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Kit: Updating Our Perfectly Complete Do-It-Yourself Pet First Aid Kit

4/12/2014

27 Comments

 
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Typist: Bethany
Knowledge about the need to have a complete first aid kit for dogs has definitely increased around the pet community since I began my search for the perfect first aid kit last year. Yet there is still no commercially made pet first aid kit that has everything necessary to be prepared for a multitude of emergencies with dogs. There are dog first aid kits that have some of what is needed for a wound but not everything. While other kits have a few items that could save your dogs life in case of poisoning but still not everything. I continue to be confident that my choice for a do-it-yourself dog first aid kit was the best way to be prepared for any pet emergency. I included everything in my pet first aid kit as recommended by The Humane Society, the AVMA, Vet Medicine at About.com, the Red Cross and Dog First Aid: A Field Guide: Emergency Care for the Hunting, Working, and Outdoor Dog. The first aid kit I made has many human first aid items as well. Perhaps my favorite part of my complete dog first aid kit is that it is a perfect travel kit that includes a  smaller, portable hiking or first response kit. In preparation for spring travel season, I recently went through my canine first aid kit, checked expiration dates (items in bold) and added a few new items (items underlined.) So while you cannot buy a perfectly complete dog first aid kit, you can make one. Here's how:
  • Outdoor First Aid Kit, 205-Piece Kit (from which I removed the non-aspirin since I am also sensitive to it, marked the ibuprofen as "no dogs" and replaced the chintzy blunt-tipped scissors included with a pair better able to cut dog fur as well as bandages)*
  • Dog First Aid: A Field Guide: Emergency Care for the Hunting, Working, and Outdoor Dog*
  • Activated Charcoal* (an essential few in the modified Outdoor First Aid Kit and the remainder in the large bag)
  • 3% Hydrogen Peroxide (Travel size)*
  • Benadryl*
  • Ticked Off Pets Tick Remover*
  • Rubbing Alcohol (Travel size)*
  • QuikClot* (this product is expensive but worth it! My kit has several packages because of this story. QuikClot is also now made in a formula for dogs, PetClot, but the human version is safe for canines.)
  • Mesh Wire Splint*
  • Wallet Magnifier*
  • Nylon Leash*
  • Muzzle*
  • Vet Wrap*
  • Hot Pack*
  • Cotton Balls*
  • High Grit Nail File*
  • Baby Dose Syringe*
  • Styptic Pencil*
  • Penlight (attached to zipper)*
  • Emergency Blanket*
  • Freeze dried salmon (to dissolve in water or as a high value treat)*
  • Thermometer & lubricating jelly
  • Collapsible Bowl
  • Glucose Paste
  • 3 Inflatable E-Collars- SM fits Wilhelm, M fits Brychwyn, XL fits Huxley
  • Extra collars- SM for Wilhelm, L for Brychwyn & Huxley
  • 3 collar lights and identification tags
  • Exam and vaccination records, microchip numbers, signed rabies certificates and current photos for all 3 dogs
  • Emergency flare
  • Liquid Net Flea, Tick & Insect Repellent
  • Eye Wash (Opticlear)
  • Ophthalmic Ointment (Vetericyn)
  • Ear Wash (Oti-Clens)
  • Nolvasan
  • Saline Wound Wash
  • Betadine
  • Collagen Wound Dressing for Pets
  • Vetericyn Wound & Skin Care
  • Pawz Waterproof Dog Boots*- SM for Wilhelm & L for Brychwyn & Huxley. Four for each dog are in the modified Outdoor First Aid Kit and another four for each in "Wound Care."
  • Epsom Salts
  • Baby Oil
  • Calamine Lotion
  • Paper Towels
  • Grooming Wipes
  • Baking Soda
  • Soda Wash Crystals (to induce vomiting)
  • Benadryl* (an essential few pre-cut to the proper dose for my dogs weights in the modified Outdoor First Aid Kit and the remainder in the large bag)
  • Imodium A/D
  • Pepto-Bismol
  • Kaopectate
  • Dramamine
  • Chloraseptic Spray
  • Spirit Essences Stress Stopper (works better for my dogs than Rescue Remedy)
  • Mushers Secret
  • Ear Bulb Syringe
  • Eye Dropper
  • Toenail Trimmer
  • Needle Nose Pliers
  • Safety Razor & Blades
  • 2 Towels
  • 2 BPA Free, 16oz water bladders
  • Poop/Waste Bags
  • A well labeled, large, zipper closure bag
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The Cascadian Nomads Perfect Pet First Aid Kit. I keep our kit in the closet near the front door for accessibility at home or to easily grab and take with us in the car.
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The easy to grab and go portable kit is complete with everything needed for wounds or poisoning.
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The complete portable kit is light enough for hiking.
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The contents of the complete portable kit/modified Outdoor First Aid Kit. For more detailed photos of the contents of this soft pouch, click on this photo to visit last years first aid kit post.
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All of the contents of our complete do-it-yourself pet first aid kit. For more detailed photos of the contents, click on this photo to visit last years first aid kit post.
* Items inside the modified Outdoor First Aid Kit/small orange soft pouch. Please click this link to see what came in the original Outdoor First Aid Kit. All of those items are a part of our kit with the exception of non-aspirin and scissors. The modified kit weighs 2.8lbs.
Thankfully, I have only used two items from my first aid kit, the tick remover and the antiseptic towelettes. I replenished the antiseptic towelette supply and I made sure the grooming wipes and all other wipe items in the Outdoor First Aid Kit were all still moist. I checked on the integrity of the zipper closure bags and inspected all items for damage. Surprisingly, after almost 10,000 miles of travel in less than a year, only the Chloraseptic Spray bottle had managed to slip it's protective lid. The lid was not damaged but I added tape to secure it for the next 10,000 or more miles. We all really look forward to those future miles to come and with our perfectly complete first aid kit, we are ready for anything.
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Did you know that the K9 first aid kit bag also makes a comfortable place to nap?
Cascadian Nomads were not asked to or paid to promote any businesses or organizations mentioned and linked in this post. We paid for all mentioned and linked products ourselves and we are in no way compensated for clicking on the posts links we've provided. We're just sharing information or stuff we like!
Always consult a veterinarian about the nature of your dogs specific first aid needs and physical limitations. We are not veterinarians or experts and are just sharing what we hope are helpful dog first aid kit tips. The Cascadian Nomads highly recommend taking a pet first aid and CPR class before going on any excursion where administering pet first aid may be necessary.
A to Z Challenge: Yesterday was J for Jumps: Enjoyable Exercise For Any Dog, Anywhere, Anytime, tomorrow is Black & White Sunday and on Monday L is for Looking: Easter Egg Hunts For Dogs.
27 Comments
Molly The Wally link
4/11/2014 07:12:24 pm

