Pet First Aid Kits

Whether it’s kept at home or packaged up for use on the go, a pet first aid kit is a great idea to have for whenever your furry friend gets a minor scrape or to use during an emergency. Read below to learn what you should put in your pet first aid kit.

When you put together a kit from this list, remember that a first aid kit is never intended to replace a professional physician’s care for either people or animals. Consult your vet before caring for a wound yourself and before using some items in this list that are intended only for emergency situations. It is also a great idea to look for classes about pet first aid in order to better use the equipment when it’s needed.

When you put together a first aid kit, you should first consider the most common and likely injuries your pet may obtain. Also consider your individual pet’s health concerns. These include chronic injuries that may come up at inopportune times, ongoing medical conditions they currently have, and the medications they need.

This list should be a good starting point for most pet first aid kits:

Bandages -Multiple types of bandages including a gauze, bandage tapes, VetWrap, non-stick sterile pads, and even duct tape to help secure a potential splint. Supply of your pet’s medications Tweezers -also consider getting a specialty tick remover. Extra leash, collar, and muzzle -Injured pets can be hard to control. A bottle of saline -for cleaning wounds or flushing eyes Clean towels and rags Syringe -to inject medication into pet’s mouth. Old credit card– to scrap away bee and insect stingers. Activated charcoal -can help in certain poisonings and toxicities – never use this without first checking with your veterinarian or animal poison control. Bandage scissors -these have a rounded or blunted tip to prevent cutting the skin. Benadryl -check with your veterinarian for the recommended dose and if appropriate for your pet. Digital thermometer Emergency blankets Emergency numbers -Write your veterinarian, animal poison control, and local animal emergency hospital numbers on the kit itself and in a slip of paper inside. First aid manual Battery powered hair trimmer -for trimming fur around wounds. Flashlight or penlight 3% Hydrogen Peroxide -can be used to induce vomiting in certain situations – never induce vomiting without first speaking with your veterinarian or animal poison control. Ice packs (keep ready and cooled for use in emergency situations like overheating or to be used to control swelling Vaseline or triple antibiotic cream