There often is nothing more stressful than finding yourself unprepared in an emergency situation, asking yourself, “Where did I put the bandages and gauze?” Keeping a first-aid kit stocked with up-to-date supplies will help ease your mind when you need to help your dog in a crisis. To store your first-aid kit, make the totebag on page 28, use an old shoe box that is still in sturdy condition, or use a large plastic lunch box that has been thoroughly cleaned (a great option, since it is waterproof). Here is a list of items that your first-aid kit should include.
01. A card that lists your vet’s number, as well as the number for the nearest twenty-four-hour emergency vet or vet hospital
02. Gauze
03. Cotton balls
04. Cotton-tipped applicators
05. Low-tack adhesive bandage tape
06. Ace bandages (self-adhesive)
07. Small scissors
08. Tweezers
09. Hydrogen peroxide
10. Antibacterial ointment
11. Aloe-vera gel
12. Hydrocortisone cream
13. Cornstarch (to help stop bleeding)
14. Latex gloves
15. Rectal thermometer
16. Towels
17. Blanket