What would you do if your dog ate the bag of chocolate you left sitting on your counter?

You clipped a nail too short?

If your dog chased Peter Cottontail into a bush and ended up with a laceration above its eye?


Accidents happen to all of us- including our pets. Having a well stocked first aid kit designed with your pets in mind will keep you prepared in the event that something happens.

There are plenty of pre-made options available on the market starting at around $20.00 and going all the way up to $60.00. You can also put together your own by purchasing a small plastic tote and filling it with the items listed below:

• Sterile Gauze Pads
• Bandage Roll
• First Aid Adhesive Tape
• Cotton Balls
• Tweezers
• Scissors
• Hydrogen Peroxide
• Antibacterial Ointment
• Sterile Eye Wash
• Benadryl (Contact your vet in advance for dosing instructions)
• Quik Stop or a small bag of flour or corn starch
• Contact information of both your regular vet and the nearest emergency veterinary clinic.

Living in the Midwest means we also get some damaging storms both in the winter and summer. I like to stock my first aid kit with a few extra things so that I am prepared for that as well:

• Spare collar and leash for each dog
• Shot records
• Current photo of each pet
• Proof of ownership

For those of us who compete in sports with our dogs, visit the dog park or travel it is important to keep a kit in your car as well! Remember to pack a few extra items in this kit such as a clean towel, bottle of water and collapsible bowl.