Be prepared: Why you need a first aid kit for your dog

April has been deemed National Pet First Aid Awareness Month by the American Red Cross.

As the weather warms and outdoor adventures with your dog become commonplace, it is the perfect time to make sure you have the supplies and information needed should an unexpected medical situation occur while you and Fido are away from home.

Just as you have a first aid kit for the human members of your family, you should have a first aid kit for the furry member of your family, too.

First, keep a written list of important phone numbers - your veterinarian, a 24-hour emergency clinic recommended by your veterinarian and the National Animal Poison Control Center.

Also, don't trust you will be able to remember the medications and supplements your dog takes regularly. Instead, keep a list of these and his vaccine records in the first aid kit, too.

Gauze is a must in a first aid kit. It is often used to control bleeding and dress a wound, but can also be used to make a temporary muzzle (if there isn't one in your kit because you never thought your dog would need one). Medical tape holds gauze in place and can also be used to fashion a makeshift splint.

Antiseptics are used to clean wounds. And antibiotic ointment should be applied after cleaning a wound to prevent infection in small scrapes, cuts or scratches.

It is important to make an appointment for Fido to see a veterinarian so a small wound doesn't become infected and turn into a big problem. Of course, pets with large wounds should see a veterinarian as soon as possible in case stitches are required.

A pair of scissors is essential. They may be called into service to cut gauze, tape, a shirt to make bandages or even fur from around a wound.

Disposable medical gloves are important to protect yourself and your dog from infection.

A digital thermometer will reveal if Fido is too hot or too cold.

An old towel or blanket has a multitude of uses. Of course, it can be put on the ground for you both to sit on, but it can also be used to warm a cold dog, to calm a scared dog by wrapping it firmly around him or to dry a wet dog.

Include bottled water and a travel water dish in the first aid kit. Foldable, collapsible water dishes take up little room but come in very handy on long hikes.

An extra roll of poop bags and a package of baby wipes might not seem like items typically found in a first aid kit, but you will be happy to have them if you run out of poop bags halfway through your walk in the woods.

Baby wipes can be used to clean muddy paws or dirty fur before he gets back in the car. They also can be used to clean eyes and ears or to wipe blood away from a wound.

If your dog bites (or threatens to bite) when scared or injured, a muzzle is crucial.

Tweezers can be used to pull thorns or splinters from a dog's paws or nose. If you can't remove an object, see your veterinarian as soon as possible. A tick removal device can help you remove ticks before they can begin to feed on your pup.

Hopefully, you will never need most items in your first aid kit, but it is best to be prepared just in case.

• Diana Stoll is the Practice Manager at Red Barn Animal Hospital with locations in Hampshire and Gilberts. Visit the website at redbarnpetvet.com/ or call (847) 683-4788 (Hampshire) or (847) 426-1000 (Gilberts).