What Should I Include in My Pet’s First Aid Kit?

After bringing your new cat or dog home, you’ll probably be busy soaking up all the cuddles — but making sure they feel safe and comfortable at home is just as important. One thing many new pet parents overlook? Being ready for emergencies. Having a well-stocked pet first aid kit can make a big difference in their health and well-being.

Whether you’re taking your pet for a walk or hike, traveling or camping with them, or watching them get into mischief — there’s always a chance of injury. This is why a well-stocked pet first-aid kit is an essential tool for every pet parent. It can help you address minor injuries or stabilize your dog or cat until you can get to a veterinarian.

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What is a pet first-aid kit?

Everyone who shares a home with a pet should have a pet first-aid kit. Just like a human first-aid kit, a pet first-aid kit is a collection of supplies that can treat minor injuries or temporarily remedy a health issue until more advanced care is available. The supplies you might need are easy to assemble and important to store in an on-the-go container. You should keep your pet’s first-aid kit in your home and take it with you if you travel with them.

There are a few ways you can build a pet first-aid kit:

• DIY Pet first-aid kit: One way to assemble a pet first-aid kit is by first buying a human first-aid kit and then adding (and removing) items to it. Why? While there are some differences, such as never using adhesive bandages, many of the same items can be used on pets (we’ll get into which below). A word of caution: Medications, ointments, and disinfectants meant for humans can harm your pet. Avoid using unless directed or approved first by your vet.

• Pre-assembled pet first-aid kit: You can also purchase a pre-assembled pet first-aid kit from a pet supply store or online. These simple kits typically include the essentials, similar to a human first-aid kit, but you’ll still want to add some items.

After you are sure you have all the items you need, store them in a waterproof container that’s easily accessible. You may also consider a smaller, travel-size version for any trips you take with your pet. Remember to always be prepared.

Supplies to include in pet first-aid kits

When you build your kit, you can choose what items should be included that are specific to your pet’s species, age, and special needs. And be sure to replenish any used items ASAP and periodically check expiration dates. Your first-aid kit for pets should contain:

• Absorbent gauze pads

• Rolled gauze

• Adhesive bandage tape

• Cotton balls or swabs

• Instant ice packs

• Disposable gloves

• Scissors with a blunt end

• Tweezers

• Over-the-counter pet-safe antibiotic ointment

• An oral syringe or a turkey baster

• Liquid dishwashing detergent for bathing

• Towels

• A small flashlight

• Alcohol wipes

• Styptic powder to stop or minimize bleeding

• Saline eye solution

• Artificial tear gel

• A leash

• A muzzle (if the pet becomes reactive due to pain)

• Digital rectal thermometer (only if directed by your veterinarian)

• Hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting (only if directed by your veterinarian)

• Liquid diphenhydramine (Benadryl) for anaphylaxis (only if directed by your veterinarian)

• Your veterinarian’s phone number, clinic name, and address, as well as local veterinary emergency clinics

• The phone number for the pet poison helpline is 1-800-213-6680

Other pet first aid considerations

Not all pets have the same first aid needs — species, breed, size, and health conditions can all play a role. From breathing issues in flat-faced dogs to diabetes management in cats, here’s what to consider for your pet’s unique health needs.

Brachycephalic breeds

Flat-faced breeds can have trouble regulating their body temperatures and are more likely to get heatstroke. If you have a brachycephalic breed (such as Bulldogs, Boxers, or Pugs), consider keeping a portable fan and bottled water to help quickly cool them off.

Diabetic pets

Carry a small amount of corn syrup in your pet’s first-aid kit in case your cat or dog ever goes into diabetic shock. Rub a small amount onto their gums — the sugar will absorb, so it’s okay if they cannot swallow it. Contact your veterinarian immediately, because hospitalization is sometimes needed after diabetic shock as well as hypoglycemia.

Cats

Even the sweetest cat may scratch, while a pair of medical grade disposable gloves is helpful for cleanliness, a more rugged pair of tough gloves may be helpful in handling a scared cat. A foldable carrying case or blanket is also helpful in an emergency to safely transfer the cat.

Seasonal pet first aid essentials

There may be special seasonal considerations for your pet’s first-aid kit, because extreme temperatures and environmental allergens can affect them, too. So you may want to consider the following situations.

