Building a Pet First Aid Kit

We recently shared blog posts about the importance of pet first aid and CPR training for pet lovers of all ages. Today, we want to highlight the importance and practicality of building a pet first aid kit that is in line with your and your pets’ lifestyle.

Things to Consider When Building a Pet First Aid Kit

When building a Pet First Aid Kit, it’s important to consider the species of the pets in your home and where the kit will be kept. Many pet parents with multi-species homes will create one kit for their dog, one for their cat, etc. Each species will need different items because fur, feathers, and other anatomical features vary. Where the kit will be kept is also an important consideration. Pet parents that like to partake in outdoor activities with their pets will often opt for a home pet first aid kit and one for their adventures. With any of these approaches, it’s important to properly label the kit for easy access and organization.

First Aid Kit for Cats & Small Mammals

If your cat is strictly indoors, the chances of them experiencing emergencies are low. If, however, your cat is indoor/outdoor or joins you on outdoor excursions, your kit will need to reflect potential dangers that indoor cats would likely not experience.

First Aid Kit for Dogs

For on-the-go first aid kits that will be kept in your vehicle or camping supplies, please consider your area’s climate, critters, dangers, etc. when assembling your kit. A kit in a wooded area will contain different items than one that is meant to be used in the desert.

Basic Pet First Aid Kit Supplies for Cats & Dogs

• Rabies Vaccination Certificate

• Gauze

• Non-stick Bandages

• Adhesive Bandage Tape

• Cotton Balls and Cotton-tipped Swabs

• Rubber Gloves

• Species-specific Antibiotic Spray/Ointment

• Saline Wound Flush

• Scissors

• Tweezers

• Nail Clippers & Blood Clotting Powder

• Magnifying Glass

• Hydrogen Peroxide to use if Poison Control instructs you to induce vomiting

• Syringes

• Splints

• Benadryl

• Daily Medications

Additional Items to Include in Pet First Aid Kits

Additional helpful items for both cat and dog-specific kits include poop bags for clean-up, a soft muzzle in case your pet is resistant to being treated during an emergency, pet-safe wipes, lickable treats, towels, and collapsible food/water bowls.

First Aid Kits for Other Species

Because we mostly specialize in cats and dogs, we usually focus our blogs on these two species. We, however, encourage all pet parents, no matter their species of choice, to prepare for an emergency by building a species-specific pet first aid kit to suit their pet’s needs.

Birds

Reptiles

Ready-Made Pet First Aid Kits

If you prefer to buy a ready-made kit, here’s a buyer's guide to help you navigate your options. They may not have everything you need but will prove invaluable in the case of an injury that requires immediate attention.

We encourage you to speak to your vet about their recommendations and what they think you should include for your particular pet’s needs.

To learn more about how Hearts at Home Pet Sitting prepares for the unexpected, email us at Hello@HeartsAtHomePetSitting.com or call 757-745-9868.