I’m sure most people in the states know, but perhaps those outside of the states don’t know, earlier this week there was an earthquake in the eastern US.  This is a very atypical place for earthquakes (I’ve live in this part of the country for 25 years and had never experienced an earthquake) but I guess it was time.  I’m located about 330miles from the epicenter of the quake, which wasn’t too strong in the first place (though was one of the strongest in this part of the country),  so we barely got a tremor.
I wouldn’t have even notice it had all three dogs not stood up suddenly (simultaneously), froze for a second, and then looked around intently.  At this strange behavior I looked around and noticed our hanging light fixture swinging, two pictures on the wall were slightly askew, and the water in my bottle was rippling.  It was really interesting how they reacted to the very mild vibrations in such an alert manner… not fear just focus and curiosity.  It was certainly a strange situation.
Between the earthquake and the impending hurricane (and recent injuries that have depleted my canine first aid kit), I figured a post about canine first aid kits could be very helpful.
Now, I always overstock vet-wrap and gauze because these are the items I use most frequently and run out of often.
What’s in my canine first aid kits:

• 2 rolls of guaze
• 10-15 guaze pads
• 3-4 rolls of 2″ vet wrap (okay I actually like to have 6-10 rolls hanging around)
• Quick Stop or Styptic Pencil
• Nail clippers
• Tweezers
• Small scissors
• Hydrogen Peroxide
• Alcohol prep pads
• First-aid wash (hurt free antiseptic wash)
• Canned pumpkin (not really first aid but I keep it in my first aid box)
• Gas-X (for bloat)
• 100% cotton balls
• Latex gloves
• Digital thermometers
• Syringes (no needles)
• Splinting materials–dowel, ruler, tongue depressor
• Muzzle or thin leash to fashion a muzzle.
• Instant ice pack
• Clean towels/rags
• Dawn dish-soap
• Copy of vet records

I really do try to make sure I have all of these things on hand in my home first aid kit.  My car kit is more focused on wound care but I try to keep the important pieces in both kits.
I am out of vetwrap and quick stop so you can bet I’m making a purchase ASAP for these very important items (especially considering how injury prone Shayne is!).
Don’t wait until it’s too late… the better prepared you are the better and faster you will respond to a challenge!
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