DIY Pet First Aid Kit

Having a Pet First Aid Kit is something that ALL pet owners need to have. We hope for the best, but sometimes accidents happen and being prepared can make all the difference in saving your pets life! There are lots of Pet First Aid Kits on the market that you can purchase already assembled. They can be a little expensive, so why not do it yourself? I find that way I can put exactly what I want and need inside of the kit….and save some money!

You can purchase many of these items at your local pharmacy, Target, or Walmart. I got almost everything for my kit at the Dollar Tree! There are some items that you may need to purchase from your veterinarian, so always check with them if you have any questions.

DIY Pet Emergency First Aid Kit Checklist

The kit that I created includes the “basic” items that every pet owner should have. There are specific items that you may need depending on your pet’s breed and medical history. Always check with your veterinarian to make sure you’ve covered all bases.

Here’s a quick “cheat sheet” of the things you need for a basic Pet First Aid Kit. I’ve explained each of these items below. At the end of this post is a detailed checklist if you want to create a more robust kit!

Pet Emergency Contact Sheet

Every pet owner should have an emergency contact sheet filled out in advance with this vital information:

The last thing you want to do during an emergency is to go searching around for phone numbers and addresses. You can get a detailed description of what to include in this post, Are You Prepared for a Pet Emergency?

I would also recommend purchasing a First-Aid Book for Pets that you can keep inside of your kit. There’s also this free resource online from Red Cross with basic first aid procedures for cats, dogs and small pets. 

Tools & Materials

Now, let’s talk about the basic tools and materials you should have in your kit. The checklist has a longer list, but these are the basics:

• Adhesive Tape – For securing gauze.
• Cotton Balls – To help apply ointments and clean up any blood.
• Gauze Pads and Roll – This is to wrap wounds and can serve as a make-shift muzzle if need be.
• Instant Cold Pack – To help cool down the skin if your pet is burned. It’s a good idea to use a rag
• Q-Tips – To help clean wounds, administer ointments, clean ears, paws, etc.
• Towels & Rags – Used for washing, keeping the pet warm/cool, and transporting to the vet.
• Scissors (blunt tip) – To cut gauze or to help cut long fur. Always get scissors with a bunt tip to prevent cutting your pet.
• Syringe or Eye Dropper – To give oral medication or to help flush out wounds.
• Tongue Depressors – Can be used for oral exam or to create a leg splint.
• Tweezers – To remove splinters, or other foreign materials from wounds.

Medications and Ointments

• Antibacterial Cleanser – To clean your hands and any tools you are using.
• Antibiotic Ointment  –  Use for minor skin wounds. Always use with discretion and ensure that the pet cannot lick the ointment.
• Bactine – To disinfect wounds.
• Children’s Benadryl- Used for allergic reactions, bug bites. Check with a vet before administering.
• Hydrogen Peroxide (3 percent) – To induce vomiting. Always contact your vet or animal poison control first.
• Petroleum Jelly – To help insert a rectal thermometer.
• Sterile Saline Eye Solution – To flush out foreign objects in your pet’s eye or to help clean around the eye area. Do not use contact solution!

Is there anything else you would add to your Pet First Aid Kit? Leave a comment and let me know! Be sure to stop by our DIY Pet Project gallery for more do it yourself ideas for pet parents!