That is the best kit we have ever seen. Gosh it puts us to shame. You really are prepared for anything. Great though you have only used the two items. Have a super Saturday.
Best wishes Molly

Reply
Bethany
4/12/2014 06:34:13 pm

I hope those are the only items we ever use! But it is truly better safe than sorry.

Reply
Reilly & Denny
4/11/2014 10:38:54 pm

We always carry a first aid kit for the boys in the car. We actually got a human one and added the things we need for them - dual purpose :)

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Bethany
4/12/2014 06:35:52 pm

It is so simple to have this dual purpose kit. I still have a human only one in the car but the small soft orange pouch above is the only one we need when hiking. I hate being loaded down with too much stuff while wandering the countryside!

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Roxy the traveling dog link
4/11/2014 11:49:11 pm

I really need to do this. I'm going to bookmark this page so I can start working on a kit for these guys.

Reply
Bethany
4/12/2014 06:37:23 pm

This is a an excellent kit for travel! Part of why it is SO extensive is because it is meant to sustain us if we are a day or more from veterinary care.

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djinnia link
4/12/2014 12:31:45 am

this is an awesome post! i need to share this with my other dog owning friends.

i'm so glad i hopped to your blog today.

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Felissa (Two Little Cavaliers) link
4/12/2014 03:42:45 pm

Okay, looks like my own pet first aid kid is in need of a bit of help. This is the most thorough first aid kit I think I have seen. I am kinda in awe of how well thought out your kit is. Absolutely amazing. Great job!

