Pet First Aid Kit

Emergencies can strike at any time, whether you’re at home or otherwise. It’s best to be prepared.
Pets Team 16 October 2020
Photo: Freepik

A first aid kit for your pet is crucial in case the unthinkable happens to your four-legged companion. While ready-made kits are available, you can make your own DIY kit to ensure you’re always prepared for any emergency that may arise.

Common items to keep in a pet first aid kit include the list below. Keep them all in a watertight bag and, an easily accessible place. 

• Medical and vaccination records, phone number of your veterinarian, emergency-veterinary clinics, plus a recent photo of your pet in case he gets lost.
•  A bottle of water for drinking or flushing wounds
• Muzzle, leash, and collar
• Collapsible bowls, Kibble and/or treats to coax them to the car or to a safer place
• Gloves for you to keep from introducing additional foreign material
• Tweezers for removing foreign materials
• Clean towels to wrap your pet, clean a wound, or act as stretcher.
• Syringe to administer or to clean out a wound.
• Rectal thermometer as well as a water-based lubricant. 
• Antiseptic and wet wipes 
• Cold compress or instant cold packs for decreasing swelling and inflammation
• Gauze, adhesive tape, bandages, blunt-end scissors, cotton balls.  
• Burn relief gel
• Milk of Magnesia or activated charcoal. Either help absorb poison. Contact your vet before inducing vomiting or treating an animal for poison.
• Fresh 3% Hydrogen Peroxide: Used to induce vomiting. Always contact the nearest animal emergency hospital before you induce vomiting. (Do not induce vomiting if your pet ingests acid, alkali, petroleum or rat poison.) 
• Saline solution for flushing wounds/eyes  
• Eye dropper or syringes for flushing wounds or administering oral medications
• Antibiotic cream to help prevent infection, relieve pain and act as a barrier from bacteria and germs. To be used on minor cuts or abrasions. Do not use on gaping wounds or severe bleeding.
• Styptic powder for stopping minor bleeding
• Butterfly wound closure

Make sure to check your first-aid kit regularly to make sure nothing has expired or needs to be replaced. And of course, keep the kit out of the reach of children.

First aid does not take the place of veterinary care and you should always alert your veterinarian when your pet is injured or show sign of unusual behaviour.  

 * The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified pet health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. Always make a pet health care decision in partnership with a qualified veterinary or pet health care professional.