First Aid Kit for Dogs

Written By Dana Brigman

Seconds matter in an emergency.  There is no time to scramble for emergency items in a crisis.   If you don't yet have a customized dog first aid kit -- consider putting one together.

While nothing replaces your veterinarian, some things can be treated at home, and other treatments may help buy you time to get to the vet.

My first aid kits have essential oils, homeopathy, natural remedies.

Let’s build one for your dog. And be sure to take it with you when you travel, hike, head to events, etc.

See our Presentation Here: on Youtube

First Aid Kit For Dogs

Natural Remedies First Aid for Dogs

You may want to consider keeping your dog first aid kit in your CAR if you travel with your pet often for park outings, events, and other activities.

  • Allergic Response:

    • Purifying Essential Oil on an insect bite w/ lemongrass.

    • Apis: Homeopathic Remedy

    • Histaminium — Homeopathic Remedy

    • Quercetin

    • Benedryl -- 1mg per pound of weight for allergic reactions.

      • Reserve only for acute allergic reactions NOT as a sedative / calming and only in emergencies due to potential side effects with long-term use.

  • Minor Wounds, Scrapes

    • Consider the Animal Scents Line of products and Ointment. If needed I’ll zhuzh it up with additional oils that promote cleansing and clarifying the skin.

  • Bruising, Bleeding — Helichyrusum Essential Oil

  • Discomfort, Sprains, Strains — Marjoram, Wintergreen, Lemongrass Essential Oils

  • Calming: Essential Oils Cedarwood, Vetiver, Valarian & Lavender

    • CBDr

    • OR Melatonin -- 2-3mg per 30-35 pounds for stress / anxiousness

    • Rescue Remedy

  • Induce Vomiting: Use Peroxide to induce vomiting (do so ONLY within minutes of the dog swallowing a foreign object and ONLY if it's not dangerous to come back out.

    • ~1 milliliter (ml) of 3% hydrogen peroxide per pound of dog weight, using either the syringe or teaspoon (1 Tsp is 5ML) Do Not exceed 45ML (3 Tbls no matter how much your dog weighs. 3tsp = 1 TBLS. )

  • Gas X (especially for dogs prone to bloat)

    • I use a lot of Digize, Peppermint, Spearmint, for uncomfortable tummies.

  • Milk Thistle for anything that may introduce toxins to the body & liver.

    • Liver Tonic (Adored Beast)— includes Milk Thistle & Dandelion Root. Follow instructions on Bottle.

    • Milk Thistle (2mg -3mg per pound 2-3 times per day.

    • Tinctures would be about 1/8th tsp per 20 pounds of body weight, 2x-3x per day.

    • Usage will most likely be for several days depending on the reason for use. )

  • Slippery Elm for Digestive upset. Order from Herbsmith

    • in a pinch ~ Pepto Bismol -- dosage is one teaspoon per 20 pounds of weight every 4-6 hours for 24 hours

  • Eye Wash

  • Saline

  • Petroleum Jelly

  • Rubbing Alcohol

  • Gauze

  • Sterile / Non-adhesive Pads

  • Vet Wrap / Self-adhering medical wrap

  • Ace Bandages

  • Gloves

  • Hand Sanitizer

    • Lemon Essential Oils Works!

  • Scissors

  • Tweezers

  • Muzzle

  • Flat Kennel Lead (can be used as emergency muzzle if necessary -- see below)

  • Slip Lead

  • Hemostats

  • Rectal thermometer

  • Ice Pack

  • Water Bottle

  • Splint (old paper towel roll, chop sticks)

  • Tongue Depressors

  • Blanket

  • Zippy bags

  • Plastic Poop Bags

  • Towels

  • Flashlight / Headlight

  • Your Glasses!

Emergency Evacuation Kit

There may come a time when you have to make an emergency exit from your home or when your home may be without power. Are you prepared to care for your dog for at least 72 hours until you can get your bearings and restock resources?

  • Required Medications / Natural Remedies / Supplements

  • Extra Leash, Collar With Tags

  • Sharpie — write your name and phone # on the dogs belly if needed

  • 3-day supply of food & water

    • If you’re a fresh food feeder, what’s your plan?

    • I would take my dehydrated base mix and canned sardines or meats in a cooler.

    • Kibble feeders:

      • Canned food may last you longer in storage than a baggie of kibble

      • Do you need a can opener

  • Consider waterproof storage like a clean 5-gallon bucket from your home improvement store!



Making an Emergency Muzzle:

Youtube Video

  • Making an Emergency Muzzle
    With a piece of fabric, nylon leash, approximately 4-6 feet longPlace center of fabric on top of muzzle with ends hanging down each side of face

  • Wrap Around 2 Times -- snug

  • Criss-cross under and wrap around behind next

  • Tie securely

  • Preventing the dog from opening his jaws will help prevent a bite from fear or pain

Created by: American Red Cross

  • Vet Records - easily accessed including the dog's health record, medications, local and national poison control numbers, regular veterinary clinic hours and telephone numbers, and emergency clinic hours and telephone number.

  • A list of your dogs medications and dosages

Phone Numbers:
Vet:

Emergency Vet:

Family Member:

Poison Control ---  888-426-4435

Take a look at the online app from American Red Cross for your phone
http://www.redcross.org/mobile-apps/pet-first-aid-app 

CPR Guide:

CPR for Dogs Graphic
Dana Brigman
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