Pet First Aid: What to Keep in Your Dog or Cat First Aid Kit

Apr 19th 2010

We all know that curious pets can wind up in sticky situations from time to time, but by putting together a first aid kit in advance you can be ready to react the moment an emergency arises.

Susan Nelson, an assistant professor of clinical sciences at Kansas State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, agrees that "You never know when something is going to go wrong. But if you have everything together and in a certain place, you won't be worrying or wondering where it's at when something does happen."

We've broken the first aid supplies into several categories but you may also choose to buy a commercial pet first aid kit such as the one offered by the ASPCA which contains 126 items including a pet first aid guide. Whether using a commercial kit or creating one based on the suggestions here, you should personalize it based on your pet's needs, the number and type of animals you have and your own vet's recommendations.

The following items, however, are considered must-haves for your dog's or cat's first aid kit, according to Nelson and New Jersey-based veterinarian Jill Richardson.

Basic Medical Supplies
- Antibiotic ointment
- Gauze pads, gauze rolls, and medical tape
- Styptic powder to stop bleeding
- Hydrogen peroxide, 3% (to induce vomiting if a professional recommends)
- Saline solution (for flushing out eyes)
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Iodine (antiseptic)

Basic Equipment
- Muzzle (When a pet is in pain, it may bite.)
- Absorbent maxi pads (for absorbing any kind of liquid)
- Towels
- Tweezers (good for removing splinters and ticks)
- Scissors
- Rectal thermometer
- Book on pet first aid (such as the Red Cross first aid books for dogs and cats )