Dog First Aid Kit: Important Supplies to Prepare for Pet Emergencies

If you’re a pet owner, you probably hate the idea of something happening to your furry buddy. (We know the feeling because we’re pet owners too!) That’s why it’s always good to have a pet first aid kit handy wherever you go -- whether you’re traveling, adventuring, or even just relaxing at home.

If you’re getting ready to put together a first aid kit for your pet, you have two options: you can collect all the supplies you need and assemble the kit yourself, or you can go the faster route and buy a pre-assembled kit.

Whichever you choose, it’s good to learn about what a pet first aid kit should have, so you know what to look for when you shop.

What Items Should Be in a Dog First Aid Kit?

Most pet first aid kits are prepared with dogs in mind because so many people take their dogs hiking, camping, and hunting. But if you’re not a dog owner, don’t worry. The advice in this post will help you set up a first aid kit for cats and other pets too. Let’s get started!

The first thing you need is a durable first aid bag (or a small box) to keep everything in. The ideal bag will have several different compartments made out of a see-through material like mesh or clear plastic -- you want to make sure your first aid kit is well organized, so you can always find and grab what you need quickly.

What should go in the bag? Here’s our dog first aid checklist:

• Emergency blanket
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Bandages and gauze pads
• Sting relief pads
• Medical tape for bandages
• Cotton swabs
• Antiseptic towelette
• Trauma pad
• Alcohol prep pad
• Iodine prep pad
• Tongue depressor
• Instant cold pack
• Disposable rubber gloves
• Parachute cord
• Bottle opener
• Pet first aid guide

A pet first aid guide is an essential component that is often overlooked. A good pet first aid guide will have lots of great information and clear directions on how to help your pet in all different kinds of emergencies, including choking, poisoning, lacerations, and more.

Other Information to Keep Handy

You might also want to keep a list of important phone numbers and addresses with your first aid kit. For example:

• Your pet’s vet
• Nearby emergency vet clinics
• Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435)

It’s good to have this information available all the time, but it’s especially important when you and your pet are going places where you may not have reliable internet access, like hiking trails, campgrounds, and remote vacation spots.

More Tips on How to Make a Dog First Aid Kit

When you start putting together your first aid kit, think small. In the interests of being prepared, many people try to pack large amounts of everything they could possibly need. But if your kit ends up overly big and heavy, it will be too inconvenient to bring with you on hikes, camping trips, and other adventures. The last thing you want is a first aid kit that’s so bulky you end up leaving it in the trunk.

To avoid this problem, you can:

• Choose a first aid bag that’s small enough to carry with one hand (or slip into your backpack)
• Buy the small sample sizes of everything to keep your kit diverse but compact

Get a Pre-Assembled First Aid Kit

Another even easier option is to simply buy a pre-made pet first aid kit that’s already equipped with everything you need, like this one that we offer at King Duke’s. It’s stylish, functional, and really easy to take with you anywhere. Plus, it has all the items in our first aid checklist and more.

Do you have questions about pet first aid, what to put in your kit, or what to do in a potential pet emergency? We’d love to help!

Stop by King Duke’s in Beaverton, Oregon or get in touch with us online.