Before your dog encounters an emergency, maybe as dog owner you should consider learning a little about dog first aid. Pet supply stores will often sell dog first aid kits, but here are a few tips on how to make your own kit or supplement the one you bough from the pet store.

Even if your dog has never bitten anyone before, you should always keep a muzzle in your dog first aid kit. Muzzles come in all different sizes and can be purchased from most pet stores. A muzzle will not only protect you, if the need arises, but it will prevent your dog from making a problemw orse by chewing or licking a wound.

All dog first aid kits should be stocked with a bottle of peroxide, saline eye wash, artificial tears, sterile pads, bandages, scissors, benadryl, pepto bismol, a rectal thermometer and a pair of tweezers. Dog first aid kits purchased from a pet store may not contain all of these items.

Hydrogen peroxide is important in dog first aid in case you need to induce vomiting. This decision should never be made on your own as some toxins can be more harmful if vomited. Keep a veterinary poison control number in your dog first aid kit in case of emergency.

Always keep your dog first aid kit in a specific place and make sure that everyone in your family knows it's location. Dog first aid classes are also given by the Red Cross as well as some pet supplies stores. This may be a good idea to attend one and learn about doggie CPR as well as other life saving methods on offer.