If your pet gets injured at home, do you have the necessary supplies to help? Do you have a first aid kit for your dog?
Our pets can suffer an injury (minor or major) at any moment.
Most of the time, it happens at home past the regular business hours of our routine vet or when we are nowhere near an emergency vet hospital.
Your first line of defense in any pet-related medical emergency is having the tools and supplies needed to promptly render aid to an injured pet, especially if the pet needs time-sensitive life-saving help.
As a dog mom, pet business owner, and Certified Pet First Aid & CPR instructor, I know how important it is to have a pet first aid kit with me no matter where I go.
I have a pet first aid kit at home, in my car, and I carry a mini pet first aid kit in my purse.
This post will teach you the importance of having a pet first aid kit, why you should have a pet first aid kit in your car, carrying a mini pet first aid kit on the go, how to put together a DIY Pet First Aid Kit, and purchasing a ready-to-go pet first aid kit.
This blog is about pet first aid kits.
First Aid Kits for Pets.
Why You Should Have a Pet First Aid Kit.
As mentioned before, our dogs and cats can suffer injuries anytime.
Whether it’s a minor scrape from brushing up against a rose bush or breaking their leg from a fall down the stairs, having the supplies and tools to manage these injuries is critical to have on hand.
When you take action to help your pet, even if it’s a minor wound, it’s less stressful on your pet because they are more comfortable getting help from their pet parent.
Pet First Aid Kits For Your Car.
When heading out the door to take your dog to their favorite park or taking a road trip, it’s a great idea to have a pet first aid kit along for the ride.
Having a pet first aid kit in your car gives you peace of mind that you will be prepared and ready for any injuries or emergencies, no matter where you go.
In addition, a pet first aid kit in your car gives you the supplies and tools to render aid to any dog or cat you may come across when you are on the road.
DIY Pet First Aid Kit.
Preparing for any emergency is always crucial, and there’s no better way to know you have what you need during a pet medical emergency than putting together a first aid kit for your pet.
What should be in a pet first aid kit?
There are tons of lists online of recommended supplies for a pet first aid kit, and challenging to find a list that veterinarians, pet industry professionals, and pet parents all agree upon.
Below is a list of items that I feel are the most crucial supplies to have in a pet first aid kit:
- Contact info for your current veterinary clinic and nearest 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital.
- Gauze pads
- Gauze roll
- Vet wrap
- Medical tape
- Cotton balls & Cotton swaps
- Pet-safe antibiotic ointment
- Wound spray
- Styptic powder
- Sterile saline solution
- Cold pack
- Alcohol wipes
- 3% Hydrogen Peroxide
- Benedryl
- Digital thermometer
- Soft muzzle
- Hand sanitizer
- Disposable gloves
- Tongue depressors x 2
- Medical scissors
- Flat slanted tweezers
- Disposable syringe x 2
- Mini flashlight
- Pen and notepad
- Ziploc bags
- Soft leash (4 or 6 feet)
- Washcloth
- Large bath or beach towel
- Bubble wrap
And finally a sturdy plastic bin to hold all your supplies.
Ready-to-Go Pet First Aid Kits.
If DIY isn’t your thing or you don’t have the time to shop around for supplies, consider purchasing a ready-to-go pet first aid kit.
Ready-to-go pet first aid kits have supplies and tools needed to treat and render aid to any dog or cat in need.
These kits are compact enough to store in any cabinet at home, inside your car, or carry inside your purse or backpack.
Pet first aid kits are typically available and can be purchased at Petco, Petsmart, local pet retail stores, and Amazon.
Which is the “best first aid kit for pets” is hard to answer, but I have a few that I can recommend for consideration.
The Kurgo Portable Dog First Aid Kit is considered a top-rated pet first aid kit and great for your car.
This kit has 50 pieces of supplies, three compartments to store the supplies, and comes in an easily foldable bag.
I have this pet first aid kit in my car.
Click Here to Shop Kurgo Portable Dog First Aid Kit on Amazon
The Kurgo Pet Tactical First Aid Kit is another top-rated pet first aid kit small enough to carry in a bag during a hike or hook onto a Kurgo MOLLE harness to have your pup carry during a walk.
This kit has 49 pieces of supplies, comes in a durable tactical-style mini bag to store the supplies, and is lightweight to carry around.
This a great kit to take with you on a hike, to the park, or to the beach.
The Kurgo Pet Tactical First Aid Kit is my go-to kit in my backpack when traveling or out at pet events.
Click Here to Shop Kurgo Pet Tactical First Aid Kit on Amazon
The American Pet Emergency Mini Travel Kit is a small pet first aid kit with the bare minimum to treat minor wounds for pets.
This kit has 19 pieces and comes in a small bag that you can throw in your purse or hang on a leash.
I carry a mini pet first aid kit like this in my purse for any minor mishaps my pup may sustain if we’re out running errands.
Click Here to Shop American Pet Emergency Mini Travel Kit on Amazon
Click Here to Shop Mella Home Pet Thermometer: Use Shop Code Bertha10
Can I Use First Aid Kit Supplies for My Dog?
Some but not all the supplies you find in a human first aid kit can be used to help an injured pet.
During an emergency, there’s no time to check which supplies are pet-friendly and safe for use, so it’s best to have a separate kit for your pet.
The last thing you want is not to have what you need when a pet medical emergency happens.
Check Your Pet First Aid Kit Supplies.
Don’t forget that some supplies, like Hydrogen Peroxide and antibiotic ointments, can expire.
Check the expiration dates on products and switch out any first aid supplies that are too old.
Be sure to replace used, damaged, or contaminated items like gauze pads, gauze rolls, or alcohol wipes.
I recommend finding a pet first aid kit with the majority of the supplies you are looking for, and adding an item or two, like a thermometer you feel may need or want to include.
Take another step towards being a responsible pet parent, consider putting together or purchasing a pet first aid kit for your furry family members, and always be ready to render aid when your dog gets sick or hurt.
