First Aid Kit info:

In the tragic event that a K9 sustains an injury in the line of duty and the handler now serves as first responder for their working dog, the first aid supplies that are on hand are critical.  They need a comprehensive kit to minimize harm or give their K9 the best possible chance at survival until emergency medical attention can be reached.  The kit highly recommended by police handlers is the BUDDY BAG, provided by the K9 Defender Fund* for $250.00.

The BUDDY BAG is equipped with all of its contents designed specifically for a dog’s needs.  The main feature of the BUDDY BAG is a specialized breathing apparatus that is formed to fit any dog’s muzzle.  The specialized cone-shaped oxygen mask allows for a secure fit on the dog’s face.  K9s may also receive burns through the course of an explosion, fire or accident; therefore specialized burn sheets, bandages, rinsing saline and protective restraints are also included in the BUDDY BAG. 

BUDDY BAG contents:

• Elasticon bandage
• Petrolatum pads
• Bandage scissors
• Eye saline/drops
• 3x antibiotic ointment
• Side pocket #2
• Slip leashes
• Lubricating jelly
• Digital thermometer
• Cotton balls
• Ear cleaner
• Styptic powder
• WoundSeal
• Cotton applicators
• Blanket
• SAM splint
• K9 splint (leg)
• Burn sheet
• Sodium chloride saline rinse
• Collapsible water bowl
• Cold packs (2)
• Tourniquet
• Muzzle
• K9 oxygen mask
• BVM bag or K9 trach tube

The K9 Defender Fund also provides Naloxone (Narcan) Reversal Kits for $75.00 per dose. The Reversal Kit includes a prefilled syringe of Naloxone, along with a nasal atomizer and NarCase for storage.

Why do police K9s need this opioid reversal drug?  Narcotics detection K9s are not looking for drugs with their eyes and feeling with their fingers; they are literally breathing it in and inhaling it.  (Not to mention it can be absorbed through the pads on their paws.)  Inhaling powerful opioids can be deadly, so handlers have a new tool to protect their four-legged partners: naloxone, a drug that has already been used for years to reverse overdoses in humans.

NOTE: Narcan kits will only be dispensed to those K9 teams that currently have or are in the process of receiving a BUDDY BAG.

*The K9 Defender Fund is a unique non-profit and 501(c)(3) registered organization that is designed to aid specialized K9 Teams, who in turn provide a service or services, to the general public.  These K9 Teams are comprised within the units of: Military, Police, Fire and Search & Rescue.  The common factor that unites all of these teams is the specialized dog that stands alongside them.  Each and every one of these amazing animals, along with their partner, provides a service of protection to the general public.  

It is the goal of the K9 Defender Fund to help assist in the welfare of these specialized dogs and their handlers, by providing the essential equipment that helps assist in the team’s safety as well as allowing for the quickest means of medical response for the K9.