Pet First Aid Kit Checklist

You can easily put together a well-stocked pet first aid kit using a waterproof container that opens and closes easily.

Remember to always have numbers for both your family veterinarian and an after-hours emergency veterinarian readily available! When faced with an emergency, call them first!

Bandage Material

• 1” or 2” adhesive tape
• 2” or 4” conform roll gauze – to wrap around wounds or use as a safety muzzle
• Newspaper
• Gauze pads – for cleaning wounds
• Cotton padding
• Rolled cling
• Bandage scissors

Cleaning Materials

• Alcohol – to sterilize items such as scissors or tweezers
• Dilute betadine or chlorhexidine
• Wound flush / sterile saline
• Mild grease-cutting dishwashing liquid – for bathing an animal after skin contamination

Drugs/Medications

• Petroleum or water-based lubricant
• Eye Wash (saline solution)
• Tissue glue
• Activated charcoal
• 3% hydrogen peroxide

Miscellaneous

• Aspirator bulb syringe
• Blanket – to wrap around injured pet, carry an injured pet and provide warmth
• E-collar
• Ice pack – to reduce swelling or pain
• Latex gloves – to help protect you and keep the wound sanitary
• Muzzle – to prevent you pet from biting you or chewing on an injury while in pain
• Nail trimmers
• Nylon leash
• Penlight
• Plastic wrap
• Rags or rubber tubing – to use as a tourniquet
• Digital thermometer – to find out if your pet is running a fever (a mercury thermometer can shatter)
• Silver nitrate sticks
• Stethoscope
• Tick removal tool or tweezers – for removing objects from skin or paws

I hope having this as a guide is helpful. May your cat or dog remain happy, healthy and emergency free!

 

 

 

 

Dr. Alicia Harris