Consider a first-aid kit for your dog

You know the old saying, “Accidents happen.” Well, they can happen to your dog just as easily as to you … so be prepared with a dog first-aid kit.

First, think about your dog’s lifestyle: a first-aid kit for an active dog that runs on wilderness trails is different than one for an elderly pup that barely makes it once around the block.

Think about having a complete kit that you keep at home, a more condensed version for your car, and even a small one with just the base essentials that you can carry with you on walks or runs.

Here are the items that should be incorporated into your dog’s comprehensive DIY first-aid kit:

License, vaccination, and medical records are critical. Be sure to keep the details current, and include your veterinarian contact information.

Bottled water is an essential ingredient in any first-aid kit because it can be used for anything from rinsing wounds to preventing dehydration.

A towel or blanket can help sooth an injured dog and will also provide protection on a hot, cold, or rocky surface. You might want to include a thermal blanket to keep your dog warm and prevent shock if she’s injured; these blankets come folded into thin, palm-sized packets for easy storage.

Gauze pads or rolls can control or absorb blood, while self-adhesive bandage wrap will provide temporary support for sprains and strains, and can even be used to wrap a splint.

Think about including medical implements such as blunt-tip scissors, tweezers, disposable gloves, sy-ringesand an eyedropper. Other tools like a flashlight with fresh batteries, a magnifying glass, a collapsible food or water bowl, poop bags and a spare leash and collar can all come in handy in an emergency.

Hydrogen peroxide has been used for decades as an antiseptic, even though new research shows that it can effect cells essential to the healing process. Regardless, used sparingly in an emergency, it helps in cleaning out a wound. Hydrogen peroxide also induces vomiting when swallowed, so it’s useful in cases of accidental poisoning. The usual dose is 1 teaspoon per 5 pounds of body weight, with a maximum of 3 tablespoons for dogs over 45 pounds. Be very careful when inducing vomiting, as it can make some conditions worse; consult the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for guidance.

Saline solution can also be used to rinse wounds or eyes, and a tri-sporin antibiotic ointment is useful for preventing infection.

At home, keep cold packs in your freezer and hot packs ready to pop in the microwave. When you’re away, include instant hot and cold packs in your kit.

It’s a good idea to have a pet first-aid handbook available to help you make the right decisions in an emergency situation. Keep the phone numbers of

24/7 poison control services with your handbook to help you if you know or suspect that your dog has swallowed something toxic and you can’t reach your veterinarian.

Wherever you live, your dog’s first-aid kit needs to be part of your disaster preparedness plan. Add backup supplies of medications along with packages of food or treats, a familiar toy, a spare harness and leash, and other items that can help comfort your dog in an emergency.

Keep your kit in a convenient location, and tell any family members where it is. Be sure to examine its contents every few months for expiration dates. From basic to comprehensive, your dog first-aid kit allows you to be prepared for emergencies, and can make a huge difference in the life and safety of your dog.

Joan Merriam lives in Nevada County with her golden retriever Joey, her Maine coon cat Indy and the abiding spirit of her beloved golden retriever Casey in whose memory this column is named. You can reach Joan at joan@joanmerriam.com. And if you’re looking for a golden, be sure to check out Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue.