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I’m sure most of you have an emergency kit of just basic things for the humans in your life. But what about your fur babies? Some of you have never thought to keep a dog first aid kit, but that’s ok. I have some great tips on things that you could add to your dog’s first aid kit that I have in mine, and like to make sure I keep handy. These are not dog-specific for the most part, and you can find them in your regular first aid section at your local grocery store. I have created a printable PDF to download so you can get everything you need to make your first aid kit for your fur pup. Scroll down and click on the image to download your free copy.

• The Bag– You really can use any bag if you want to be fancy, but I like to use one with a bright color so I can see it when I need it. This first-aid bag from Amazon is a great one and is small enough to take with you on the go.
• Triple Antibiotic– I always keep a triple antibiotic in my first aid kit. This is not to substitute veterinary care, but if your pup has a hot spot or scab, it is ok to put this on until you can get them to a vet for a diagnosis. This is the one that is ok because it is the original one. You should not use one that has anything added to it. This is great in a pinch if you need something to keep a surface wound clean until you can get to the vet.
• Sterile Gauze Pads– Sterile gauze pads are great for cleaning hot spots, wounds, or to stop bleeding. I like the 4 x 4 ones like these because they are not too small and not so big that you don’t have room for anything else in your bag.
• Vet Wrap– This is to help hold or wrap something only until you can get to the vet. Vet wrap should be used with caution as it can cut off your dog’s circulation and end up causing more harm than good. If you are worried about not doing it properly, use a sock. You should not be stretching the vet wrap tightly around what you are wrapping. I unwrap a good amount from the roll and then lightly roll it back up before I wrap my pup, and then when wrapping, I hold my thumb under the vet wrap to make sure it is not too tight. Vet wrap should also be changed daily.
• Non-Stick Telfa Pads– These are great to keep wounds from scabbing up. They prevent the scab from sticking and getting peeled off when removing.
• Saline Eye Wash– This is great in case your dog gets something in their eye. Make sure it is only saline. A handy tip for putting eyedrops in dog’s eyes is to make sure to aim for the inner corner of their eye. They are less likely to react, and once they blink, it will distribute to the entire eye.
• Back- up meds– If your dog is on meds, keep some in your first aid kit. This is great if you are leaving your house, you don’t have to take all your meds and risk losing everything, but also if you forget to call in those meds right before a holiday your vet will be closed, you have some backups. (Check and replace every 3 months to avoid expiration.)
• Benadryl– This is great if your dog happens to get stung by an insect. Your dog can get 1mg per pound of body weight. Most vets recommend the 25 mg tablets. So, if your dog weighs 50 pounds, you can give 2 25 mg tablets every 8-12 hours. Again, make sure it is strictly Benadryl! No added ingredients. And consult your veterinarian to confirm it is safe to give to your pup. They may suggest something else if your dog is on certain medications.
• Tweezers– This is great if your dog get splinters
• Scissors– Great for bandage removal. I always keep medical scissors that have a blunt tip on the bottom to avoid cutting skin. These bandage scissors are a great option.

You can add so much more to your first aid kit if you like. These are my go tos, and because I am a former vet tech, I keep some extra stuff in there that I know how to use. I have included a checklist to make your very own first aid kit for your dog.

Click on Image Above to Print

Check out my Instagram and Facebook, and tag me in your first-aid kit creations. I’d love to see any creative ideas you have with them and anything extra you put in yours.