Being prepared for accidents will be a great advantage for anyone who has a pet. Responsible pet owner will see to it that everything is available, from dog food to medicine that will be initially used if accidents happen but if you already have a first-aid box then consider adding some other first-aid supply that are useful not only for your family but for your dog as well. All the items listed are available at your local pharmacy; the rest you can buy it from the nearest dog supply and veterinarian. The following supplies are the basic first aid for emergency cases:
- Elastic bandage. A bandage can be used to hold an ice pack to a dog or cat’s injured leg, to wrap a sprain temporarily until a veterinarian arrives.
- Adhesive tape. Use to make sure that the bandage holds. See to it that you have a large roll.
- Swab of alcohol. Pack alcohol swabs can be used to sterilize instruments or small areas of skin.
- Aspirin (enteric coated). Can be given in 5 milligram per pound every 12 hours to temporarily relieve pain. Some dogs will vomit after taking regular aspirin so make sure that it is enteric coated. Never give aspirin to a cat, aspirin is toxic for cat and their liver cannot detoxify it. Never substitute ibuprofen or acetaminophen for aspirin in dog. Both of these drugs are toxic for dogs.
- Topical antibiotic. Bacitracin or Neosporin antibiotic ointment can be apply to wounds that are dirty to avoid further infection.
- Anti histamine. Benadryl can be given for insect bites that may further develop into allergy.
- Cold pack. Cold pack is use to prevent or reduce swelling after a sprain or strain or to treat burns.
- Cotton squares. They can be use to clean and protect wounds. They are better in cleaning wounds than cotton balls because they don’t shed fibers when you wipe a stick wound.
- Latex gloves. You need to keep your hands protected or clean, wear a pair of latex gloves.
- Antibacterial soap. Can be used for cleaning skin and wounds.
- Hydrogen peroxide. Can be used to induce vomiting if your dog swallowed poisonous plants, just give 1 to 3 teaspoon every 10 minutes. Do not use it to clean wounds.
- Imodium. Used to relieve your dog from diarrhea.
- Lubricating jelly. Use this to lubricate a thermometer when getting rectal temperature.
- Penlight flashlight. Use to look down your dog and cat’s ear to check if there are lice or ticks.
- Safety pins. Use to fasten bandages together if you don’t have a tape.
- Thermometer. Use thermometer specially made for dogs. A dog’s normal temperature is between 100.5 to 102.8F.
Be sure to keep a blanket to wrap a dog who is shock or as an emergency stretcher. Label each item in your first-aid kit with its name and expiration. Having a complete first aid box reflects your relationship to your pet.