First aid kits aren’t only for humans; they can be helpful for your furry friends as well. Whether you and your dog are out on a hike or a cross-country road trip, it’s always wise to keep a first aid kit on hand. While you can purchase pre-assembled first aid kits from many pet stores, each dog has unique needs a lot like individual humans do. As such, it may sometimes be a better idea to create your own kit from scratch.
Here are just a few of the most essential items that you should place in your dog’s first aid kit before you head off on an exciting trip:
Muzzle
Nobody likes putting a muzzle on their pet. Unfortunately, muzzles can sometimes be necessary during emergencies. Should they get injured during your travels, your dog may panic, act frantically, or even become aggressive toward the people trying to help them.
To prevent you or your pet from suffering any further injuries, it would be safer for both of you if you place a muzzle on your furry friend in the meantime. Opt for soft, padded muzzles that are adjustable and breathable so that your dog doesn’t feel too uncomfortable wearing it.
Dog Bandanas
While not commonly associated with pet first aid kits, it’s a good idea to look for deals on wholesale dog bandanas if you can. These can be used to provide pups with immediate relief while you’re out and about. For one, they can offer pups a little extra warmth during windy days. On hotter days, pet bandanas can be soaked in water and wrapped around a pup’s neck to help them cool off.
Dog bandanas can also come in handy in case your dog gets wounded or suffers a fracture, especially if you don’t have enough gauze on-hand. After washing the wound, you can cover it with a sterile bandana before bringing your pup to the vet for urgent care.
Antibiotic Spray or Ointment
When it comes to treating wounds, vets do not recommend that pet owners use hydrogen peroxide. In most cases, using clean water is more than enough.
That said, you can use antibiotic sprays or ointments to treat any small cuts, rashes, and scratches that your pet may have gotten during your travels. This, in turn, will offer your fur baby some pain relief and will prevent their wounds from becoming infected. Make sure to choose a pet-friendly antibiotic spray or ointment so that your dog won’t feel sick in case they happen to lick at their treated wounds.
Blood Clotting Powder
Having blood clotting powder on hand will be a tremendous help in case your pup experiences any bleeding. Simply apply the powder to an open wound, then press on the wound for half a minute. This will cause a protective scab to form over the wound, stopping any further bleeding. As with many of the other products on this list, it’s best to buy blood clotting powder that’s specially designed for dogs.
Cotton Balls
Make sure to keep lots of cotton balls in your dog’s first aid kit. They can be used for many medical-related purposes, including applying ointment, stopping any bleeding, and cleaning up any wounds and cuts your furry friend may have gotten during your adventures.
Whatever you decide to store the cotton balls in, remember to seal it tightly. That way, the cotton balls will remain clean and dry until the next time you need to use them.
Gauze, Adhesive Tape, and Scissors
When it comes to first aid kits, these three items always go together in a set. Gauze can be used to control bleeding or serve as a temporary brace in case your pet suffers a fracture. Adhesive tape will keep the gauze in place, while the scissors can be used for properly cutting the gauze to size.
Tweezers
Tweezers are arguably one of the most important tools to keep in a pet’s first aid kit. They serve many functions, including removing ticks from your dog’s skin and pulling out splinters. Tweezers are also used to hold cotton balls soaked in antibiotic ointment for easier treatment of wounds.
Should your beloved pet get hurt while you’re on vacation, it’s understandable if you experience feelings of panic, stress, and anxiety. But if you let these feelings get the best of you, you may end up losing control of the situation and not getting your pup immediate treatment.
To prevent this, remember to keep your cool during situations like these. It’s also important to learn the right procedures when it comes to administering immediate treatment to your pup. That said, you may want to consider signing up for a pet first aid class so that you know exactly what to do in case your dog is hurt during your travels.
And to ensure that you’ll always be prepared for any emergency, make sure to pack all the essentials in your pet’s travel first aid kit. By doing so, you can be confident that you can efficiently attend to your four-legged friend’s needs, no matter what the situation may be.
