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A Box or Bag - You’ll need something to keep all of your supplies in.
Nitrile Gloves - If your dog is injured, you don’t want to introduce more bacteria, so wear gloves!
Saline Wound Wash - If a cut is deeper than ¼” deep, it will require sutures. You don’t want to disinfect a would that’s ¼” or deeper. Simply rinse it with saline wound wash, cover it to keep it clean and seek veterinary attention.
Cotton Balls and Cotton Swabs - Use cotton balls to clean the wound. If the wound is small you can use a cotton swab. You can also use the cotton swab to apply triple antibiotic ointment.
Chlorhexidine Solution 2% - Used to disinfect superficial cuts, minor burns, abrasions, insect bites and stings. Safe for dogs, cats and horses. Apply Chlorhexidine Flush 0.2% liberally to the affected area. Use cotton or absorbent material to clean the excess solution and cover immediately. Do not allow the animal to lick the treated area until dry.
NOTE: Rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide should never be used to disinfect a wound. Both alcohol and peroxide can cause harm to the tissue and delay healing.
Triple Antibiotic Ointment - Apply a THIN LAYER over the wound. You don’t want to put too much – you want to allow oxygen to get to the wound to promote healing. Don’t let your pet lick the ointment for at least 15 minutes! It’s best to cover the wound after applying the ointment. Apply twice a day, changing the bandage every time you apply the ointment. If redness or swelling should occur, discontinue use and contact your veterinarian. If the wound doesn't heal after four to seven days, or appears worse, take your dog to your veterinarian. Never use this ointment in your dog's eyes. For serious wounds or punctures, you can apply the antibiotic ointment to seal the wound while you are enroute to your veterinarian or an animal hospital.
Gauze Pads – 2x2, 4x4 & 5x9 - Use gauze pads to apply pressure to bleeding wounds or to dress wounds.
If bleeding is severe, hold pressure until bleeding stops and don’t lift the gauze to “look” as this will disrupt the clot that is forming. If blood soaks through the first gauze pad, don't remove it. Put more gauze on top of it and continue to apply pressure. This can take quite a few minutes so be patient!
Once the bleeding has stopped, apply a self-adhering cohesive bandage to hold the dressing in place.
Note: Bleeding stops when the blood coming out of the wound clots or coagulates. Clotting happens as tiny particles in the bloodstream called platelets interact with proteins. The proteins trigger the platelets to become sticky and fibrous. Platelets stick together across the opening in the blood vessel (the wound) and plug the hole, providing a foundation for new tissue to grow.
Self-Adhering Cohesive Bandage Rolls - Self-adhering cohesive bandage are used to hold dressings (gauze) in place. Make sure not to wrap it too tight! It should be tight enough to apply gentle pressure and hold the dressing in place, but not inhibit circulation.
Round Tipped Scissors - You may need to cut the fur around a wound or cut a piece of dressing or bandage. Pets have a tendency to move, so always use round tipped scissors! When using scissors near your pet, always cut ABOVE your fingers, not between your pet and your fingers.
Saline Eye Wash - If your dog gets debris such as sand in his eyes, or has a run-in with a skunk, you may need to flush his eyes with a product such as Vetericyn Plus Eye Wash which is safe for all animals.
Antihistamine Tablets - NEVER administer ANY people medications without first speaking to a veterinarian, even if you’ve given it to your dog in the past. Have them in your first aid kit to administer as directed by your veterinarian.
Tick Tool - A tick tool such as the Tick Tornado Tick Removal Tool is a MUST for any pet owner. Tweezers tend to squeeze the tick and separate the tick’s body from it’s head risking infectionn(YUCK). The Tick Tornado allows you to remove the tick by TWISTING rather than pulling without compressing the tick.
Tweezers - Tweezers should never be used to remove ticks or bee stingers! Use tweezers to remove wood splinters or thorns.
Note: Bee stingers should be removed immediately to prevent more venom from being released into the body. To safely remove a stinger, spread the skin between your thumb and forefinger and gently scrape the skin with your fingernail or a credit card until the stinger comes out. Apply Chlorhexadine, saline or wash the affected are with soap and water. If you have an old credit card or driver’s license, you may want to put it in your first aid kit.
A Towel - A towel can be used to control severe bleeding while enroute to your veterinarian or animal hospital, or can help you to move your pet if he’s unable to move on his own.
A Muzzle - A frightened, injured animal will instinctively try to protect themselves. Even the sweetest puppy can snarl or snap at the person they love the most when they’re hurt! A muzzle will ensure your pet’s safety, your safety and the safety of others trying to help.
Note: No dog likes a muzzle. When you muzzle your dog, it causes stress which causes the heart rate to increase. If your pet is injured, you want to REDUCE his stress. You should desensitize your dog to the muzzle BEFORE you need to use it. When you’re home with your dog, put the muzzle on, take it off after a few seconds and give him a treat. Do this often until the muzzle is no big deal. In the event your dog is badly injured and needs to be muzzled, he’ll be used to it.
A Thermometer and Vaseline - Normal body temperature for dogs and cats is 101.0°F to 102.5°F. Different factors may cause the temperature to be a little above or a little below average, but if your pet's temperature rises above 103°F or falls below 99°F, take your pet to your veterinarian.
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