Every dog owner should keep a dog's first aid kit on hand at all times. The kit can be kept in just about any container that has a sealable lid on it.

The kit should include gauze wrap, gauge pads, first aid tape, cotton balls, cotton swabs, Ace Bandage, a splint, rubbing alcohol, petroleum jelly, hydrogen peroxide, safety scissors, tweezers, a rectal thermometer, and antibiotic ointment. You should also keep an ice pack in the freezer at all times for treatment of sprains.

Some of the other drugs that you may have in your medicine cabinet for us can also be used as a treatment for your dog. These products include Pep to Bismol, for an upset stomach or treatment of diarrhea, aspirin, for treatment of pain or some minor injuries, and Kaopectate, for treatment of diarrhea.

However, before you use any of these products, you should consult your Veterinarian first to find out the proper dosage amount which will be suitable for your pet. The dosage will depend on the size of your dog as well as other factors.

For small cuts or abrasions, or other minor wounds, you can treat your dog yourself. Simply clean the wound with hydrogen peroxide, then apply a dab of antibiotic ointment in it. Finally, place a bandage over the dressed wound. Remember to check the wound every day and re-dress it until it has completely healed.

In case your dog becomes seriously ill or is seriously injured, you can perform CPR on him or her.

First, though, remember to be careful.

Even though your dog undoubtedly loves you, he or she might easily become aggressive when it is in pain.

The first step is to try to calm your dog down as much as possible by using soothing words and sounds.

Note: These instructions are intended for use on a medium-sized dog.
Listen and feel to see if your dog is breathing. If it is not, then gently open its mouth and remove any foreign objects.

Gently move the tongue forward so it does not obstruct the airway. Now, close its mouth and take a deep breath of air.

Place your mouth over your dog's nose and gently breathe into your pet's nose for a couple of seconds. Do this approximately once every three seconds until your dog begins to breathe on its own.

To do this, gently place your dog on its right side. Place one hand over the left side of its chest. Now, place your other hand on top of the first hand. Push down on the dog's chest with firm pressure.

Don't press down too hard as you could accidentally injure him or her. Give your dog five chest compressions and then continue on with the breathing exercises if your dog is still not breathing on its own. Continue this routine until professional veterinarian help arrives!

You should always watch for pet for signs of illness, injury or poisoning.

Some signs include, but are not limited to, serious bleeding, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, partial or complete paralysis, (especially prevalent with spinal or back injuries, or a stroke), unconsciousness, not wanting to drink or eat, shallow breathing, and unusually heavy breathing or panting.

Keep your dog's vet's telephone number by the phone along with your other emergency numbers and call him or her in case you suspect that your pet is ill or has been injured.

Suggested Box Contents

1. Ace self-adhering athletic bandage -- three-inch width
2. Adhesive tape
3. Adolph's Meat Tenderizer (make a paste out of it and apply to bug bites immediately after the animal is bitten)
4. Alcohol prep pads
5. An old sock (foot wrapper)
6. Antiseptic/anti bacterial hand wipes
7. Arnica Montana 30 (homeopathic remedy for either dogs or humans for muscle exhaustion or injury (trauma)
8. Baby aspirin
9. Bandage scissors
10. Benedryl caplets (for human allergies and if dog gets stung by insect)
11. Betadine
12. Bitter Apple (keeps them away from an area on their body that you do not want them chewing on)
13. Blanket
14. Buffered aspirin
15. Conforming bandages
16. Cotton balls
17. Ear syringe
18. Emergency space blanket
19. Eye wash
20. Feminine mini-pads (great for large cuts or wrapping around a finger/dog leg and they do not stick to the wound)
21. Gauze sponges
22. Capsules/Tablet for general allergies
23. Grooming implements
24. Hydrocortisone acetate
25. Hydrogen peroxide (to induce vomiting)
26. Iodine prep pads
27. Surgical gloves
28. Metronidazole (for diarrhea)
29. Nail clippers (dog and human)
30. Eye lotion
31. Paper towels
32. Paperwork, including the dog's health record , medications , regular veterinary clinic hours and telephone numbers , and emergency clinic hours and telephone number.
33. Pep to Bismol tablets
34. Plastic bags for samples
35. Rectal thermometer
36. Rubbing alcohol
37. Small torch
38. A Soft muzzle
39. Sterile stretch gauze bandage
40. Sterile, non-adherent pads
41. Styptic powder (to stop serious bleeding from cuts)
42. A syringe
43. Towels
44. Antibiotic ointment /cream
45. Tweezers
46. White petroleum jelly (Vaseline or similar)
47. A wooden splint

Alternative / Complimentary Medicines

Here is a list of what one of our members had in her medicine cabinet for her dogs.

Smelling salts for any little fights also good tokeepin your handbag or pocket when on the park.

A loe vera gel cuts/grazes/burns/bites/stings/hair loss it can be put on any broken skin.

Lavender oil must be mixed with water cuts/grazes and has a calming effect

Witch hazel cream for cuts/grazes.

Witch hazel liquid bruises.

Citronella oil mixed with water for a flea repelent.

Vasaline smother ticks with it,they just fall off.

Piraton or any antihistamine for bites/stings/ hives.

Benylin for kennel cough (unless your dog is in distress).

Glucosamine is good for joints.

Earex.

" Anything you would use on a child is safe for your dog but the most important thing to remember is if in doubt consult your vet. "

If you have any Alternative / Complimentary Medicines you would like to tell us about please send an email with your information and it will be added to this page.

The web site accept No responsibility for your actions after reading this data, the data has been resourced from several reputable sources and is intended as a common sense guide. We all Know the "ABC's" for human's so it seems logical canine owners should have some idea of what to do to care for your dog in the event of an emergency or no available Vet.