A pet-friendly first aid kit can be useful in the event of an injury to your pet or if you need to evacuate quickly or unexpectedly due to a natural disaster, such as a flood, wildfire, hurricane or tornado. In this article, we will share tips for making a first aid kit* for your pet.
*Please note: The contents of a first aid kit can vary. The recommended list we are providing is just one example. Please remember a first aid kit is not a substitute for emergency veterinary care. If you believe your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, please contact your family veterinarian or find your nearest MedVet.
Pet First Aid Kit Supply List
You can easily make a first aid kit with supplies you can buy at your local pharmacy. A plastic storage container or small toolbox works well to store and organize your kit. At a minimum, your first aid kit should include:
Records, photos, and phone numbers:
- Medical record: If possible, include a copy of your pet’s medical record complete with vaccine history. This is especially important if your pet is receiving treatment for a chronic condition(s) and may be required for emergency boarding.
- Microchip information: In the event your pet becomes lost, having their microchip number and the microchip company’s phone number in the kit can help save time when trying to find them.
- Photos: Photos of your pets can be used to help find a lost pet. Ideally, have printed photos available so you can canvas neighborhoods if your pet is lost.
- Phone numbers: Include a list of phone numbers for your veterinarian, the nearest MedVet or 24-hour veterinary emergency clinic, a pet poison control hotline, and a couple near-by boarding kennels. Other important phone numbers include the public health department, local animal control, local animal shelters, local humane organizations, and the local Red Cross chapter.
First Aid supplies:
- Styptic powder or pencil for bleeding nails
- Instant cold compress
- Corn syrup (for diabetic dogs)
- Instant Cold Pack
- Digital thermometer (ideally with flexible soft tip)
- Tweezers
- Nail clippers
Bandage-related supplies:
- Disposable rubber gloves
- Gauze dressing pads, bandage roll, and absorbent gauze pads
- Adhesive tape
- Bandage scissors
- Cotton balls and swabs
- Self-cling bandage (commonly called VetWrap, this is a bandage that stretches and sticks to itself)
- Tongue depressors (can be used as a splint)
Miscellaneous supplies:
- Triple antibiotic ointment
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) for allergic reactions. Your veterinarian must tell you the correct dosage for your pet’s size. Hydrogen peroxide (can be used on wounds and to induce vomiting under your veterinarian’s instruction)
- Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl) to clean the thermometer
- Petroleum jelly (to lubricate the thermometer)
- Ear-cleaning solution
- Plastic eyedropper or syringe for administering liquid medications
Optional supplies:
- Muzzle (for dogs) to help protect you from being bitten, you can purchase from a store or make your own muzzle from rope, soft cloth, towel or leash
- Loose leash to slip over a dog’s head, if needed
- Leather gloves for handling an injured pet and to help protect you from a dog bite
- Towels
- Wash cloths
- Blanket (can be used to cover a pet, dry a pet, or used as a stretcher)
- Pet carrier
- Pet first-aid book
- Pillowcase to confine small pets
- Penlight or flashlight
