Using common-sense safety measures around your pets can go a long way toward preventing injuries. But even with lots of training and precautions, accidents happen: scrapes, upset stomachs, and runny noses are all part of dog life. Being prepared for them with a dog first-aid kit can take the panic out of accidents—and in some cases, having the right tools on hand can even save your dog’s life.
Why Do You Need a Dog First Aid Kit?
Accidents can happen when you least expect them, even in the safety of your own home. While we hope you never need it, a pet first aid kit can keep your pooch healthy and safe—while easing your own nerves, too.
A pet-friendly first aid kit is a major asset in the following scenarios:
- accidental ingestion of toxic materials, such as plants, foods, or household chemicals
- treating scrapes, cuts, or bites from other animals
- helping a dog at risk of overheating or heatstroke
- camping and travelling (if you’re somewhere remote, a first aid kit can keep your dog comfortable until you can get veterinary help)
- natural disasters such as wildfires, floods, and storms
Dog First Aid Kit Checklist
Step 1: Gather Your Dog’s Information
First, gather copies of important phone numbers, paperwork, and pet health records and put them in a safe place known to your household. These include details like:
- your vet’s phone number and the number for your closest 24-hour emergency vet
- pet’s vaccination history
- a recent photo (in case your pet gets lost)
- the Animal Poison Line phone number—01202 509000—for emergency poisoning support (costs £35 to £45 per phone call)
While it’s great to have all of these contacts stored digitally on your phone, it’s also important to have a physical copy stored somewhere in your house (ideally collected in a waterproof envelope or sleeve). After all, you might not be with your dog when disaster strikes. This way, everyone in your household will have access to life-saving information.
Step 2: Consider Investing in a Pet First Aid Guidebook
The internet is undoubtedly a handy resource—but it’s also full of conflicting or non-expert advice. (Plus, it can be problematic during emergencies or natural disasters when internet service is disconnected.)
A guidebook like First Aid for Dogs: An Invaluable Guide For All Dog Lovers by nurse Emma Hammett, who established First Aid for Pets courses in the UK, is one good example. The book, written in conjunction with veterinary professionals, has information like:
- a step-by-step guide to examining your dog
- common first aid emergencies and action pet parents can take while waiting to see a vet
- emergency vet-approved CPR instructions
There are also valuable resources online to read and/or download and print from reputable pet charities or organisations, such as the PDSA’s first aid guide. If your pet emergency is out of hours, and your vet practice does not provide a 24/7 service, there are also paid-for telephone vet help resources such as VetsNow to turn to, rather than running the risk of reading incorrect information online during a dog health crisis.
Step 3: Gather and Organise Your Dog First-Aid Kit Supplies
First, you’ll want to find a place to store your first aid supplies. Keep everything organised and handy in a secure and waterproof holder to keep curious pets and children out.
According to trusted animal welfare organisations such as the Blue Cross and the PDSA, a well-stocked pet first aid kit will contain items such as:
- sterile gauzes
- self-adhesive bandages
- dressings in a variety of sizes
- cotton wool and swabs
- multipurpose (blunt-end) scissors
- tweezers
- a thick towel
- vinyl gloves
- foil blanket (to retain body heat)
- a soft, inflatable collar (to prevent licking or chewing of wounds)
- antiseptic wipes
- vet disinfectant spray to wash wounds (such as Vetericyn)
The following additions may also be useful:
- vet antibiotic cream
- digital pet thermometer
- an instant cold pack
- torch
- nail clippers
- magnifying glass
- soft muzzle
- syringe
- oral syringe
- spray bottle with dog-specific saline solution (for cleaning eyes)
- activated charcoal bought from your vet or recommended by them for poisoning emergencies
- pill box with anti-allergy medication (such as Benadryl) as per guidance from your vet
It’s important to note that the Animal Poison Line never recommends at-home products, such as salt water or chemicals like hydrogen peroxide, to induce vomiting in dogs who have consumed something dangerous. Hydrogen peroxide is sold in far higher concentrations in the UK than in the USA and other countries, so carries severe risks including internal burns. Always consult your vet first in a poisoning or toxicity crisis.
Never give your pet human medications without seeking advice from your vet first. While a small number of over-the-counter medicines can be used for dogs in lower doses, most pills for humans are highly toxic to pets.
Step 4: Build a Pet Go-Bag for Emergencies
While thankfully rare, emergencies like floods can strike at any moment, so it’s a good idea to be prepared at all times. And having these essentials ready will also put you in a much better position to safely transport or comfort a sick or injured pet—even in the worst scenarios.
Not all of these things will fit in a dog first aid kit, but they’re still an essential part of your collection. It’s worth putting them in a designated spot so you can grab them all at a moment’s notice and hit the road.
Do you have the following pet emergency items in your home?
1. A Pet Carrier
If you have to peel out fast—or if you just need a secure place for Fido while you sort things out—a pet carrier is critical. When we’re in crisis mode, even the most ordinary tasks can become a challenge.
2. A Spare Leash
Since you’ll want to keep your dog close to you during an emergency, an affordable back-up leash is always a good idea. Bonus points if it’s a reflective leash, which makes it easier to see your dog during times of low visibility.
3. Collapsible Food Bowls
Your pet’s tummy doesn’t care if you’re far away from home: they still need to be fed! A set of collapsible bowls can hold food and water in whatever circumstances you find yourself in.
4. An Extra Bag of Dog Food (and water!)
Alongside that dog first aid kit, it’s always a good idea to have some food supplies that are handy to grab in the event of an emergency. Consider storing several cans of wet food or a large bag of your dog’s favourite kibble with your pet’s first aid kit. Treats make tasty morale boosters, and you can never have too much water.
Aim for a food supply of one to two weeks, and keep on top of expiration dates, rotating old food with a fresh bag every several months.
5. A Spare Favourite Toy
This minor detail can get lost in the noise, but a favourite toy will provide comfort during what may be an otherwise stressful time. Whether your dog likes a good chew toy or prefers a cuddly plushie, you’ll be happy to have their favourite plaything when they need it most.
The video below walks you through some of the items we suggest should go in an emergency kit for your dog.
Further Reading
Keeping a fully-stocked first aid kit on hand for your dog can prevent minor injuries from escalating to a situation that requires a trip to the pet hospital at 2am, and having an emergency go-bag can make it possible to get your pet out to safety with you in the unlikely event of a natural or manmade disaster.