If you are anything like me, you care more about your dog’s health and well being than your own. I mean, we can choose to take care of ourselves or to let everything go. That reminds me, I forgot to do squats this morning…. but our fur-babies rely on us, and only us, to make sure they are taken care of. A few weeks ago, I was organizing Pharrell’s cabinet in the kitchen. After going through all his treats, meds, grooming needs, toys, and whatever else we have collected in the past year and half, and I realized we didn’t have a first aid kit for him. I instantly had a mini freak out. Very negative thoughts were rushing through my head, “What if this or that happened and the vet was out of town? Or what if we needed this and Duane Reade was closed and the closest 24 hour vet is about a 10 minute walk away? And what if it was snowing or raining then add on a few more minutes…” After a slight freak out, I automatically got my ass in gear and began on this first aid thing! Below are a few things that are must haves for your DIY Doggie Safety Kit!

 

1 Tweezers -For those nasty ticks, painful splinters, and any other foreign objects!

2 Puppy Safe Bandage wrap – To wrap a wound on your pet. Always wrap loosely to avoid danger to the pet!

3 Burt’s Bees eye solution -For flushing debris from eyes. Make sure you do not use contact solution!

4 Baby Syringe- To give oral medication or to help flush out wounds on your pup.

5 Alcohol Pads- For on-the-go in case of scratches and scrapes.

6 Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide- To induce vomiting if your pet is poisoned. The ASPCA recommended dosage is 1 tsp per 5 lbs, never exceeding 3 tablespoons. Check with your vet for correct dosage!

7 Q-Tips – To help clean out wounds, give ointments, clean ears, paws, and more!

8 Cotton Balls – To apply ointments and clean up any blood or mess!

9 Neosporin – To apply to healing wounds!

10 Pet Thermometer- Ask your veterinarian to teach you how to take your dog’s temperature.

11 Hand Sanitizer- To make sure your hands are clean and safe for your pup

12 Medical Scissors -For cutting bandages; to prevent cutting your pet a blunt tip pair is better!

Another import thing to have with you at all times is your emergency contact list. And if you are traveling, make sure you scope out the local pet hospitals and vets in the area. Also, make sure that you have all of your pet’s medical records handy. Another great addition is a de-wormer, you never know when you will need it! I have all of these things in a tackle box we got from a home goods store. These things are not only very easy to store in the apartment but also easily accessible for all of our road trips to Montauk in the summer!