DIY Pet First Aid Kit

Serena Faber Nelson Founder & Pet Lifestyle Writer

Pet lifestyle expert Serena Faber-Nelson is the founder of Pretty Fluffy. A contributor to Everyday with Rachael Ray, Modern Dog Magazine, Cesars Way and more; her modern, stylized take on DIY dog treats has seen her recipes viewed millions of times over.

Serena is the author of the go-to dog mom bible, Dog Mama, and the popular dog treat recipe book, Healthy Homemade Dog Treats.

If there’s any project you want to tackle this year for your dog, it’s a DIY Pet First Aid Kit.

At the start of the new year, we’re getting organised, we’re getting everything sparkly clean, we’re well onto our way for a fresh start. This week is all about laying foundations for the year ahead. Feeling secure knowing you’ve got the big stuff sorted. Knowing that you have a safety net to catch you when things fall apart. Because as much as we want life to be perfect – it aint. So this month I want to encourage you to go about creating your own DIY Pet First Aid Kit.

DIY PET FIRST AID KIT – What you’ll need

• Storage container with snap lock lid.
• Cotton Pads for clean up and topical applications.
• Gauze for swabbing, padding or wound cover.
• Bandages for compression and dressings.
• Cotton Buds for topical applications and clean up.
• Scissors.
• Tweezers.
• Flea and Tick Treatments.
• Worming Treatments.
• Antiseptic for small grazes and wounds.
• Sanitiser for your own hands after dealing with wounds.

This is merely a starting list for you. Think about what your dog needs medically day to day and in an emergency. Check with your vet as to what they would recommend to include, and consider your local area and your dog’s lifestyle for any extras – such as doggie sunscreen or tick removal devices.

Package all of the items into the container, and wrap in a bow (for prettiness!). Don’t forget to label the kit with your vet’s emergency contact number. Should you have an emergency on your hands this saves time by allowing you to call the vet for help while attending to your dog.

And as much as you may want to, DO NOT use it to dress up as a mummy for Halloween. Emergencies only, people. (You can, however, pretend to be a doctor from Grey’s Anatomy when tending to the thorn in your dog’s paw. You can even use the word ‘Stat’)

MORE HANDY HINTS

LIKE THAT? HERE’S MORE HANDY HINTS TO GET YOUR DOG’S HEALTH & SAFETY SORTED:

> Eliminate the Paper Clutter.

Ever gone to find out your dog’s registration details and after hours of searching have found them in with your toaster’s warranty guide? (Which has, of course, expired.) It’s time to get rid of that clutter. Streamline your dog’s paperwork into one folder – this one from Kikki K does all the hard work for you. Believe me often when you’re looking for this info, you want it pronto! You want this file to include the following:

• Your vet’s contact details (including emergency after hours numbers)
• Registration and microchip papers
• Vaccination details
• Health records
• Training Certificates
• Dietary Information

> Clear out the Medicine Cabinet

This one goes for you too! Throughout the year it’s easy to build up old tablets, powders, lotions and potions for the family, and your pooch is no exception. Trouble is these medications go out of date, and using them when they have expired can be ineffective and plain right down dangerous for your dog. So go through your home medical collection and dispose carefully of anything damaged, or out of date. Not too sure about something? Contact your vet or err on the side of caution and get rid of it. Once the clean out is complete, now’s the ideal time to stock up on at home treatments such as worming tablets or flea treatments for your at home kit, to ensure you have your dog’s healthiest foot forward.

> Get your Shots

So your dog hates the vet. Or maybe they love the vet. Or maybe they liked the vet but then thought the vet wasn’t that into them and then the whole thing got complicated. Whatever it is, just get your dog to the vet annually to make sure their vaccinations are up to date. And don’t leave it too long – be cool, call the vet, check when your dog is due and get them booked in.

> Don’t Forget!

Set digital reminders on your phone or computer that will bring up alarm notifications for annual vaccinations, worming, flea treatments and any other medications. This will ensure you don’t forget!

> Create a Doggie Profile

No, I’m not talking about Facebook (not that there’s anything wrong with that). I’m talking about a one page CHEAT SHEET for visitors who may come to look after your dog when you’re away. You never know when you may be called away suddenly or unable to return home. Having a short guide to what your dog eats, where they sleep, how often they exercise, and any important medical info means that practically anyone can step in to care for your pooch when you can’t. Believe me, if you get hit by a bus, this one page document means one less thing for you to care about – allowing you to worry about important things – like what sort of underwear you are wearing. But in all seriousness, this cheat sheet means you can get on with sorting yourself out knowing your dog is cared for – allowing to get home to your pooch sooner.

TOP ONLINE RESOURCES FOR GETTING YOUR DOG SORTED:

Kikki K – Beautiful, practical paperwork solutions for important documents.
Apple ‘My Dog’ App – Keep all your dog’s info in one handy app.
Get Sorted –  A handy pocket sized book & reference guide for all your organisational needs.
Dog Help Network – A new online guide providing help & information on a variety of dog health issues.

What are your pet friendly tips for a happy and healthy pup? 

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