The Preventive Vet

Knowing what to do (and what not to do) in the event that your pet suffers an injury or any number of other emergencies is of course very important. Equally as important though is having handy the supplies necessary to administer first-aid!

Below I’ve listed the items that every pet owner should include in their pet’s first-aid kit. Depending on your particular pet’s medical history, they may benefit from the inclusion of additional items too. It’s always a good idea to talk with your veterinarian to ensure that your own pet’s first-aid kit is as complete as it can be.

You can often pick up many of these items at your local pharmacy or superstore. But it may be easier and better just to see if you can purchase them through your veterinarian instead. They likely have most of these supplies in their office, and they may even have pre-made pet first aid kits to save you the trouble. 

Basic Items For A Pet First Aid Kit

• Gauze squares and cotton roll - A diaper or maxi-pad can serve the same purpose in a bind
• Non-stick bandage pads such as Telfa pads
• ACE bandage or cohesive bandage cover such as VetWrap - Saran wrap, or another plastic cling film can serve the same purpose in a bind
• Saline eye flush (bottle)
• Bandage tape
• Bandage scissors - these have a blunted tip, to prevent cutting the skin
• Muzzle(s)
• Duct tape to immobilize on stretcher
• Extra leash
• Towels & rags
• Digital thermometer
• Lube (Vaseline or KY)
• Battery powered beard trimmer - for trimming fur around wounds, it’s best to avoid using scissors for this purpose
• Flashlight or penlight
• First-Aid manual
• Emergency numbers - your vet, animal poison control, local pet emergency hospital
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Emergency (warming) blankets
• Ice packs
• Various syringes
• Activated charcoal
• Benadryl - check with your veterinarian for dose and if appropriate for your pet
• Supply of your pet’s chronic medications (if any)
• Tick remover
• Old credit card - to remove bee stingers