Summer hazards 

Always carry water and a collapsible water bowl, even for a short walk. If you suspect your pet has heatstroke (watch for heavy panting, excessive drooling, vomiting, and disorientation), immediately move to a shaded area and try to cool them down. Wrap a wet towel around their neck and head, and pour water over them — especially their abdomen and between their hind legs. Then seek veterinary aid immediately. 

Carry saline to treat pavement burns — if the back of your hand can’t withstand a hot surface for five seconds, save that walk for another time of day. Or better yet, invest in all-weather pet boots. If your pet has short hair, white hair, or pink ears, look for pet-specific sunscreen, because human creams contain ingredients that are toxic to pets. Instant ice packs are also a great addition to your pet’s first-aid kit for the summer months.

Cats are in general safer inside. And flat-faced cats, in particular, should be kept indoors, especially during summer temperatures, because they are susceptible to breathing issues and overheating.

Winter concerns

Include paw wax or petroleum jelly in your pet’s first-aid kit for winter. It can be used as a preventative measure against ice, snow, and salt by protecting their pads from drying out and cracking or splitting. Carry a washcloth to wipe their feet thoroughly before coming back inside. You may consider all-weather boots to be extra safe and prevent potential contact from becoming a problem later on. Consider how cold is too cold for walks outside — even with their fur coats, pets can be at risk of hypothermia and frostbite. Also, keep in mind that many de-icing agents contain chemicals that are harmful if licked or swallowed.

Seasonal allergies and skin issues 

Do you know if your pet has allergies? A vet can determine this with a skin or blood test so there are no surprises. You can also look for similar symptoms you’d seen in humans. These include itchy, irritated, or red skin that causes them to scratch, bite, or groom themselves excessively. Their eyes may become watery, red, or itchy with discharge that can be green or yellow. They may have a runny or stuffy nose, or sneeze, cough, and wheeze. Additionally, their ears could become red and waxy, or have chronic infections. 

In the event of a bee sting, difficulty breathing may be a sign of an allergic reaction, and emergency veterinary care is vital. Remove the stinger (with the tweezers in your first-aid kit) and apply a cold compress.

Commonly asked questions

What are the four rules of animal first aid? 

The four rules of animal first aid are: Keep calm, maintain the airway, control any hemorrhage, and seek assistance if required. Human first-aid classes teach us to assess the ABCs: airway, breathing, and circulation. These same principles apply to your pet. 

What’s the shelf life of items in a pet first-aid kit? 

The shelf life of items in a pet first aid kit can vary. According to the American Red Cross, “Things like bandages, tape, scissors, and gloves have a longer shelf life, but won’t last forever.” These items generally last up to five years, as long as there are no tears, cuts, or other damage to the packaging (which can allow bacteria to affect their sterility).

Bandages will lose their quality over time as the adhesive starts to break down. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration cautions that “expired medical products can be less effective or risky due to a change in chemical composition or a decrease in strength.” 

Which precautions should you take when handling a pet that is hurt?

Start by avoiding further potential harm to the injured pet by laying them on a flat surface. Keep in mind that an injury can lead even the most docile animal to become unpredictably aggressive. They are in pain, confused, scared, and may react accordingly. So speak in low, calm tones. Do not attempt to hug or restrain the animal in a way that will make them anxious. Keep your face away from theirs, and consider a muzzle if they seem prone to biting during this situation.

The American Veterinary Medical Association outlines other steps for bleeding, bites, exposure to toxins, heatstroke, choking or not breathing, or having a seizure. If you’re trying to help a stray dog, be sure to follow these steps to help them reunite with their pet parents.

References

“Assembling an Emergency Kit for Your Pets.” Osu.edu, 2024, vmc.vet.osu.edu/resources/assembling-emergency-kit-your-pets.

“First Aid Kit for Pets.‌” Talking About Disaster: Guide for Standard Messages, 2007, first-aid.pdf

“Pet First Aid .” www.avma.org/firstaid, AVMA, ready.alaska.gov/Documents/Storms/OtherDocuments/AVMA%20Client_FirstAid_Pets.pdf.

“Pet First Aid Kit .” Cupertino.org, Cupertino Office of Emergency Services, www.losaltoshills.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/386/Pet-First-Aid-Kit-PDF.