This  well-stocked first aid kit measures: 
13in. (33cm) l. x 8in. (20cm) w. x 8in. (20cm) h.    photo: Hamilton

It's in the Bag 

by Mark Hamilton

Sue and I have multiple dog first aid kits. Our preference is to have one on each sled when we're running. We have one in our house in addition to our well-stocked first aid cabinet in the "dog pantry". Having an easily portable first aid kit in the house allows us to quickly take supplies out to a dog in the kennel rather than having to bring the dog into the house. 

Our first aid kits are not commercially pre-assembled products. We make them up ourselves, so they contain exactly the things we want to have immediately available. One of the hardest things about putting together a first aid kit is getting something suitable to serve as a case. We've found that a medium sized camera bag works well for us. These soft-sided and multi-pocketed bags are made so that the main compartment can be divided into sections. They have a number of additional smaller zippered pouches around the outside of the main compartment. They're padded, have convenient carry handles, are water resistant and often made of durable cordura nylon. These days they often show up reasonably priced at close-out stores.

Got a tip you'd like to share? Email it to mail@thefanhitch.org or snail-mail it to Mark Hamilton, 55 Town Line Road, Harwinton, CT 06791, USA.