Dog Safety: Tips for your dog home safety kit

When you bring your new dog home there are a few things you should have on hand in case of emergencies, trauma and poisoning.  You should always consult your veterinarian if you have questions or the animal has been in contact with toxins, poisons or has sustained a serious trauma.  

Experts recommend that you keep the following items in a specific pet safety kit in case of emergency, trauma, disaster and poisoning.

• Penlight - for eye and ear inspection in the event of a foreign object in the ear, nose or to check pupil reaction.
• Blanket – in the event of trauma you will need to keep your dog warm. This can also be used as a carrier if needed.
• Nylon leash and collar
• Rectal thermometer and KY jelly.  KY jelly is a necessity to prevent pain or injury when taking your pets temperature.
• Surgical gloves to protect you and your pet from contamination.
• Cotton balls, cotton swab applicators, gauze pads, gauze roll, ace bandage, adhesive tape.
• Compressed activated charcoal (5 grams, per 30 lbs) for use after vomiting induction or to aid in the prevention of absorbing poisoning.
• A fresh bottle of hydrogen peroxide 3%.  Replace as needed to keep fresh as a stale bottle will not give you the effect needed.  Peroxide can be used to induce vomiting as well as cleaning injuries.
• Canned soft pet food for mouth injuries and/or upset stomach.
• Turkey baster or large bulb syringe to administer hydrogen peroxide
• Saline eye solution to flush eye irritants or contaminates.
• Artificial tears such as Hypo Tears (Not Visine) to lubricate eyes after cleaning or flushing. 
• Topical antibiotic ointment such as Tri-top for minor cuts.
• Grease cutting dish washing liquid (mild) to remove oils or contaminates from the dogs skin. Should not be used as a shampoo!
• Tweezers to remove stingers, slivers, foreign objects. Etc.
• Scissors, grooming clippers.
• A muzzle in the event your pet is upset and may bite you while you are trying to help them.
• Pet crate or carrier to transport to the vet or contain during recovery in the event of an injury.
• List of emergency phone numbers:  Your local vet, After hours emergency vet, Pet Poison Control, alternate emergency contacts such as a family member in the event you are unable to retrieve your pet.

National Animal Poison Control Center #  1-800-548-2423 or ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center # 1-888-426-4435