You never know when there might be an accident or emergency could arise that might affect your pet. For this reason, it’s an excellent idea to have a pet-specific first-aid kit on-hand. That way, you can quickly respond to anything that comes up. If you already have a pet first-aid kit, then you should double-check it to make sure that you have everything you need and that nothing inside it has expired.
The following are must-have items that you should put in your pet first-aid kit, which should be an easily transportable container.
Paperwork
Paperwork, including medical records, microchip information, and vaccination history, is a must for any pet first-aid kit. This is because any new vet you take your pet to will need to see their paperwork in order to provide the best possible care for your pet. Having hard copies is important if you are traveling with your pet or in the event that an emergency occurs and you don’t have power or access to your phone.
Emergency Contact Numbers
It’s also a good idea to include emergency contact numbers in case you’re in a situation in which you’re without your phone. These emergency contacts might include the phone number for your pet’s veterinarian and a local 24-hour emergency clinic. You should also have the animal poison control number on-hand.
Tip
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year for any animal poison-related emergency. Call them at (888) 426-4435 for suspected poisonous substance ingestion.
Collapsible Bowls
Collapsible bowls can come in handy for both emergency and non-emergency situations. You never know when you’re going to need to give your pet food or water. This is especially true if you’re traveling or if you’re visiting family or friends. A collapsible water bowl can also be used to mix disinfectants like chlorhexidine in the event you need to care for a wound.
Look for a bowl that is 100% BPA-free, FDA approved, and dishwasher safe. The following are good options:
- SLSON Collapsible Dog Bowl
- SLSON Collapsible Dog Bowls with Cover Lids
- Rest-Eazzzy Expandable Dog Bowls
Food, Treats, and Water
You should also keep some food and water in the first-aid kit, as well as some treats for your pet. That way, you’ve got some on hand, just in case. Keeping your pet well-fed and well-watered is part of keeping your pet healthy.
As with all the perishable items in your pet’s first aid kit, you should check periodically to replace any items that have passed their expiration date.
Tip
Do not feed pets who are vomiting, seizing, or who are unable to swallow.
Medications
If your pet has any medications, either prescribed or over-the-counter, it’s a good idea to have extra on-hand in your first-aid kit. You never know when you might not have access to your normal supply.
Wound Care Supplies
If your pet gets injured, you’ll want to be able to clean and dress the wound as well as you can before taking your pet to the vet. This means you’ll need gauze, scissors, and tape. The gauze can be used for bandaging a wound and stopping bleeding, but it can also be multi-purpose. It can help to splint a limb or even work as a makeshift muzzle in a pinch. The scissors are for cutting the gauze to the length that you need and the tape for keeping it in place.
Antibiotic ointment is good to have on hand to treat cuts and scratches. You’ll want to make sure that your pet doesn’t get an infection. It’s also a good idea to have hydrogen peroxide. It can be used to clean out wounds to prevent infection and may also help to induce vomiting if your pet has eaten something they shouldn’t. Don’t try to induce vomiting without talking to a vet or to poison control.
Other supplies you may want to include in your pet’s first aid kit include:
- Tweezers
- Syringes
- Sterile saline eyewash and eye lubrication
- Ear cleaning solution
- Penlight or flashlight
Wet Wipes
You never know when you’ll have a pet mess to clean up. Wet wipes or another type of grooming wipe can be helpful in cleaning up any bathroom messes that your pet may make as well as cleaning up your pet.
Disposable Gloves
If your pet is injured and has an open wound you’ll want to have disposable gloves on hand. Using disposable gloves while providing minor first aid to your pet can help to keep the area clean and reduce the risk of infection.
Comfort Items
In an emergency, your pet may not be the calmest. Having a blanket or a towel that you can wrap them in may help you to calm your pet down. Additionally, having a toy or other comfort item that your pet will love can also help to keep your pet happy and calm.
Extra Collar & Leash
It’s a good idea to have an extra collar with identification and contact information available. If you have a dog, an extra leash and some spare poop bags can also be very useful.
Muzzle
Even if your pet doesn’t typically need a muzzle, a muzzle may be necessary during wound treatment. This is because pets may lash out when they’re in pain, even towards their owners. The best type of muzzle is one that prevents the pet from biting you but also allows the pet to easily breathe. A muzzle with a basket weave is the best type because it allows for the free flow of air while also stopping your pet from biting you or anything else.
How Large Should a Pet First Aid Kit Be?
A pet first aid kit should be easily portable in case of an emergency. While you can keep a smaller first aid kit for your pet that can easily fit into your purse or backpack, your dog’s age and lifestyle may require a larger back to store necessary supplies. An emergency first aid kit that accounts for natural disasters and other emergencies customized to your location may include larger items like a week’s worth of pet food and a collapsible litter box if you have a cat.
Your pet first aid kit, however, doesn’t need to be that extensive if you are using it for minor medical treatment.
Can I Purchase a Premade Pet First Aid Kit?
Buying a pre-made pet first-aid kit can be a quick and easy way to gather many of the basic supplies you’ll need. However, it’s a good idea to personalize the first-aid kit by adding items that your pet, in particular, may need, such as paperwork, medications, treats, comfort items, and more.
The following are some recommended pre-made pet first-aid kits. Be sure to shop through smile.amazon.com so that you can support your preferred charity, including many excellent pet-related charities.
- Arca Dog and Cat First Aid Kit
- Adventure Medical Kits Dog Series
- Pet First Aid Kit with LED Safety Collar
- Kurgo First Aid Kit for Dogs and Cats
Your pet’s first aid kit should not act as the main form of treatment in the event your pet is injured or becomes sick. While a first aid kit can help you treat your pet while organizing medical care, you should always contact your veterinarian in the event of an emergency.
