What to pack in your Pet First Aid Kit

 

Place all items in a portable container and take it with you when you travel with your pet. Check items periodically and replace expired medicines and used supplies.  Keep all medications and supplies out of the reach of children and pets.

Medications and Solutions

Hand sanitizer Clean your hands before treating wounds.
Antiseptic liquid soap or betadine solution Use to clean wound and the area surrounding it
Vaseline Apply to the fur around the wound to keep it out of the way.
Antibiotic ointment Apply to cuts and scrapes to keep bacteria from entering the wound.
Contact lens cleaner or other sterile saline solution Use for flushing wounds or foreign objects from eyes.
Sterile, water-based lubricant (such as Dyna Lubricating Sterile Jelly) After cleaning the wound, apply the sterile jelly directly over the wound before bandaging. This will keep the wound moist and aid with healing.
Sterile eye lubricant Treat scratches or other irritants in your pet’s eyes
Honey or Karo syrup If your pet goes into shock due to low blood sugar, rub a small amount of honey or Karo syrup on the gums.

Hydrogen peroxide – 3 percent (Check the expiration date and keep bottle well sealed.)

Never pour this directly on a wound.

Use to induce vomiting if directed by a veterinarian or Pet Poison Control.

Give 1 ml for each two pounds of body weight, so a 20-pound dog would need 10 ml.  To measure in teaspoons, give one teaspoon for every 10 pounds of body weight, so a 20-pound dog would need 2 teaspoons.  Do not exceed 30ml (6 teaspoons).
Mild dishwashing liquid For bathing your pet after skin contamination.
Special medications or items recommended by your veterinarian Be sure to keep some of your pet’s medicine in your first aid kit so it will be there if you need it.

Benadryl for allergic reactions in a dose appropriate for your dog’s size.

FOR DOGS ONLY.

Give one mg of Benadryl for each pound of body weight.

A 25-pound dog would need one 25 mg pill. It’s okay to give a slightly higher dose, so a 40-pound dog would get two 25 mg pills.

Use the liquid pediatric version for treating very small dogs. Ensure liquid versions do NOT contain xylitol.

You can repeat the dosage two to three times a day.
Styptic powder

To stop bleeding from broken nails.

Put a small amount of the powder in the palm of your hand and apply to pet’s bleeding nail.  This is available at pet supply stores.

 

Assorted Bandages

Sterile gauze pads (non-adherent in assorted sizes)

2-inch wide, cotton roll gauze
Breathable self-adherent wrap

Plastic wrap, such as Saran Wrap

Adhesive tape (hypoallergenic)
Cold compresses

 After cleaning a wound, apply the sterile, non-adherent pad over the wound.

Wrap with cotton gauze then wrap with self-adherent wrap or plastic wrap to keep the pad in place. Don’t make it too tight as this can prevent blood flow.

Use the adhesive tape to hold the wrap together.

Hold the cold compress over the bandaged wound to reduce swelling.

Tools and Other Items

Clean cloths, towels, and Mylar blanket Use clean cloths and towels to dry a wet pet to prevent heat loss, then wrap in Mylar blanket.  The blanket can also be used as a stretcher to carry a small pet.
Carrier for cats and small dogs Make sure it is the correct size for your pet. Keep it in a convenient place so you can grab it quickly in an emergency.
Disposable, non-latex gloves These will help keep the germs on your hands from entering a wound. They also protect your hands from toxins and other irritants.
Expired credit card Use the edge of the card to scrape away stingers from bees and wasps.
Flashlight To look inside your pet’s mouth if you need to check for foreign objects that may be lodged there.
Grooming clippers Use these to remove fur near a wound.
Information sheet on your pet’s normal vital signs and weight, copies of your pet’s vaccination records, and other medical records including any current medications Take photos of important documents and keep them in your phone. You may need to show this information to a veterinarian who is treating your pet in an emergency.
Muzzle that fits your pet Remove the muzzle from its package and adjust it to fit your pet.  Practice putting it on your pet so in an emergency both you and your pet will be more comfortable.
Leash Always keep pets on leashes when not in a secure area. A leash can also be used as a muzzle in an emergency.
Nail clippers Use to clip broken nails or just to keep your pet’s nails at a healthy length.
Needle-nose pliers and wire cutters To remove foreign objects and embedded fishing hooks or wire.
Phone numbers and directions to your vet’s office and to emergency veterinary clinics Put this information in your phone and keep it handy. If you plan to travel with your pet, research the locations of emergency vet clinics in the areas you plan to visit.
Digital thermometer, non-mercury/non-glass Taking a pet’s rectal temperature will help determine the status of the pet’s health.
Scissors with blunt end For cutting bandage and opening packages of supplies.
Syringes (no needles) in various sizes Use these for administering oral medicine.
Tweezers For removing splinters.
Pen and paper For note taking.