Items to keep in your puppy first aid kit

Our puppies can get into scrapes and become poorly just like we can, so it is best to be prepared with a doggy first aid kit. The team at Joii want to help you create a kit tailored to your pup, so here’s what you need.  

Puppy first aid kit 

It is a good idea to put together, or purchase, a first aid kit with the items needed to fix minor injuries in your puppy. If you go on adventures with your pooch, it might be a good idea to keep a smaller kit in your car, or bag, in case you need to provide care while on the go. 

What do you need in a puppy first aid kit? 

Great products to have in your doggie first aid kit include: 

Water 

Water can be used to wash out dirty wounds before using an antibacterial wound cleaner. It is recommended to use warm water; however, this is not always realistic when out and about, water at room temperature would be better than not rinsing a wound at all. 

An antibacterial wound cleaner 

Pet specific antiseptic wipes, gels or sprays will help disinfect your puppy’s wound and prevent it from getting infected.   

A soft flexible tipped thermometer  

If your puppy seems unwell and you have a thermometer at home, the veterinary team at Joii will be able to guide you on how to take your puppy’s temperature and the best course of action for your pup. 

Basic bandage material 

This can be used to help stem any bleeding once the wound has been cleaned, or to cover the area while you seek help.   

Dog probiotics 

As you may have already found, puppies like to lick and nibble at everything, so they often get digestive upsets. It is best to have special dog probiotics at home to help with loose poo and make your pup feel better again. If they do have any toilet accidents in the house, specific cleaning sprays should be used to help clear up the mess and prevent your puppy from having an accident in the same place again. 

Breed-specific first aid equipment   

Having a kit tailored to your dog’s breed means that everything inside is perfect for your pooch and will help you provide the care they need, when they need it.  

Dogs with longer hair 

If your pup has long hair, particularly around their feet and ears, they are more likely to run into problems with grass seeds. Joii recommends that you have a good pair of tweezers and scissors in your kit, just in case.  

Brachycephalic dogs  

Dogs like Pugs, French bulldogs and Boxers are more likely to get into bother with their larger eyes compared to other dogs, so Joii says you should ensure you have a good doggy eyewash to hand. 

Lurchers and Greyhounds 

Lurchers and Greyhounds have thinner skin  so are more likely to suffer from cuts and wounds. Because of this, Joii recommends that you have some strong self-sticking bandages in your kit. 

Once you have given your pet the first aid they need, call Joii, or take them to your vet for a check-up as soon as possible. 

Conditioning your puppy to being examined 

It’s important that your dog is used to being handled, so that if they do get ill or are involved in an accident, it’s easier to treat them. Doing this when they’re young will allow you and your vet to easily examine them.  

Make sure you check their eyes, ears, mouth, paws, nails and other parts of their body while they’re young, so they’re used to having it done. The Joii nursing team can help explain how to do this over a video call, free for Animal Friends customers with dogs or cats. 

Remember, if you have any concerns about your puppy you can speak to a vet any time, day or night, through the Joii app. This service is also free if you’re an Animal Friends dog or cat insurance policyholder.