A Dog First-Aid Kit: What to Keep at Home and in the Car

You hope you never open it. Build it once anyway, and keep a small copy in the car.

1. The numbers

Your vet, the nearest 24-hour emergency vet, and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Do this: save all three in your phone now.

2. Wound basics

Gauze pads and rolls, non-stick dressings, self-adhering wrap, medical tape and blunt-tipped scissors.

3. Cleaning

Saline solution for rinsing wounds and eyes.

4. Tools

Tweezers, a tick remover, a digital thermometer and a towel or blanket.

5. Control and comfort

A spare leash, a soft muzzle (even gentle dogs may bite when hurt), a collapsible bowl and water.

6. Records

A copy of vaccine records and a list of any medicines your dog takes.

What not to do

Watch out for: giving human medicines. Many common pain relievers are dangerous for dogs. Ask a vet first, every time.

When to skip the kit and go

Trouble breathing, heavy bleeding, collapse, seizures, a swollen hard belly, suspected poisoning or being hit by a car. First aid buys time; it does not replace the vet.

Where to check all of this, free

• Your veterinarian.

• The American Veterinary Medical Association's pet first aid pages at avma.org.

This article is general information, not veterinary advice. Your veterinarian knows your dog best.