Pet First Aid Kit Checklist: What Every Dog and Cat Owner Should Have at Home

Being prepared in case of an emergency can help keep your pet safe, even when they manage to get themselves into a sticky situation. First aid from home may be all that is needed, or it might be what is needed to buy some time before being able to get to the nearest vet clinic.

Key takeaways

• A basic pet first aid kit should contain disposable gloves, sterile saline, cotton wool and cohesive bandaging, blunt-ended scissors, tweezers, a digital thermometer and a torch, plus your emergency vet's contact details and insurance policy number
• Cats also need a secure top-loading carrier and, ideally, a pheromone spray; dogs benefit from a correctly sized muzzle and a slip lead, as pain can make even a docile dog difficult to handle
• First aid kits are for minor wounds, tick removal and buying time; they are no substitute for veterinary care, and human medicines such as paracetamol and ibuprofen should never be in one, as they are toxic to dogs and cats
• Check the kit every 6 to 12 months to confirm everything is in date and in working order, and keep it somewhere memorable and out of your pet's reach
  

Why Every Pet Owner Needs a First Aid Kit

Minor accidents and injuries can happen at any time. A first aid kit can help you manage these situations while you get in touch with a London-based emergency vet.

Pet First Aid Kit Checklist

There are a few ‘must-have’ items for your first aid kit, many of which serve multiple purposes and can help in a range of situations.

Wound Care and Bandaging

Cats and dogs commonly cut themselves on things like sharp sticks, fencing, and broken bits of glass. To care for these wounds, it helps to have:

• Gloves to maintain good hygiene
• Sterile saline for flushing wounds
• Cotton wool bandaging (such as Soffban) to apply pressure and stem bleeding
• Cohesive bandaging (such as VetWrap), to act as a secure bandage over the cotton wool
• Blunt-ended scissors, to cut the dressings to size

Tools and Equipment

A pair of tweezers is a great tool that can come in handy in many situations. They are used to remove thorns or grass awns from skin, as well as to remove ticks where specific tick removers are not available.

Having a digital thermometer is also useful, to quickly check your pet’s temperature, particularly if you are concerned they are hypothermic or suffering from heatstroke.

A flashlight is great for getting a closer look at minor injuries, though nowadays you’ll find your mobile phone likely has one you can use!

Handling and Safety

For even the most docile dog, consider having a muzzle in their size. If in pain or highly stressed, your dog may become aggressive, making it difficult for you to administer the appropriate first aid.

A thick towel is also worth having close by, for small dogs or fractious cats. It allows you to hold them closely, and also provides warmth when wrapped around the injured pet.

Documents and Emergency Numbers

It is essential that you know where your nearest emergency vet is located, keeping in mind that this is often a different place to where you see your regular vet during working hours. It is a great idea to have a small business card with the contact details of local emergency clinics.

If your pet is insured, it is also sensible to have the name of the insurance company and your policy number close to hand. It is useful to know what your excess payment is, as well as the policy limit.

Extra Items for Cats

You need to have a secure cat carrier for your kitty, even if they never normally leave the home. This is so they can be safely transported to a vet clinic in case of a true emergency. Top-loading ones can be easiest for getting nervous cats inside.

Pheromone sprays are a nice touch for anxious kitties. These sprays can be used on towels or in carriers, to help take the edge off during transportation to a clinic, or as you await the mobile veterinarian’s visit.

Extra Items for Dogs

A slip lead can be helpful if your dog is head shy or very anxious and refuses to let you clip on their collar or put their harness on. If a dog is in a lot of pain, be mindful that they can act very differently to usual.

What Not to Put in a Pet First Aid Kit

Do not base your first aid kit on human medical advice. Many of the things in a human first aid kit are not going to be helpful and could even pose a risk to your dog. A number of human medicines, for example, are highly toxic for our pets.

You may have read online that you can induce vomiting using dilute hydrogen peroxide. However, most UK-based vets would not recommend that this is done, as it is mildly caustic and poses an aspiration hazard.

Where to Keep Your Kit and How Often to Check It

You want to keep your kit somewhere out of your pet’s reach, where you’ll easily remember. Check it over every 6-12 months, ensuring everything is in good working order. This is also a good time to check the contact details for your nearest emergency clinics.

Basic First Aid Steps Until the Vet Arrives

There are plenty of useful things you can do while awaiting a vet to arrive, or before transporting your pet to a clinic.

Bleeding Wounds

If a wound is actively bleeding, apply firm pressure using a clean towel or cloth. This should be for at least 5-10 minutes. Try to stay calm and to keep your pet relaxed, by having the room quiet and dimly lit.

Suspected Poisoning

Immediately remove your pet from the source of poisoning. If there is any toxic substance on their fur, wash it immediately with warm, soapy water. Do not wait for symptoms before contacting your vet.

Heatstroke

If your pet has overheated, this can be life-threatening. Immediately apply cool water all over, except for the animal’s head. You can also crank up any air conditioning and put fans directly onto them. Do not put wet towels on top of them, as this traps the heat inside.

When First Aid Is Not Enough: Call an Emergency Vet

First aid may be all that is needed, or it may be a good way of managing the situation, until your pet sees the vet. Always call a veterinarian for advice, if you are concerned your dog or cat needs further care.

Get Emergency Veterinary Advice for Your Pet

We are here 24/7 for you and your pet. For any emergency situation, contact us so we can help advise you if your pet needs to be seen right away. This may be in your home or at a nearby vet clinic.

Pet First Aid Kit: FAQs

What should be in a pet first aid kit?

In a pet first aid kit, you’ll usually want to have items including bandages, sterile saline, disposable gloves, a thermometer, and a tick remover.

Can I use a human first aid kit for my dog or cat?

There are some items from a human first aid kit that can be used, but others that won’t be helpful. Many human bandages won’t stick to fur and human medicine can be highly toxic for our pets.

What is a normal temperature for a dog or cat?

A normal temperature for a cat or dog is between about 38 and 39.3 degrees Celsius. This can vary a little bit for small kittens and puppies, who have a slightly lower body temperature.

What if I can’t drive?

If you are not able to drive your pet to the clinic, you may need to use a pet taxi service or to ask a friend or neighbour to help you. In other circumstances, it may be possible for the vet to come see you in your home.