down into the ears though). Dogs with ears that are quite prominent, pink and fleshy can be prone to a bit of sun burn there.

Best wishes to you and the dog! x

Super helpful, thank you. Is there a medical grade glue you'd recommend? Or any other particular brands of any of the items listed. I read that Bag Balm was good for paws so pot of that along with several of the other items listed above on the way. Just for any emergencies! Hadn't thought of having a muzzle for this purpose but could see it would make absolute sense in that instance.

How much piriton would a 9kg dog need please?

@AnxiousAnnalise, we had a Jack Russell who weighed a little less than that, and we managed her skin condition with half a Piriton a day. She could have had a whole tablet, iirc - I'd check with your vet.

Piriton isn't licensed for use in dogs, so be careful when you buy it not to let slip.

@Grumpyosaurus thank you

The vet would not say, because, as you say it’s not licensed for dogs. I know lots of dogs take it though.

I did a first aid course for digs- piriton def and also vet suggested if u have room in your first aid box/ bag an old t shirt to put over dog ( or your own if u have one on )to stop the pulling off any bandages etc it helps to keep them warm-if it can be cut up as temp bandages etc -multi purpose really and your vets details too and any medical issues or medications your dog takes

I was also told by vet that it’s fine to give one tablet of piriton in emergency as it would not harm the dog to have more.
@AnxiousAnnalise it’s one tablet for 9kg
My dog is same weight 😂

Thank you!

@AnxiousAnnalise

The vet would not say, because, as you say it’s not licensed for dogs. I know lots of dogs take it though.

Our vet said... Also said, it's a lot cheaper than the official stuff.

Yes. Do not tell them it's for the dog when buying it at Boots! (I'm looking at you DH!)
They refused to serve him. It's cheaper elsewhere anyway.

Aaaaand speaking of first aid kits... I keep two in the car, one elaborate canine kit, and a basic one for humans (on the grounds that the dogs are way likelier to open themselves up on wire than I am). I lacerated myself on brambles this afternoon while training the dogs, and managed a successful patching up job between the two kits - sterile wipes, saline rinse, savlon, plaster.

Bloody useful. Saved me getting blood all over the steering wheel!