Site map / Web photo gallery / Feature articles / Contact us Backcountry health & safety First aid supplies A complete first aid kit for both humans and K9s should be tailored to the specific needs of the region or area. Also, consider how you package your supplies to protect from snow, rain and extreme heat. As a foundation, here are a list of items to consider. Cuts and abrasions Booties – use to prevent cuts from rough or icy trail conditions (dog should practice wearing them before they are needed) Roller Gauze (2”x 4 yards) Sterile Roller gauze (4” x 2 yards) Pair of scissors Triple antibiotic ointment Surgical super glue Bandages (2” x 3”) 5” x 9” pads 4" x 4" pads – use for punctures Gauze tape Eye wash Hydrogen peroxide Iodine – use to clean wounds (make sure to dilute) Razor - used to shave the fur to inspect an injury Skin stapler Sam splint Vinyl gloves Nail trimmer Q-tips Styptic pencil Stings/bites/contact dermatitis Tweezers – use to remove ticks (after removing, disinfect with alcohol pads) Benadryl cream and pills - uses: bee stings and allergic reactions (take 1 tablet or 25 mg) Brush – use to remove foxtails, which can be inhaled and lodged in the ear canal or between the toes; can puncture the skin and cause infection; can cause damage to vital organs if ingested (violent sneezing and snorting is an indication) Sponge – use for bathing dogs after possible poison ivy/oak contact or skunk spray Tecnu soap – use as an outdoor cleanser to remove plant oil from your skin. Deet – mix one cap of the oil with one pint of water in a spray bottle to treat insect bites (apply a cold compress to the area and spray it with Benadryl spray to relieve the itch and pain) Insect spray (ready to use and leak-proof) Cortisone – usd for poison oak (can cause topical irritations on hairless areas of dog’s body; apply to relieve pain) Soap - for general use or to wash off possible poison oak Credit card - use to scrape stingers out Hemostat forcepts General "Baited" water - to encourage hydration, add chicken broth for extra appeal or Cytomax for extra electrolytes Saline Protein bars and candy Waterproof matches/lighter Extra dog food Non-perishable dog treats Water – 8 oz. per hour per dog Plastic bags Pocket knife Blanket – use for shelter Towels (2) – use one as bedding and second to wash or cool dog Lightweight nylon tarp or poncho – use in certain weather conditions Muzzle and extra leash for restraint Plastic dropper - 1ml Mirror Moleskin - prevents blisters and hot spots Stethoscope – use to monitor dog’s heart rate Alcohol pads Liquid alcohol Tongue depressors Pen light/light sticks Pencil and paper – use if you suspect poisoning (take note of what your dog ate and head back to the car; call your vet or animal poison control center) Needle and thread Seasonal items Spring/summer supplies Additional water/electrolytes Thermometer – used to observe rising temperature above 104 degrees F and possible heat stroke: remove from sun; apply wet towels on head, chest, abdomen and feet; let stand in water; avoid icy water) Sunscreen (use on the dog's nose, too) Instant ice packs Precontact poison oak spray Thermal bag - to prevent overheating of ointments, pills, sprays Fall/winter supplies Instant warm packs – use to treat frostbite Extra blankets - use for warmth, and treating hypothermia (if dog's body temperature drops below 95 deg F, shelter dog from cold; wrap with towel; hold close to you body) Duct tape (equipment failure and bootie repair) USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435 American Veterinary Association: (800) 248-2862.   Copyright 2010 California Karelians San Diego, California