First Aid Kit for Pets

Important Numbers to have in your Pet’s First Aid Kit within easy reach:

Primary and Emergency Veterinary Phone Numbers

Poison Control Phone Numbers:

Pet Poison Helpline -

General information: (866) 823-1588
Pet Poison Helpline:  (800) 213-6680
Email: info@petpoisonhelpline.com

ASPCA Poison Control Center –

Phone: (888) 426-4435

Medical First Aid Supplies:

-         For wound management:

o       Rolled sterile gauze

o       Ace Bandage

o       Towels

o       Strips of clean cloth

o       Adhesive tape (never use band-aids on pets)

o       Sterile alcohol wipes

o       Antiseptic cleansing wipes

o       Gloves

o       Small bottle of diluted betadine solution to flush wounds

o       Sterile saline solution

o       Large syringe to flush wounds

o       Muzzle to handle animal if painful.  Do not use if dog is coughing, having trouble breathing or vomiting.

o       Leash for dogs, pillow case for cats

-         For illness:

o       Digital Thermometer:

A normal temperature on dogs and cats ranges from 100.1-102.7.  Temperatures need to be taken rectally.

o      Tick Remover

o       Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) for allergic reactions after consulting with your veterinarian for appropriate dosage for your specific animal.

o       Karo syrup (for diabetics or potential low blood sugar)

o       Any additional medications that your veterinarian advises you keep on hand for your pets.

Keep in mind that a First Aid Kit allows you to handle a situation quickly and effectively when you are away from home (on a hiking trip, camping, road trip, etc) to treat your animals before you are able to get them to a veterinarian. 

Never hesitate to call your primary or emergency veterinarian for advice.  For wound care it is important to always have a veterinarian evaluate the wound.  Self treating an injury or illness at home may perpetuate a problem and ultimately cost more than if you had it examined immediately.