One of the best things that you can do for yourself and your pet is to have a first aid kit with you. This kit can be easily assembled and kept in your vehicle.   In fact, when setting up this kit, think about including items that can be used by both the two-legged and four-legged members of your family!

Container

Obviously it would be a good idea to have a sturdy container with compartments to store all your first-aid supplies. One of the best storage containers that I have seen is a fishing tackle box. Now these can come in various sizes, shapes, and costs. If you are planning on making this a dual purpose first-aid kit (for both humans and canines), I would try and find one of the two-sided tackle boxes that store lures. The compartments come in different sizes and the lids are often made of a clear or semi-transparent plastic.

Clearly mark the two sides for canine and human use so that you won't be confused during a time of emergency. Use a permanent marker or paint that won't wash or wear off. I would also suggest labeling all four sides of the kit First Aid so that again, in an emergency, someone besides you can easily locate the box.

Warning:

NEVER give ibuprofen (Nuprin, Motril, Advil, etc.) to a dog. Ibuprofen is very toxic and fatal to dogs at low doses. Tylenol/acetaminophen is toxic to the liver. Aspirin/buffered aspirin/Ascriptin is safe for dogs and minimizes any stomach irritations.

Dosages

Make sure you know what the correct dosage is for each of your dogs. Go over the contents of your first-aid kit with your vet, it can save you some anxious moments. Remember this first-aid kit is not a substitute for professional treatment of a serious injury or ailment. If symptoms persist, consult your veterinarianas soon as you get home.

If you have dogs of varying weights, you may want to write the appropriate dosage for the weight on and index card and tape it inside the lid of the box. My Tervuren all weigh between 50 and 70 pounds, so any dosages that you see listed are only examples of what are appropriate for my own dogs.

Note:

You should always consult your own veterinarian about the correct dosage for your size and breed of dog before dispensing any of these medications. Never carry or use any medications where you are not familiar with the usage and the side effects. Be aware that not all dogs will react in the same manner to a medication. If you are carrying any prescription medications in your first-aid kit, never give these to someone else's dogs.

Paperwork?

You don't want to have to carry a great deal of paperwork around with you, but it is always a good idea to have a photocopy of your dog's vaccination records and a copy of any rabies certificates. I keep these in a clearly marked envelope in the glove compartment of all my vehicles.  I also include a card that indicates the brand and dosage of heartworm preventative that my dogs get on which day of the month it is administered.   Emergency contact information is in several places: in this envelope, taped to the inside of the first-aid kit, and on  my refrigerator door at home where anyone who needs it can find it.

Emergency Contacts

My emergency contacts are also listed in these same three places. For the dogs, the contacts are  the name and phone number of my veterinarianand a friend that can be contacted and relied upon to rescue my dogs if I am hurt or incapacitated in an accident. Remember, your dogs can end up with a complete stranger who will need this information or worse yet, in a shelter or a kennel if you are on the road and seriously injured. Make sure your friends/family knows what to do with your dogs in an emergency. Be sure to list emergency contacts for yourself as well and perhaps a copy of your health insurance card.

Also, don't forget when traveling with your dogs, be sure they can be easily identifiable to a stranger. A collar with tags giving their call name is the best way to handle this. On the reverse side of the tag, I have listed: "If found, call collect, 999-555-9999. " Be sure to include your area code in case a dog gets loose in another state.

Contents of the First-Aid Kit

Where Do I Get These Items

Almost all these supplies can be purchased at a drug store (I buy sample sizes) or through a dog supply catalogs such as Foster & Smith or Omaha Vaccine that offer medical and first-aid supplies. Some items must be purchased through your veterinarian.

Special Needs

If you live in an area that has snakes, be sure to include a snake bite kit (especially if you are a tracker!)

If your dogs has severe allergies to bee stings ask your veterinarianfor any emergency medications that you might need in an emergency.

Serious Injuries

If your dog has been seriously injured, the items in the first-aid kit are meant to be used until you can get your dog to your veterinarian or an emergency clinic. Do not take chances!

Restocking

Go through your kit at least once a year (twice if in a hot climate) and check expiration dates. Be sure all the medications and supplies are labeled with their name and expiration date. Replace anything that has exceeded its recommended expiration date. Replenish any supplies that are low.

Suggestion

Tape a card to the inside of the box lid with a list of common medications and the specific dosages for the weights of your own dogs. For example:

Suggested Reading

Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook, by D.G. Carlson and J.M. Giffin, Howell Book House, 1980, ISBN 0-87605-764-4.

The Merck Veterinary Manual, C.M. Fraser et al. (editors), published by Merck & Co., 7th Edition, 1991, ISBN 911910-55-7.

DISCLAIMER: Before administering any medications or treatments, please first check with your personal veterinarian for guidance. First-aid is meant to be given until you can get your dog to a veterinarian for proper medical treatment.  Neither author nor publisher are  liable for any damages due to the use or misuse of this information.