Do you have a first aid kit in your house and/or car? Chances are, you do. Even if it’s not a formal first aid “kit”, you likely have a stash of bandages and ointments tucked away in some drawer or box. Now, here’s another question: Do you have one packed with essentials for your pet?
Why Pet First Aid Kids Are Important
To put it simply: You never know when something bad is going to happen.
Within the first few weeks of welcoming my toy Poodle, Gigi, into my home, something horrible happened. I took her to the nearby tennis court to let her run around in an enclosed space when a big gust of wind came and knocked down the heavy gate. Apparently, the bolts were loose and the gate wasn’t secure. I almost had a heart attack when I heard 4-pound Gigi shriek at the top of her lungs and run away from the fallen gate. It had landed on one of her paws, leaving a gash and lots of pain.
As scary as that night was, fortunately, I had a pet first aid kit on hand and was able to tend to her on our way to the emergency vet. While you can never predict when an emergency will strike, you certainly can prepare for them. In my opinion, it’s extremely beneficial to keep a pet first aid kit at home and in your car.
Pet First Aid Kit Essentials
I hope you never have to use your first aid kit. But, just in case of an emergency, here are some essentials you’ll want to keep packed inside an easily-accessible container:
- Gauze Pads – For covering open wounds and clotting
- Cotton Balls and Q-Tips – For cleanup and topical application
- Vet Wraps – For compression and splints
- Adhesive Tape – To secure bandages
- Scissors – To cut bandage wrap and tape
- Liquid Bandage (One Formulated Specifically for Pets) – For sealing and securing small open wounds
- Antimicrobial Wound Cleaner – To clean out cuts, abrasions, irritations, and sores. This one offers a no-sting formula.
- Antibiotic Ointment – For open wounds
- Saline Solution and/or mini water bottle – For eyes and rinsing. Plus, the water bottle doubles for hydration!
- Portable Water Bowl – In case your dog needs a drink
- Styptic Powder – To quickly clot bleeding nails
- Regular Tweezers and Dog Tick Remover – In case something is stuck in your dog’s paw or body
- Hydrogen Peroxide – To induce vomiting in case your dog consumes something toxic (always consult with a vet before attempting to induce vomiting)
- Benadryl – In case of an allergic reaction (consult with your vet before administering)
- Pill Cutter and Pill Crusher – To cut or crush pills
- Oral Syringe – To administer medicine
- Ice/Heat Pack – For sore muscles and bruises
- Disposable Gloves – To protect your hands
- Cone or Inflatable Collar – For after surgery, during severe ear infections, and also hot spots.
- Extra Leash – In case you lose your dog’s leash or it breaks
BONUS: Keep your dog’s Vet Records with your DIY dog first aid kit. These will come in handy for you, or in case emergency personnel ever needs to see your pup’s medical background. Download my vet and pet medical records keeper for free HERE!