You never know when an accident may happen, and when it does you want to be prepared! Having a first-aid kit for not only yourself but also your pet will help you tend to any injuries you may get going about your day. These kits are great to keep in the home, but also important to bring with you when you’re travelling or leaving the house with your pets.
Whether it’s a minor scratch or a broken bone, you’ll want to be prepared with the necessary supplies. It’s best to put these supplies in a bag, backpack, bin, or container so that it can easily travel with you and your pet when you’re leaving the house.
Of course, you should always take your pets to a vet if they get hurt so that they can get professional veterinary treatment. However, if the injury is very minor and can be treated at home or if you find yourself in a situation where you can’t get to a vet quickly, a pet first-aid kit will come in handy. To learn more about the essential items to keep in your kit, continue reading.
Pet First-Aid Kit Essentials
1. Paperwork – Medical records & emergency contacts
It’s important that you keep all your pet’s information in one place. This will make it more convenient for you if your pet gets hurt and needs medical attention. Make sure to have all their medical records including their vaccination history as well as emergency phone numbers and addresses. Make a list with your veterinary’s contact information, the address of the closest 24-hour pet emergency room, and backup contacts in case you can’t be reached during an emergency.
In the event of a natural disaster, paperwork can easily become lost or destroyed. Keep a USB drive with your pet’s medical records saved on it as a backup in case anything happens to the paperwork. For extra protection, keep all your paperwork sealed away in a waterproof container so it’s less likely to get damaged.
2. Gauze, Non-Stick Bandages or Adhesive Tape, Scissors, Rubber Gloves
These items go hand in hand. When you need them, they can all work together. Gauze can be used in an emergency to stop bleeding or act as a temporary brace for fractures. Non-stick bandages and adhesive tape are similar products. They both are self-adhering bandages that are breathable and don’t stick too tightly to fur. These products can hold gauze into place and scissors can be used to cut the tape to its desired length. Rubber gloves should be worn whenever tending to your pet’s wounds to make sure you are keeping the area sanitary and clean.
3. Cotton balls
Cotton balls are a great tool to use for applying medications or cleaning up cuts and other wounds.
4. Hydrogen peroxide
It’s always a good idea to have an antiseptic in a first-aid kit. This product can be used to prevent infections in a wound. It should be used to clean minor wounds and can be applied using cotton balls.
5. Antibiotic Ointment or Spray
This is similar to hydrogen peroxide in that it can be used to treat minor cuts and will help prevent infection by acting as a barrier from bacteria and other germs. These ointments can also relieve pain and be used to treat sores, rashes, dry skin, and allergies. Some of these ointments and sprays are also safe for dogs if accidentally ingested!
6. Medication
If your pet is on any medication, you should store one to two weeks worth of it in a storage container so that you will have it with you if you need to leave your house abruptly. Keep it out of direct sunlight and in a cool area and change it out if it has expired.
It’s also not a bad idea to have some vet-approved, over-the-counter medications in your kit. Some handy items to think about are flea and tick medications, antacids for stomach pains, and any approved sedatives or anti-anxiety medications for travelling. Talk to your vet beforehand to decide what products are best for your pet.
7. Tweezers
Tweezers are a must-have for any pet first-aid kit, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors. This tool can be used to pick splinters out of your pet’s paws or remove ticks from their fur.
8. Flashlight
A flashlight should be included in your kit for multiple reasons. In the event of a natural disaster, you may lose electricity and need a flashlight to help you and your pets see. In addition, if your pet ever gets injured at night when you’re out and about, a flashlight will help you see their wound clearly. Lastly, flashlights are good for scaring off wildlife if they are endangering you or your pet.
9. Towel
Towels can be used to dry off a wet pet, wrap them up if they are panicking and need to be calmed down, or be used as a soft surface to put your pet on for an examination. Microfiber towels are a good option as they are extra absorbent.
10. Leash and Collar with ID Tag
It’s never a bad idea to have an extra collar and leash in your kit. Sometimes dogs snap their leashes or collars, especially if they are panicking. In addition, if you come across a lost or stray animal, having an extra collar and leash can help you bring them to safety.
11. Collapsible Bowls
Collapsible bowls are always a handy item to have on you! They can be used in an emergency to give your dog water or be used at evacuation shelters. They can also be used on hikes, long road trips, or really anytime you’re not at home with your pet. It’s important that your pet stays hydrated and sometimes it can be hard to give them water without a bowl. Collapsible bowls will help your pet to get all the water they need no matter where you are!
12. Poop bags
Always have items you can use to clean up after your pet. If they need to use the bathroom while you’re away from home, you’ll want to be able to handle that appropriately.
While there are many other items that could be included in a first-aid kit, such as magnifying glasses, muzzles, ice packs, etc., the ones listed above are the absolute must-haves for an effective kit. You’ll likely find that you have a lot of these items already at your house, so just keep them together and you’ll be all set to go in the event of an emergency! Every second counts when the unimaginable happens to your pet. Discover these lifesaving pet first aid tips to be their hero.
Keep your pets happy and healthy
The Dog Time
AKC
The Spruce Pets
