You’ve probably bought tons of fun toys for your dog, and have quite a collection of dog accessories too. But how about a first aid kit?

It is without a doubt one of the most important items to have on hand, but it is all too often forgotten about. No one wants to think their pup will get sick or injured, but it pays to err on the side of caution by having the right first aid items on the go when you need them.

Below, we’ve listed 10 items your first aid kit should definitely have. See how many you currently have, and make sure to prioritize buying the ones you’re currently missing. Then, get straight to assembling your kit. You’ll be thankful you did should you encounter a doggie emergency!

1. Dog First Aid Book

The first item on this list is a dog first aid book. We know it’s a rather unexpected one, but when an emergency hits, you’ll be thankful you have it to guide you step by step through what to do.

While there are many books out there, if you’re looking for one which pretty much covers anything under the sun when it comes to doggie first aid, you can’t go past the Dog Owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook. It’s a tried and tested guide for countless dog owners.

2. Emergency Contact List & Medical Records

An emergency contact list and a copy of your dog’s medical records are essential first aid kit items, recommends Pup Life Today. The reason they give is that when an emergency happens - whether with an accident or an illness - tensions are inevitably high.

Consequently, this can cause you to no longer think straight, and even simple actions like ringing the vet can prove impossible. Suddenly, with all that’s going on, the number slips your mind, or you can’t find it anywhere in your home. The same goes for your dog’s medical records. Having both handy in your kit will be incredibly helpful in the case that your dog faces an emergency.

3.Tweezers

Tweezers are a small but mighty item that has a firm place in a first aid kit. The primary reason tweezers are mandatory is because they’ll help you extract any ticks you find on your pooch.

Many dog owners think you can just use your hands to extract ticks, the consensus is that tweezers are the safest way. Just be sure not to squeeze the tick as you’re removing it, as this may lead to more toxin being released.

4. Antiseptic

Antiseptic is another item you’ll be glad you went to the effort to pop in. It’s ideal to find one that is non-stinging. Your dog, after all, will be in enough pain already, so trying to ease the pain as much as possible is always best.

What’s more, Angela String fellow from Cat Life Today points out that this is a nice two-in-one item, as cat owners will be able to use it for their first aid emergencies as well. How’s that for cost-efficiency?

5. Thermometer

A thermometer will help you determine whether your dog’s temperature is above or below average, making diagnosis far easier.

The good news is if you’re having trouble finding one designed for dogs, it’s fine to buy one for human use. Just make sure it is a rectal one. This point is vital, as dogs can only have their temperature taken this way.

6. Bandages

You’ll want to have all varieties of bandages packed so you can effectively treat any type of wound on your dog. It may be tempting just to get just one kind, but each has a particular purpose, and thus boasts different features.

For example, conforming bandages are ideal for applying pressure and easily clinging to a given body part, whereas adhesive bandages hold everything together so nothing comes apart. Don’t get caught out by trying to use one type of bandage for the wrong purpose - it’s easier just to have the right ones there and ready.

7. Ointments

Just like bandages, you will want to have a range of ointments in your kit to handle any emergency situation. Of course, you won’t want to have too many different types of ointments, lest your kit become unmanageable! One ointment, however, which any expert would strongly recommend is antibiotic ointment.

An antibiotic ointment will help you attend to any minor cuts or scratches while helping prevent infection.

8. Splints

A fracture or dislocation are two of the most challenging emergencies you could face with your dog, so why not make the process as manageable as possible by having the right tools?

A plastic or wooden splint can help you keep a fracture or dislocation as steady as possible. This will make the trip to the vet far easier, and make your vet’s job in attending to your dog go considerably more smoothly.

9. Scissors

The last thing you want to worry about when you’re trying to attend to a wound is trying to cut through a strip or packet that won’t easily tear or open. Scissors are therefore a very useful addition to your first aid kit.

Be sure to have a dedicated pair just for your kit, as trust us, you’ll be scrambling to find the general household pair when there’s an emergency!

10. Ice Pack

While this item technically isn’t housed in your first aid kit, it is undeniably one that can play a vital role in a first aid situation. Ice packs work like no other item to help reduce swelling to any body parts.

We hate to state the obvious, but you should make sure to put the ice pack in your freezer straight away after buying it. We stress this as it’s all too easy to forget to do so, and then to accidentally pack it away with other items. An ice pack is only as useful as it is frozen and accessible, so have it positioned in your freezer within view so you can grab it as quickly as possible should you need to.

About the Author

Kristin Hitchcock is a frequent contributor at Pet Life Today. She was born and raised in Tennessee and currently lives there with her husband and toddler. Kristin is passionate about helping pet parents weave a fulfilling and enriching life for their pets by educating them about lesser-known topics and helping them make the best decisions possible for their pets. She owns three dogs, three cats, two fish, and a lizard.

Cover picture from australiawidefirstaid.com.au