cat and dog first aid kits

Having the right supplies on hand can help you immediately care for your pet in case of a medical emergency.

It’s always a good idea to have a first aid kit on hand, whether you and your pet are out on the road, camping, hiking, or just hanging out at home.

What to have on hand for little scrapes and life-threatening emergencies

Having first aid materials immediately on hand can help you focus on safely getting your pet the help they need. If you have an evacuation kit for your pet (and we always recommend you do), it’s a great idea to include these pet first aid supplies in their go bag.

Keep a hard copy of veterinary contact information in your kit

If your dog or cat is hurt or injured, you’ll want to call your vet or an emergency veterinary hospital ASAP. It’s great to have this information on your phone, but a hard copy in your first aid kit can help both you and other people know where to call for aid.

You’ll want to keep numbers and addresses of your local wellness veterinary team or hospital plus the phone and address of your local emergency veterinary hospital or after-hours pet clinic. Emergency veterinary hospitals and after-hours clinics are the ERs of the pet world. In case of emergency, it’s smart to call as you’re on your way to help them prepare and be ready when you arrive. 

Avoid adhesive bandages — here’s what to stock instead

The goal of first aid for cats and dogs is to help you get them to more intensive care. That means taking extra steps to keep both you and your pet safe. 

Sick, hurt, or frightened animals may strike out even at people they love. For dogs, we recommend using nonadhesive materials like gauze, strips of T-shirt, or even neckties as a muzzle to help prevent bites. For cats, you may need to swaddle or contain them in a blanket or towel to prevent further injury.

You’ll also need specific materials to help you apply pressure and bind up wounds. Make sure you have an extra leash or harness on hand to help keep your pet still. A blanket or a beach towel in your kit can help you carry your pet to a safe area. 

Never use human adhesive bandages like Band-Aids® or industrial tape (like duct tape) on pets. These materials can be actively harmful to pet hair and skin.

Use caution with hydrogen peroxide and other specialty supplies

In addition to the basics, you may want to include some special supplies. However, you should only use these materials if explicitly directed by your vet.

Using these supplies incorrectly can really hurt the pet you love. Never make your pet vomit or use an epi pen without veterinary guidance.

• Hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting (only at veterinary direction)
• Digital rectal thermometer (your veterinary team will provide directions)
• Diphenhydramine for some allergic reactions (only at veterinary direction; you’ll need to know the specific dose and how to administer)

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