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

Two dogs going for car ride — **Bailey and Olivia on a road trip.**

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.

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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

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Adventure Dog Series Medical Kit

Key Features

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.