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The following is a list of the things that I carry in my first aid kit. Rarely have I needed more than what’s listed below. If I have needed more than this, I would have pack up and head for the nearest veterinary facility. Bird dogs are faced with many perils in the field, so it’s very important to carry a field first aid kit and know a few basic dog first aid procedures. Another important thing is to have a veterinarian that understands field dogs and the rigors that they are challenged with in the field. Have your veterinarian help you get a good first aid kit together for this fall.(5) Clavamox (antibiotics): A good all around antibiotic for cuts and infections, etc. 250 mg for a 40 lbs dog twice daily for 7 to 10 days is a typical dosage.
(6) Metronidazole (antibiotic): Great drug for treating Giardia and general; diarrhea. The dosage is about 25 mg/kg or 500 mg per 45 lbs of dog twice daily for 8 days. Don’t leave home without it!
(7) Ear cleaner or wash: Any one will do the job.
(8) Benadryl: For allergic reactions. The dosage is 1 to 2 mg per lbs of bird dog or one OTC capsule per 25 pounds every 8 to 12 hours as needed for allergic reaction.
(9) EMT Gel
(10) Rimadyl or other dog approved NSAID: For swelling or pain. Rimadyl is giving at 1 mg per lbs twice daily as needed.
(11) Syringes of various sizes: I like the 12 cc curved tip one for cleaning out debris from wounds. A 12 cc syringe with a needle can give enough force to clean out a wound. You may want some 3 cc ones for injectible Lidocaine (2%) if you’re gonna suture some wounds. Can use a plastic case from a 20 gauge syringe for tip of the tail protectors…especially for you pointer people.
(12) Gauze or store bought Muzzle: To prevent being bit by an injured dog. Learn how to make a gauze muzzle…it’s easy and can prevent unnecessary harm to you!
(13) Bandage Material: Vet wrap, Elastikon, Telfa pads or other non-adhesive dressings, gauze and cotton padding for support wrap. I always carry duct tape! 4 X 4 gauze is also very handy to have around.
(14) Dog Boots and Athletic padding and Zonas tape: These also work well for wraps of the feet.
(15) Lidocaine (2%) injectible…if you’re gonna suture wounds.
(16) Cotton Tip Applicators: Q-Tips work fine. These can be used to help remove things (grass awns, fox tails, etc) from the eyes.
(17) Kaopectate: Works very well for diarrhea. I usually give 10 ml every 6 to 8 hours to an average sized dog.
(18) Suture Material and Stapler: I use Nylon to suture most skin lacerations. A stapler is a very effective method for closing up skin gashes. I would clip the hair around the wound and flush it using a curved tip syringe or a syringe with a needle prior to stapling it.
(19) NutriCal Gel: This is an excellent, quick source of calories for a working bird dog. You can order this from Foster’s and Smith’s. I always have a few tubes in my pack.
(20) Proparacaine Ophthalmic Topical Eye Drops: This is for numbing the eye if you need to remove a foreign object.
(21) Tuff Pad or Copper Tox: This will help cut pads and protect the feet.
(22) Needle Holders for suturing wounds.
(23) Hemostats or Leatherman Tool: For quill or Cactus needle removal.
(24) Digital thermometer (Normal Dog’s Temp is 100 to 102.8 degrees F).
(25) A good dog brush.
(26) Space Blanket
(27) Tissue Forceps (Tweezers)
(28) Matches
(29) Head lamp or other light source.
(30) A good dog First Aid Book (www.amazon.com/)
(31) I always have some cans of Hill’s i/d for GI upset because it seems like my dogs always get into things while we’re hunting in the middle of no where!
Upland Ways 
>Shawn: First lost my harddrive and your email. Please send it to me.Second, what is the shelf life, non-refrigerated of the drugs/ointments on your list?Third, most vets won’t sell you the items. Would you package a kit and sell to me?Dale
>Shawn: thanks for posting this… as ever, it’s always good to get a professional’s opinion on what makes sense.Related to Dale’s question, though: would you alter any of these prescription suggestions for non-trained folks, ie. those of us who aren’t trained vets?bestA+M+M+J
>Andrew…to answer your question, I wouldn’t alter the Rx suggestions because these meds are good for pain, infections and diarrhea which are the common things I see in the field. I’d teach/educate an owner on when and how to use them!
>Dr Shawn, thanks for posting this. I just finished my kit. It all fits in a plastic tool (tackle) box I got from Home Depot for $7. There is also room for game shears, E-collar stuff, moleskin, etc. I wonder how many dogs you will have saved by sharing this information with all of us?Tom Harris
>This is excellent information — but I have heard that the new formulas of Kaopectate (and Pepto Bismol) contain bismuth sub-salicylates which can be a problem both in that the salicylates thin blood and can promote bleeding and also in that bismuth is commonly associated with and substitutes isomorphously for lead.The old forumlas contained apple pectin and attapulgite or kaolinite clays.We use the old-fashioned kaolin-pectin. Cheap and pretty easy to find.Are potential problems associated with veterinary use of kaopectate and peptobismol over blown?
>smartdogs…thanks for the comments. I’ve used Pepto for years and seen other old timers use it with out any side effects noted at all! I think the potential problems are there in theory! I use Kaopectate quite often on my own dogs, and I’ve never had a problem!
>Wow! Nice work on this blog. keep it up. very informative! I am going to add you to my links on my blog if that is ok.
>ShawnThanks for the thoughtful list. Much appreciated. I have most of the eye, foot, body wound stuff covered. I would like to add an injectable anti-biotic for after care of wounds, and a stapler (recommend one?). Do you recommend any tranquilizers to help calm and injured dog?I already carry injectable benedryl for rapid treatment of snake bites.My dogs are all innoculated with RRB rattlesnake vaccine, as well.
>That is super helpful. Something to think about getting together over the summer. And a nice distraction from the long empty days…