Having a complete pet first aid kit is an important step to ensure the safety and well-being of your pet in case of a serious emergency or a simple cut or scrape. Be certain that your kit accompanies you and your pet on trips to the dog park, campgrounds, and family road trips so you always have the items readily available no matter where you may be. Always inform your pet sitters and family members where the kit is stored so they can be prepared to care for your pet should an emergency arise.
All of the following items can be picked up in one trip to the drug store or ordered online as a complete kit:
Important Phone Numbers
Add the following numbers to your phone’s contacts and write them on an index card that can be stored in your kit:
ASPCA Poison Control Center: 888-426-4435
Your Veterinarian include address and phone number
Local 24/7 Emergency Pet Hospitals
Pet Identification & Vaccination Record
Quick access to these important records are essential should your pet need to be seen by emergency pet hospital personnel or should you need to refer to them when calling poison control.
Pet First Aid Guide
A quick reference guide with specific directions on how to properly use the items in your kit.
Medications
Consult your vet about proper doses of medications for your pet and write them on each box.
Aspirin Tablets
Benadryl
Anti-diarrheal (Loperamide)
Anti-Nausea/Motion Sickness (may need to get from vet)
Burn Gel (with Lidocaine)
Neosporin
Antiseptic Wipes
Betadine Antiseptic Solution
Sting Relief Pads (Benzocaine)
Hydrogen Peroxide (helps induce vomiting if pet ingested something poisonous)
Eye Wash
Eye wash can help alleviate irritation and flush away dirt and debris.
Ear Wash
Ear wash flushes debris trapped within the canal that may lead to infection if not removed.
Tweezers
Tweezers are handy for removing splinters, burrs, ticks, and other hard to grasp irritants that may attach to your pet’s skin.
Tongue Depressor
These are a great tool to use when examining your pet’s mouth.
Digital Thermometer & Lubricant
The most reliable way to obtain your pet’s temperature is rectally, which is why lubricant is important for the comfort of your pet. Note that dogs and cats have a temperature range that is higher than humans. Normal body temperature for dogs is 101-102.5 and for cats 100.4-102.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
Instant Cold Packs
Certain injuries require cold compresses to help reduce inflammation and relieve pain, such as bee stings, sprains, and strains. Always place a buffer, such as a towel, between the cold pack and your pet’s skin to avoid cold-induced skin damage.
Sterile Rolled Gauze and NON-STICK Pads (2 x 2, 4 x 4)
Gauze and pads are useful when cleaning out a wound and are also the first layer when covering and bandaging wounds. Only use a non-stick pad next to the wound before loosely wrapping with a gauze bandage.
Adhesive and Elastic Tape
Tape assists in holding the bandage in place.
Self-adhering Bandage Wrap
This is used as the outer layer when creating a bandage to help keep the sterile bandage in place.
Q-Tip Swabs (sterile if possible)
Another great tool when cleaning out wounds.
Splints
Splints are important to immobilize a pet's injured limb during transport to the vet or emergency facility. Homemade splints can be made out of pieces of cardboard or rolled up newspapers and magazines. A pencil, small ruler, or tongue depressor are all possible choices for smaller dogs and cats.
Stainless Steel Scissors
Scissors come in handy when cutting off bandages and creating splints.
Exam Gloves
Wearing gloves will help minimize the risk of infection to the wound site.
Children’s Socks
A pair of size-appropriate, children's socks are the perfect solution to cover a wounded paw.
BlanketS
A mylar emergency blanket or soft, thick blanket are useful for keeping your pet warm if they've sustained an injury outside in the cold and/or rain.
Syringes
Syringes assist in administering medications into your pet’s mouth or flushing a wound. At some point, you may have received these from your vet to administer meds.. be sure to keep them for your kit!
Odor Remover (De-Skunking)
1 qt 3% hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 C baking soda, 1 tsp dish soap, access to plenty of running water (hose) for rinsing. Leave solution on for 5-minutes and then shampoo. Note: Do not make this solution ahead of time, it must be prepared and then used immediately!
A Sturdy Container
A duffle bag, plastic bin, or tackle box are options to contain your first aid items.