If your dog ever has a health crisis, your first move should always be to contact your veterinarian. But if your vet tells you it's not necessary to come in or if you're waiting for your dog to be seen by a vet, a dog first-aid kit can be indispensable. In fact, early intervention has the potential to make a big difference in your dog's outcome.
Review the checklist below to learn what essential items you should keep on hand to help manage any canine emergency that comes your way. Then find out how to put together a dog emergency kit so that you're prepared in case of a natural disaster.
Depending on your pet's activity level, lifestyle and behavior, some items on this list will be more important to have than others. A comprehensive dog first-aid kit should include the following:
Put all your first-aid items into a large box with a list of important telephone numbers taped to the top. Include contact information for your vet, your nearest emergency animal hospital, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, your emergency contacts and any other relevant numbers.
Always talk to a veterinary professional before employing your dog first-aid kit, and never give your dog medicine without first discussing their condition with a vet. In many cases, the kit will be most useful when you're on your way to the vet or once you've been advised that at-home care is okay. It's also wise to talk to your veterinarian before purchasing some of the above, as you'll want dog-specific items — for instance, a thermometer.
If you live in an area that's prone to hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, tornadoes or any other kind of natural disaster, a dog emergency kit is a must. But even if you don't expect a natural catastrophe of some sort, it's always best to be prepared.
Here's what you should include in your dog emergency kit:
While you'll hopefully never need to use a first-aid kit or an emergency kit, it's a pet parent's job to look out for their furry friend. Being prepared for a crisis is just one way you can show your dog how much you care.
Dr. Patty Khuly is an award-winning veterinarian known for her independent thinking, her spirited pet advocacy, her passion for the veterinary profession, and her famously irreverent pet health writing.
Dr. K is an honors graduate of both Wellesley College and the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. She received her MBA at The Wharton School of Business as part of the prestigious VMD/MBA dual-degree program. She now owns Sunset Animal Clinic, a veterinary practice in Miami, Florida.
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