Preparing a first aid kit may save your pet’s life one day. . Here’s what to pack in yours.
A comprehensive first aid kit for pets includes tools like bandages and syringes, and also contains information such as medical records. This valuable information may be critical in the event you need to go to an emergency vet or you become separated from your pet.
It’s a good idea to pack a first aid kit in anticipation of several different types of emergencies, from cuts or burns to national disasters so you’re all set if the occasion arises. Here are some ideas to help you get packing.
Having the right tools in an emergency can make all the difference. While you can buy a commercially packaged pet first aid kit, building your own allows you to customize it to anticipate your pet’s needs and replace any expired medications where necessary.
🚨 Never give over-the-counter medications meant for humans to your pets. From toxic ingredients to dangerous dosages, human medicines can be deadly to cats and dogs.
Here’s a list we created with the help of this AVMA article to stock up your kit.
Have on hand the Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435 , the Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661, and an emergency veterinary clinic phone number near you. If there is an animal ambulance service near you, add their number, too. Transporting large injured animals is difficult and may require help.
Identifiers and medical records
Hopefully your pet’s name and your phone number are already engraved on a tag on their collar. However, as an added protection, it’s a good idea to include information such as a photo of your pet with their name and your name and number in their first aid kit so that they’re easily identified in the event you’re separated. For example, if you’re unconscious in a car accident, EMS responders may find your pet’s information and help them receive any care they need, too.
Medical records may also be useful for emergencies, especially if they list any current medications your pet is taking.
In emergencies, having a spare leash and collar can really come in handy. Depending on the situation, this can help you control your dog if you need to do first aid or lead them if you need to go somewhere. Most of us may not have an extra leash lying around, so having one in your first aid kit can be a relief if your dog is stressed or in case of a natural disaster.
Muzzle your injured pet if they’re not vomiting. Animals can become fearful and defensive when injured or not feeling well, so this prioritizes the safety of others around you. If someone starts touching a painful area, your dog may inadvertently snap. You can also use gauze to create a makeshift muzzle in an emergency.
Packing at least one spare meal, water, and a small baggie of treats is a good idea whenever you hit the road with your pet. You never know when the emergency may involve your car breaking down on the side of the road, or you could even get stranded on a hike if you or your pet become injured. Include a couple doses of any current medications they’re taking as well.
Gauze can absorb fluids and help reduce bleeding. It can be used for scrapes, burns, and cuts, and to apply ointments or other cleaning solutions. Gauze can also act as the base for bandages to wrap and secure wounds.
Syringes are a great multi-use tool for giving medicine or cleaning wounds. If you need to give your dog a certain dosage of medication, a syringe without a needle is an accurate and easy way to do so. They also allow you to flush wounds by targeting them more precisely.
These can help protect wounds and slow down or stop bleeding. Non-stick bandages work best because they won’t cling to your dog’s fur, which could cause discomfort when you remove them. In stressful times, towels also help keep your pet warm and feel comforted and can be used to clean up messes.
Dog-safe medical tape can help keep bandages in place on your dog’s fur or skin. They also protect wounds from staying open, your dog licking at them, or incidents that could cause more trauma to the affected area..
These will probably come in handy when you least expect them. They’re great for removing thorns, glass, ticks, and more. If your dog has an embedded object or piece of material under their skin, you’ll be glad you have these.
Blunt-tip scissors help ensure bandages and other materials are the right size to care for wounds safely and accurately. If you need to remove any dressing, bandages, or hair around wounds, blunt-tip scissors can help you do so without the risk of cutting your pet.
Cotton balls are perfect for cleaning injuries. They can also help in applying creams, absorbing blood and fluids, and removing debris. They can also reach areas that may be harder to clean, like the eyes, ears, and in-between paw pads.
A magnifying glass and flashlight can help you easily see cuts, wounds, or the cause of an injury. They can be especially helpful when pinpointing problems sin between the paws, on the chest, under the armpits, or in the ears.
Make sure you have a pet thermometer. If it’s a rectal thermometerhave some lubricant on hand too. Dogs’ and cats’ normal body temperatures are between 99.5 to 102.5°F . If their temperature goes below 99°F or above 104°F, you’ll want to take them to the vet immediately.
Rubber gloves can help protect your hands when cleaning or caring for wounds. They also assist in keeping the wound clean, protecting your pet from infection.
If you have a pet that’s unable to move or issick, or injured, you can create a makeshift stretcher using a board, blankets, sheets, or mat to move your pet safely.
If your dog ingests a toxin or poison, activated charcoal can help absorb it.
You may also want to include hydrogen peroxide in your kit because it can be used as an antiseptic and as an agent to induce vomiting. However, always contact poison controlor your veterinarian before you try to induce vomiting or begin treatment for poisoning.
“Hydrogen peroxide should only be used under vet guidance and never in cats,” says Dr. Cahn. “Taking a pet to ER for them to induce vomiting is much safer, as hydrogen peroxide can have significant side effects like stomach ulcers.”
🚨 Never administer hydrogen peroxide to cats. The acid may irritate their delicate digestive tracts.
Antibiotic sprays or creams create a barrier, preventing bacteria from entering a wound and risking an infection. Sprays work best in an emergency situation where you need to act fast.
A saline solution helps safely flush wounds. You can pack a pre-mixed solution or make your own with two cups of water and a teaspoon of plain Epsom salt.
If your dog is overheated, dehydrated, or needs food, foldable travel bowls are great to have on hand. You never know when you might need one.
👉 Check the inventory on your kit every few months to make sure items aren’t expired.
Accidents and emergencies can happen at any time. Preparing a dog first aid kit and knowing how and when to use it can give you peace of mind if an emergency does happen. Whether you’re home or traveling, basic first aid supplies can help you stabilize injuries until you can get to a vet.
A dog first aid kit should include supplies such as emergency hotline numbers, a leash and collar, gauze, towels, non-stick bandages, medical tape, rubber gloves, and antibiotic wound spray.
If your dog is unresponsive, check for breathing and a heartbeat. If you don’t see normal chest movement, gently open the mouth and look for any obstruction, removing it only if it’s easily reachable. Lay your dog on their side and extend the head and neck to open the airway without overextending.
If the dog has no heartbeat and is not breathing, begin CPR. Hold the mouth closed, place your mouth over the nose, and give one breath every 2–3 seconds, watching for the chest to rise. If the chest doesn’t rise, reposition the head and try again. Alternate 30 chest compressions with 2 rescue breaths, continuing at a rate of about 100–120 compressions per minute. Keep this going until the dog breathes on their own or you arrive at a veterinary clinic. Always seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
A pet disaster preparedness kit can include your first aid kit along with their current medications, photos of your pet, food, water, info on medical conditions, and a bed or toys. If you have a cat, be sure to include a litterbox and litter, too.
A pet first aid kit is a great idea to have. It can be helpful during a natural disaster, camping, vacationing, or anytime you’re away from home.
Check your first aid kit every six months to make sure nothing has expired or needs to be replaced.