Reply
Bethany
4/12/2014 06:38:32 pm

Me too! Thanks so much for your comment and for sharing. I really hope this list makes putting together a pet first aid kit easier. All pet people should have one!

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Cathy Bennett link
4/12/2014 02:20:28 am

That is ingenious. Love it, and plan to get on that right away. Makes so much sense. I'm so excited. Thanks

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Bethany
4/12/2014 06:40:05 pm

Thank you Cathy. It isn't cheap to put this whole thing together but it is worth it! I just always feel better when it's with us.

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Sheba's Life Story link
4/12/2014 06:23:57 am

That is what I call a first aid kit, it puts ours to shame.

Sheba.

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Bethany
4/12/2014 06:41:48 pm

There's always room for improvement! Our kit is partly put together for travel, though, so we have a lot of things in it you wouldn't need if you are always within a stone's throw of a vet.

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Laika link
4/12/2014 06:41:15 am

Wow, that's great stuff to read about. I will certainly make a first aid kit too.

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Bethany
4/12/2014 06:43:27 pm

Thank you, Laika. It costs less to buy a commercially made pet first aid kit but a do-it-yourself version can have everything you personally need to be prepared for anything!

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sandy link
4/13/2014 02:46:42 am

Really, a first aid kit for dogs? I would never have given that a thought. I must ask my doggie friends about this, wonder if they have one? When we were kids growing up at home we had several dogs, but they were hearty outdoor types, can't even remember my parents needing to do much of anything "special" for them...maybe they did and I was too young too remember

Reply
Bethany
4/13/2014 07:13:03 am

My parents carried a few extra first aid items for our dogs when we traveled- it's always a good idea to have a way to remove a tick (from people too!) and poison emergency help. There are more and more poison dangers for dogs in the city, the country and especially when traveling through both! I also think the risk of wounds increases when dogs are very active and stomach problems can happen to everybody when traveling!

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Victoria Carter link
4/13/2014 05:01:42 am

Awesome list! Thanks for sharing, and reminding us that we need to do the same with ours!

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Bethany
4/13/2014 07:15:20 am

When you think your prepared... things expire, new and better products become available... emergency preparedness is a never ending job. But I would much rather overhaul all of my first aid kits and emergency kits often than scramble to find what I need should the unthinkable occur!

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Sage link
4/13/2014 10:38:27 am

That is one of the most complete kits I've seen. Thanks for sharing!

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Bethany
4/13/2014 10:40:31 am

One of the most complete? There's others? :) I truly hope this list helps everyone be prepared for anything with their pets, on the road, in the wilderness and at home!

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Julia link
4/13/2014 03:21:36 pm

This would be a great kit for dog owners.

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Bethany
4/13/2014 03:26:16 pm

Thank you for your comment Julia. The kit is very dog-centric but can be useful for other pets too. If the first aid kit is put together exactly as described in the post, it has items for humans too!

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Jessica @YouDidWhatWithYourWeiner link
4/16/2014 10:59:45 pm

Love your kit. Unfortunately, it's a little too big to carry in my hiking backpack :) I need to add some quick clot to my hiking first aid kit for sure. Having activated charcoal on hand at home is a really good idea too. I tried to give Gretel hydrogen peroxide once to make her throw up and she still didn't after three doses. That girl has an iron gut! I still keep it on hand anyway and carry it in my hiking kit since it would be my only option that far away from a vet.

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Bethany
4/17/2014 04:34:19 am

Almost 3 pounds, the hiking kit is indeed too heavy for many people to carry hiking but I don't mind. Of course, Huxley often carries it. With less dogs or smaller dogs, the small, soft orange pouch (modified Outdoor First Aid Kit/hiking kit) could weigh less. To me, carrying the extra weight is worth it as we are prepared for any emergency (like that it includes activated charcoal AND hydrogen peroxide- musts in case of poisoning on the trail!) The rest of the kit (large backpack with towels and larger items) is always in the car- much better than at home, I think, since we are often very far from a vet when we travel, as most even just hikers might be.

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Kimmy Garcia link
7/15/2017 03:06:25 pm

This is an extremely comprehensive list and I'm thankful for it. :)

Reply
Bethany
7/15/2017 10:39:02 pm

Thank you Kimmy! I'm happy to help!

Reply

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