Suggested First Aid Items
The list of items that would be added to a first aid kit is very subjective. Below are some suggested items with their uses.
Elastic bandage – for wrapping a sprain
Cohesive bandage - for covering and securing gauze bandages
Gauze bandage roll – for applying moderate compression
Adhesive tape – to secure bandages
Cotton squares – for cleaning and protecting wounds
Alcohol swabs – for sterilising instruments and cleaning small parts of skin
Gloves – to protect your hands and keep them clean when treating an animal or cleaning up sick, faeces, etc
Muzzle (either a proper muzzle or the ability to make one out of a bandage or soft rope) – this is to protect yourself as an injured and scared dog is likely to bite
Sterile saline solution – used to flush and clean wounds or the eyes
Syringe – to administer saline solution
Thermometer (rectal) – to take the temperature accurately
Tweezers – to remove foreign bodies such as thorns, ticks, etc. from the skin
Scissors – for cutting bandages and tape; also hair around a wound might need trimming for proper assessment and cleaning
Blanket – to help to keep an injured dog warm, wrap a dog suffering from shock or be used as a stretcher
Various sizes of dog boots – very useful for protecting hurt paws and keeping dressings on paws
Reusable heat pack – to gently warm a dog, alleviate pain and muscle spasms, increase nerve conduction, lower blood pressure
Ice pack – to help reduce inflammation and swelling, decrease muscle spasms and pain
Sterile wipes – used instead of alcohol swabs
Triangular bandage – can be used both as a bandage, but also good for making a temporary muzzle
Foil blanket – to gently warm a dog
Tubigrip – to make temporary boots, ear bandages, joint supports
Tick remover – much easier to remove a tick with a tick remover than with tweezers
Bubble wrap padded envelope – makes a great splint
Styptic pencil – to stop bleeding
Hibiscrub – to wash wounds and instruments
Sanitary pad – much better than cotton squares for protecting wounds. They generally are wrapped individually so sterile, are very good at absorbing blood, are large enough to cover any likely injury, and have their own gauze protection to stop them sticking
Plenty of water
Some people also carry Piriton, in case of allergic reactions, although this should be discussed with your vet.
Homeopathic First Aid Remedies
Aconite 30c – good for sudden and dramatic disturbance of the dog’s equilibrium – sudden acute fear, shock, emotional and physical stress, fever
Apis mell 30c – good for bites, stings, painful swellings (hot and red, shiny oedematous swellings which ‘pit’ on pressure), respiratory difficulty
Arnica 30c – a great injury remedy - powerful antiseptic, good for shock, bruising, injury, general pain, heart supportive
Belladonna 30c – sudden onset fever, red/hot skin conditions, heat stroke
Hypericum/Calendula 30c– Pain relief, torn lacerated wounds where nerve endings have been damaged, burns and scolds, painful conditions of the back, crushed toes, nails and tails, damage to lips, gums and teeth. Anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, antibacterial, anthelmintic, antiseptic
Ledum 30c – for insect bites, animal bites, and other puncture wounds if the wounded part feels cold and appears bruised (contract with Apis mell). Antidotes spider poisons, which many dogs have allergic reactions to
Vipera Berus 200c – for snake bites, including adders