Prepping Your Pet’s First Aid Kit

Every pet owner will know that when you have a pet, things can go awry pretty quickly. This is especially true if you are exploring the great outdoors, travelling, camping, hiking, etc.

A pet first aid kit is the first step in being prepared should an animal emergency happen. There are many pre-made kits out there, but you may wish to build your own or add to your pre-made bag based on your needs. Here is a list of some of the supplies you might want to consider:

Necessities

• Hibitane, Isopropyl Alcohol, Iodine
• Epsom Salts
• Sterile eyewash
• Gauze (4×4)
• Absorbentdrying material (clean towels or paper towel)
• Non-stick sterile pads (Telfa)
• Thick bandage padding (Gamgee)
• Cast padding (soft roll)
• Cling wrap
• Vet wrap
• Adhesive tape
• Bandage scissors
• Tweezers
• Waterproof booties
• Disposable gloves
• Clean container (for cleaning wounds)

Extras

• Sterile water or saline (for flushing dirty wounds)
• Sterile syringe and needle (for drawing up flush)
• Benadryl (ask your veterinarian for dosing)
• Gravol (ask your veterinarian for dosing)
• Polysporin
• Quick stop powder (or cornstarch)Ice/heat packs
• Thermometer (and lubricant)
• Extra leashes
• Blanket
• Pet carrier (crate)
• Nail trimmers
• Tick remover
• Eyedropper
• Splint and/or tongue depressors
• Muzzle (if needed for your pets’ and your safety when addressing an injury)
• 150ml drinking water packages

Depending on your pets’ species, age, health, and your lifestyle you may need to add a few extra items (such as glucose for diabetics, and vet-prescribed pain relief). If you are unsure of what to add to your kit, your veterinarian can help you customize a first aid kit to meet your pet’s additional medical needs.

“There’s no harm in hoping for the best if you’re prepared for the worst.”

Written by Jessica McKay, RVT