pet first aid kit: what to include for dogs and cats

A pet first aid kit should include basic supplies that may help you respond to minor injuries or provide basic first aid while you arrange veterinary care for your dog or cat.

Useful supplies include sterile gauze pads and rolls, self-adhering vet wrap, sterile saline, blunt-nosed scissors, tweezers, a digital thermometer, styptic powder, a clean towel or blanket, your pet’s medical records, and emergency contact information.

A first aid kit can help you respond quickly, but it does not replace veterinary care. Keep your kit stocked, know how to use the supplies, and make a plan for getting your pet to a veterinarian if they are seriously injured or ill.

It’s also a good idea to have the phone number for your veterinarian, the nearest emergency veterinary hospital, and a pet poison-control service with your first aid supplies.

Pet first aid kit checklist

You can build your own pet first aid kit or start with a premade kit and add supplies based on your pet’s needs. Choose products that are appropriate for pets, and ask your veterinarian which supplies or medications are appropriate for your individual dog or cat.

If you include an antiseptic wound-cleaning product, ask your veterinarian which product is appropriate for your pet. Do not use hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol on open wounds. These products can damage healthy tissue and delay healing.

Avoid adding human medications to your pet’s first aid kit for general use. A medication that is safe for people may be unsafe for dogs or cats.

How to use the key items in a pet first aid kit

Knowing what belongs in a first aid kit is useful, but knowing when and how to use each item matters just as much.

Gauze and vet wrap

For external bleeding, place sterile gauze or a clean cloth over the wound and apply firm, steady pressure. If blood soaks through, add more gauze rather than removing the first layer.

Self-adhering vet wrap can help secure gauze, but do not wrap it tightly. A bandage that is too tight can restrict blood flow and cause additional injury.

Severe or uncontrolled bleeding requires immediate veterinary care. First aid should help control bleeding while you get your pet to a veterinarian.

Sterile saline

Sterile saline can be used to gently flush minor wounds or rinse the eye when there is visible debris or irritation. Avoid using products that contain additional medications or antiseptics unless your veterinarian recommends them.

If your pet has a serious eye injury, significant wound, embedded object, or severe pain, do not delay veterinary care to clean the area.

Digital thermometer

A typical core temperature for a dog or cat is approximately 100 to 102.5°F, although your veterinarian can help you understand what is normal for your individual pet.

A rectal digital thermometer is generally the most accurate way to measure a pet’s body temperature, but this method can be difficult for you to use at home, especially if your pet is frightened, in pain, or struggling. Ask your veterinarian for guidance on how to use one safely, since improper technique can cause more harm. You can also use a pet ear thermometer or non-contact thermometer.

An unusually high or low temperature can be a sign of a serious problem. Your pet’s other signs and overall condition matter, so contact your veterinarian for guidance if you are concerned.

Tweezers

Tweezers can be useful for removing small, visible pieces of debris from the skin when they can be removed easily and safely. Do not dig into a wound or attempt to remove an object that is deeply embedded.

Foreign objects, puncture wounds, or wounds involving the eye, mouth, chest, or abdomen need veterinary attention.

Styptic powder

Styptic powder can help stop minor bleeding from a nicked nail. Apply a small amount directly to the bleeding nail and use gentle pressure.

Styptic powder is intended for minor bleeding. It is not a substitute for veterinary care when bleeding is heavy, persistent, or coming from another type of wound.

Towel or blanket

A thick towel or blanket can help you safely handle or transport a frightened or injured pet. You can gently wrap a small pet in a towel to limit movement and help them feel more secure.

Use extra caution around an injured pet’s head and mouth. Pain and fear can cause even a normally gentle pet to bite.

Muzzle and leash

A properly fitted muzzle can help prevent a frightened or painful dog from biting during handling or transport. A slip leash can help you safely control a dog who is loose or frightened.

Never use a muzzle on a pet that is vomiting, having trouble breathing, or overheating. Do not leave a muzzled pet unattended.

Cats should not be muzzled with a dog-style muzzle. A towel, carrier, or other appropriate handling method is generally safer for transporting a frightened cat.

Medications

Do not give your pet human medications or leftover prescriptions from another pet. Some common human medications can be toxic to dogs and cats, and the correct medication and dose depend on the individual pet and the problem being treated.

Your veterinarian can tell you whether there are any medications or pet-specific products that are appropriate to keep in your first aid supplies.

Where to keep your first aid kit and how to stay ready

  Keep your pet first aid kit somewhere that is easy to find and reach for the adults in your household (but not kids or pets). Consider keeping a second kit in your car if you frequently travel with your pet.

  Check your supplies regularly and replace anything that has expired, dried out, become damaged, or been used. Make sure you have enough gauze, wrap, saline, and other frequently used supplies to handle a basic injury.

  Your first aid kit should be separate from an emergency go bag. A first aid kit contains supplies for responding to an injury or illness, while a go bag contains the food, medications, identification, and other necessities your pet may need if you have to leave home during a disaster.

Learn more about preparing an emergency go-bag for your pet

A kit supports and does not replace the vet

  A pet first aid kit is designed to help you respond to an immediate problem while you arrange veterinary care. It is not intended to diagnose an injury or illness or provide long-term treatment.

  Seek veterinary care promptly for serious or worsening signs, including difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, collapse, seizures, severe pain, poisoning, heatstroke, a swollen abdomen, or major trauma.

  When in doubt, call your veterinarian or nearest emergency veterinary hospital.

Learn more about when to call the vet and pet first aid basics.

Make a printable emergency card

A small emergency card can make your first aid kit even more useful. Keep a printed copy in the kit and update it whenever your contact information or your pet’s medications change.

Include:

• your regular veterinarian’s name and phone number
• nearest emergency veterinary hospital and phone number
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control: 888-426-4435
• Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661
• pet’s name, age, and identifying information
• current medications and doses
• important medical conditions or allergies
• vaccination records
• preferred emergency contact

You can also save the same information in your phone so you can access it when you are away from home.

Pet first aid kit FAQs

Important Notice: The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult a veterinarian with any questions regarding your pet's health or medical condition. Never disregard or delay seeking professional veterinary advice based on information from this page.