17 items for a basic first aid kit (and when to use them)

The last thing pet parents want is to see their furry family members in pain, but accidents and emergencies happen. In the heat of the moment, it can be difficult to know what to do. A pet first aid kit can help you stay prepared in an emergency.

Familiarizing yourself with the basic cat or dog first aid items and when to use them can save your furry friend’s life. Here are some great items to add to your first aid kit.

Having the right tools in an emergency can make all the difference. Here’s a list we created with the help of this AVMA article Trusted Source American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Not-for-profit organization representing 97,000+ vets. Go to source to stock up your kit.

Phone numbers

Have on hand the Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435 Trusted Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing cruelty to animals. Go to source , 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 you may need the help of others.

Leash and collar

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.

Gauze pads

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.

Syringe

These 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.

Towels and non-stick bandages

These can help protect wounds and slow down or stop bleeding. Non-stick bandages won’t stick to your dog’s fur. In stressful times, towels also help keep your pet warm and feel comforted and can be useful in cleaning up messes.

Adhesive medical tape

Dog-safe medical tape can help keep bandages in place on your dog’s fur or skin. This helps protect wounds from staying open, your dog licking at them, or causing more trauma to them, overall making your pet more comfortable.

Tweezers

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.

Scissors

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

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.

Magnifying glass and flashlight

A magnifying glass and flashlight can help you easily see cuts, wounds, or the cause of an injury. It can be especially more difficult to see in areas between the paws, on the chest, under the armpits, or in the ears.

Digital thermometer and lubrication

Make sure you have a thermometer that will read high enough for your pet. A pet’s temperature is taken rectally, so you’ll want to make sure you have some lubricant on hand too. Dogs’ and cats’ normal body temperatures are ​​between 101.0 to 102.5°F Trusted Source VCA Hospitals Community of veterinarians with up-to-date veterinary information. Go to source . If their temperature goes below 99°F or above 104°F, you’ll want to take them to the vet immediately.

Rubber gloves

Rubber gloves can help protect your hands when cleaning wounds or caring for them. If there’s a lot of mess, you’ll be glad you don’t have to touch it with your bare hands. They’ll also help maintain hygiene around wounds and protect your pet from infection.

Stretcher

If you have a pet that’s unable to move, sick, or injured, you can create a makeshift stretcher using a board, blankets, sheets, or mat to move your pet safely.

Muzzle

Muzzle your 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.

Milk of magnesia, activated charcoal, hydrogen peroxide (3%)

If your dog ingests a toxin or poison, milk of magnesia and activated charcoal can help absorb it. Aside from an antiseptic, hydrogen peroxide can also be used to induce vomiting. Contact poison control and/or your veterinarian before you try to induce vomiting or treatment for poisoning.

Antibiotic spray or cream

Some sort of antibiotic spray or cream can help create a barrier, preventing bacteria from entering a wound, which could lead to an infection. Sprays are a quick way to do this, especially in an emergency situation where you need to act fast.

Travel bowls

If your dog is overheated, dehydrated, or needs food, foldable travel bowls are great to have on hand with your first-aid kit. 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.