Dog First Aid Kit: The Emergency Supplies You Need

I have a confession to make about putting together a dog first aid kit for my two pups. It’s something I always plan to do, but never complete. Every year, when I schedule our family summer vacation, I get my list of supplies together. Then, I never follow through. This year is different. I’m buying a pre-packaged first aid kit for Bailey and Olivia. I made the decision after hearing a scary statistic. According to MetLife Insurance, one pet in the USA receives emergency medical care every 2.5 seconds.

Having a proper first aid kit will help me quickly respond to an emergency and give my dogs immediate care until we can get to a veterinarian.

I reviewed a lot of the ready-made kits on the market and discovered many are packed with the same supplies from my list. I’ll only need to add a few extra items to meet my dogs’ specific needs.  

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The supplies your dog first aid kit should include

Ready-made kits are relatively inexpensive and come in a variety of sizes. Choose the one that best meets your dog’s needs and has as many of the items from the list below, as possible. That way you won’t have to buy a lot of extra supplies.

Remember, every pet owner’s kit will look different, depending on the needs of your dog, your location and the activities you’ll be doing.

What every pre-packed first aid kit should have:

• Make sure the kit is waterproof and in a bright color. This will help you quickly see the kit in an emergency and have confidence the supplies inside are dry and safe.

• Have a quick reference canine first-aid manual

• Include your veterinarian’s contact information, the phone number for the local animal control and here’s how to reach the national ASPCA Pet Poison Control (888) 426-4435.

• Disposable gloves to protect your hands

• Sterile gauze pads, rolls and swabs to clean and cover wounds

• Non-stick bandages to protect wounds from infections

• Self-adhesive bandages and Moleskin precut bandages

• Medical tape

• Alcohol wipes to clean a wound

• Sting relief pads

• Tourniquet to control bleeding

• Unopened bottle of 3% hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting – Call poison control for dosage before you administer to your dog if you suspect he’s eaten something dangerous

• Syringe or large dropper to give liquids or irrigate a wound

• Saline eye solution to flush a dog’s eye

• Saline solution – to clean a wound

• Benadryl® for an allergic reaction

• Ice Pack/ Hot Pack

• Scissors, tweezers and nail clippers

• OTC antibiotic ointment – Keep this away from your dog’s eyes and don’t allow your dog to lick the ointment

• Digital thermometer

Additional supplies to have:

• Splints or foam-covered splint rolls for a broken bone or limb injury

• Blood clotting powder – good for paw injuries

• Soft muzzle if a dog becomes aggressive

• Inflatable dog recovery collar

• Puppy pads to lie a dog down on a clean surface

• Clean towels of varying sizes – to wrap a wound, clean and dry a wound, act as a sling or stretcher

• Flashlight

• Foldable water bowl and bottled water

• Pet carrier or stretcher – You can also use a large beach towel

• Blanket

• Hiking rope or spare leash

Special supplies for dogs with mobility problems

For paralyzed dogs in wheelchairs and those with other mobility concerns add to your kit these items:

• Prescription medications

• Lifting harness or canvas bag to use as an emergency sling

• Protective boots for your pet’s paws or a drag bag

• Dog diapers or belly bands

• Pet carrier – to put your dog in a secure location while you transport him

• Talk with your vet about customizing the first aid kit for your specific dog

My favorite dog first aid kits

Adventure Dog Series Medical Kit

Key Features of Adventure Dog Series Medical Kit

• This popular kit got high approval from customers because it’s actually two first aid kits in one. It has human and canine first aid essentials and emergency handbooks. It’s a great kit for day trips with your pup.

• The kit also contains: Two resealable, waterproof bags to keep supplies fresh and easy to reach.

• Emergency blanket is included to treat shock & hypothermia.

• Cold pack to reduce swelling.

• Irrigation syringe to clean wounds.

• Tweezers, scissors, bandages, gauze, antibiotic cream, Benadryl and more.

Rubyloo Pet First Aid Kit

Key Features of Rubyloo Pet First Aid Kit

• Vet-approved animal first aid supplies and first aid handbook.

• The kit is manufactured in a medical products facility.

• Waterproof bag

• Sterile gauze and antiseptic wipes

• Scissors and tweezers

• Eye and wound wash

• Elastic bandages, extra leash

• Cold pack and other supplies.

Perpetual Pet First Aid Kit

KEY FEATURES of Perpetual Pet First Aid Kit

• 45 tailored supplies for the emergency treatment of pets.

• Vet wrap

• Vet splints

• Pet first aid booklet

• Styptic powder to stop bleeding

• Designed by pet owners for pet owners

ARCA Pet First Aid Kit

KEY FEATURES of Arca Pet First Aid Kit

• Highly rated 100-piece first aid kit.

• Bandages, pads, and dressing.

• Exam gloves, thermometer, and cold pack.

• Antiseptic wipes, tourniquet, collar, blanket and more.

Rayco International Pet First Aid Kit

KEY FEATURES of Rayco International Pet First Aid Kit

• Highly rated, compact, waterproof dog first aid kit.

• 45 pieces of emergency supplies for your dog.

• Dog collar, scissors, tweezers, blanket.

• Ice pack, gauze, tape and bandages.

GPUSFAK Pet First Aid Kit

KEY FEATURES of GPUSFAK Pet First Aid Kit

• Made from water-resistant, nylon fabric that will last a long time.

• The kit contains first aid supplies that include gloves, bandages, self-adhesive vet tape, tweezers, scissors, wound dressings, and more.

• There is also a pet pill feeder, foldable water bowl, magnifying glass, flashlight, and whistle.

• In addition, the first aid kit has a plush microfiber towel to keep your dog dry and warm and a soft muzzle to help a dog stay calm in an emergency.

• The water-resistant kit is the right size for camping, hiking, and road trips.

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