How to Make a Pet First Aid Kit
In this article, we will discuss how to make a pet first aid kit. A well-stocked kit is essential to have in the house, at a pet business and on the go, but building (or buying) a pet first aid kit can be confusing. First aid kits for pet service providers like dog hikers, sitter, walkers or large businesses like daycare, boarding & grooming should contain more of each item.
When looking to make or buy a kit, be sure it includes the following essentials PER PET:
Flat gauze of various sizes (10)
Rolled gauze (5)
First aid tape (1)
Self-adhesive wrap such as Vet Wrap (2)
Ace wrap (1)
Eye wash (2)
Tweezers (1)
Scissors (1)
Antiseptic wipes (10)
A towel or small blanket if you have a cat
A muzzle and slip leash if you have a dog
Beyond these basics, a first aid kit can be as complex and fancy as you'd like it to be! Other useful items include:
Hot and cold packs (disposable ones available for on-the-go)
Mini clippers (for removing stubborn foxtails or burrs and tree sap, trimming fur away from a wound, and minor grooming fixes)
A boot if you have a dog (one size larger than normal, to cover a paw bandage)
Digital thermometer with water based lube and alcohol wipes - LABELED for your pet
Tick key or other commercial tick removal device
Veterinary prescribed medications
Medical gloves
Bandana
Baby wipes
Extra eye wash
Most items can be purchased at a regular pharmacy or from an online first aid supply retailer. A good, water resistant bag or box is worth the investment to keep your supplies in good condition - remember that self adhesive wrap will be ruined if it gets smashed or squished. You can have a single kit for both human & pet use. There is no difference between human and animal grade first aid supplies. Just be sure to label medications and thermometers clearly for their intended use.
There are commercially made pet first aid kits in a wide variety of sizes. Just be cautious of first aid kits that include medications - our pets cannot have many human medications and those that they can require very specific doses. Talk to your vet if you are interested in learning about what medications to have on hand for your pet(s).
Keep your kit in an easily accessible, cool, dry area. If you leave a kit in a vehicle, be sure to check the quality of contents frequently as they are exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations. Disposable hot and cold packs can be inactivated due to freezing or very hot temps.
Some other kits to have on hand at home & in the business:
Shelter in place kit
Evacuation kit
Disaster supply cache
If you'd like to learn more about assembling and using emergency kits, check out our amazing courses. We have specific content for pet owners & pet professionals alike!