Always well equipped – with the dog emergency kit

We always want the best for our four-legged companions: to care for them, spend quality time together, and share our world with them. But despite all our care and attention, accidents and emergencies can happen. With an emergency kit, you'll be well prepared. Of course, the kit is no substitute for a visit to the vet. But especially for minor accidents, sudden illness, and stressful situations, a well-stocked emergency kit is an important tool. And in an emergency, you may even save your dog's life if you have the right equipment and know what to do.

INHALT
What should be in a first aid kit? How to use the emergency kit
What should be in a first aid kit?

The following list will help you put together the ideal first aid kit for your household with a dog:

  • Gauze bandages, cotton wool
  • Gauze compresses, gauze swabs (sterile)
  • Bandage scissors
  • Adhesive tape, self-adhesive bandages
  • Disposable gloves
  • Wound ointment
  • Cooling gel
  • Disinfectant
  • Saline solution
  • Activated charcoal
  • Ear cleaning solution (antibiotic-free)
  • Eye cleaner
  • Dog shoes/baby socks
  • Clinical thermometer (and some Vaseline or milking grease)
  • Tick tweezers and tweezers
  • Disposable syringe without needle
  • Muzzle
  • Phone number and contact details of your vet (in case a dog sitter needs to go to the pharmacy)
  • Cool collars and cool packs – both stored in the refrigerator – can also be useful.

petsXL Oskar with first aid kit
How to use the emergency kit

Here are a few tips and hints on how to use the items in your first-aid kit: It goes without saying that a thermometer is used to measure temperature. Please use a little Vaseline, milking grease, or oil to lubricate the thermometer before inserting it. The normal temperature is between 37.5 and 38.5°C. Puppies and sensitive dogs can even reach a body temperature of 39.5°C without being ill. In summer, some dogs' body temperature also rises due to the heat – a cooling collar can help in this case.

Ticks should always be removed as quickly as possible – preferably with tick tweezers. You can also apply a wound ointment to the area afterwards.

Ear cleaner can help if your dog is constantly scratching its ears. This may be due to an infection, which you will be able to see more clearly once the ear has been cleaned. However, the culprit may be a foreign object, which can be removed with the cleaner.

If your dog has injured itself and the wound needs to be treated, use disposable gloves. Wounds can be rinsed more effectively with a disposable syringe.

If your dog is in shock or in pain and reacts by biting, a muzzle or a mouth loop made from gauze can be helpful.

Baby socks can sometimes be pulled over injured paws more quickly than dog shoes. Try this alternative out beforehand as a "dry run" so you know how it works in an emergency.

Use ointments, drops, creams, and other products as needed. Talk to your veterinarian; they may have special tips for equipment. Any medication your dog needs should also be included in the kit.