However much care and attention you give to your dog, accidents do happen. Just as with ourselves, having a well-stocked first aid kit at the ready will help you deal with an emergency.

What to put in your kit

• The phone number of your veterinary practice, including the out of hours contact details (ask your vet for this). If your dog has an accident, you don't want to waste precious minutes looking for the phone number.
• Details of any medical conditions your dog has or any medications he/she is taking as it can be difficult to remember this in an emergency situation.
• Blunt-ended scissors.
• Tweezers.
• Cotton wool.
• Bandages (2.5cm and 5cm wide) - you can ask your vet for these as products designed for dogs are more suitable than human products.
• Gauze rolls and pads.
• Adhesive tape.
• A silver nitrate pencil (in case of bleeding nails).
• An old towel or blanket.
• Baby wipes.
• Petroleum jelly (e.g. Vaseline).

It's also a wise idea to prepare a supplementary kit to keep in your car's glove compartment. Although being prepared is a great idea, remember you must consult your vet if you have any concerns about your dog.