By Toni Kelley

Everyday life is a veritable array of unpredictable events and accidents. As parents, we are taught to always be prepared for any and all of the minor mishaps our little ones are sure to get into. A first aid kit is an essential part of being prepared. Having to run from room to room looking for the band-aids and Neosporin can leave a person feeling frazzled and stressed. In order to be as prepared as the respected "Boy Scout," we need to know what to have on hand and where the best place to keep it is.

Just like children, pets are curious, non-fearing and sometimes a little clumsy, so it only stands to reason that we be just as prepared for them as we are for our family. A well-stocked first aid kit for your dog is fundamental in being ready for Fido's misadventures.

What You Will Need

Local Veterinarian phone number and address

Local Veterinary Hospital phone number and address

Roll cotton

Cotton balls

Gauze pads

Gauze tape

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrocortisone ointment

Scissors

Silver Nitrate

Tweezers

Oral Syringes

Large towel

1-inch White Tape

Ace Bandage

Ice Pack

Thermometer

Eyewash

Other Suggested Items

Baby food (meat flavors work best)

Pediolyte

Nail Clippers

Cornstarch / Kwik Stop

Magnifying Glass

Small flashlight

Grease cutting dish soap

Bitter Apple (to prevent licking)

After you have collected all the materials for your kit, place them inside an air and water tight container. Writing your name, address and phone number on the kit either outside or inside is a good idea in case of loss. You can have one kit or several depending on your preference. It can be helpful to have one in the car, RV, house, cabin etc.

While all these items may seem like a lot, having piece of mind is priceless. Knowing that the kit is available allows for a more pleasurable trip or vacation as well as a more confident piece of mind during times of separation if leaving your pet with a sitter. Always remember, a healthy pet is a happy pet.

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About the author

Toni Kelley resides in a small town in southern Lower Michigan where she lives with her husband, three children, six dogs and three cats.

As a freelance writer, her work has been featured in Dexter Magazine, STYLE Magazine, Art Nouveau Magazine, and many others. Since 2005, she has authored a bi-weekly column in her local newspaper entitled Pet Corner.

In addition to her writing, she is also a dedicated editor for When Magazine, Eternal Press Publishing and Creative Media Alliance. Her passion for animals is the key element that keeps her active in local animal awareness.