DIY Doggie First-Aid Kit

Cute furry faces, wagging tails and unwavering loyalty — dogs are the ultimate family pet! And you take them with you everywhere you go. But with their playful spirits and bright-eyed curiosity, they can get into all kinds of shenanigans. And sometimes those result in a bump, scratch, bite or sting. Ouch!

Always be prepared to help your furry friend feel good-as-new by packing up a portable doggie first-aid kit. Here’s what you’ll need:

Gauze, scissors and tape. Because of their fur, traditional bandages won’t stick well to your pup. So, keep these supplies in your kit in case of any scratches or cuts.

Antibiotic ointment. Dogs can get infections just like we can! So, before bandaging them up, it’s a good idea to apply a bit of ointment to the affected area.

Hydrogen peroxide. Odds are they’ll snack on something they probably shouldn’t at some point, and Hydrogen Peroxide can be used to induce vomiting if they do eat something toxic. Just make sure you understand the proper instructions (Opens in a new tab) before you take this step.

Benadryl. From allergies to travel anxiety, Benadryl is a great way to get Fido comfortable again. Just consult your vet for dosage guidelines and keep it on hand for itchy situations!

Tweezers. Adventurous dogs are prone to ticks and splinters. Keep a tweezers in your kit so it’s quick and easy to extract whatever is bothering them.

Water and travel bowl. Your pup loves to go on long walks and romps around the dog park! But they get dehydrated easily and that can be dangerous. Always have a backup water bottle and collapsible bowl on hand so you never have to worry about how you’ll get them back up to snuff.

A towel or blanket. Great for cleanups or to keep your dog calm and comfortable while you fix them up.

A creature for comfort. Always have an old favorite toy or stuffed animal on hand to bring them some comfort in case of a stressful situation.

Emergency information. Finally, keep a copy of their vaccination paperwork, medical records and emergency vet phone numbers in the kit — you’ll want to be prepared for any situation.

Keeping your dog healthy and happy is a great way to keep her part of your life for years to come. And building your own first-aid kit is a great place to start. But remember, always consult your vet if you’ve got questions or concerns regarding your pup’s overall health — because a good vet can help fix the things bandages and Benadryl can’t.