Essentials in a First-Aid Kit

You can put together or own first-aid kit or purchase one from a pet store.

Essentials in a First-Aid Kit

You can put together or own first-aid kit or purchase one from a pet store. First-aid kits can vary in their number of items. Your veterinarian may suggest items in addition to these:

  • Gauze roll to wrap wounds or use as a muzzle
  • Adhesive tape for bandages
  • Non stick bandages such as Telfa pads (Soft, nonwoven backing conforms around wound and seals on all four sides.; provides protection from external environment)
  • Towels and cloth
  • Hydrogen Peroxide (3 percent)
  • Milk of Magnesia or activated charcoal to absorb poison (use only with advice of a vet or poison control center)
  • Eyedropper for oral treatments
  • Stretcher (a blanket, board or floor mat)
  • Thermometer (normal temperature is 100 to 102.5 degrees)
  • Tweezers
  • Antibiotic ointment
  • Cotton Swabs
  • Instant cold pack
  • First Aid Book
  • Scissors
  • Pliers to remove porcupine twills
  • Rags or rubber tubing to use as a tourniquet in a life-threatening situation
  • Flashlight
  • Bottled water
  • Emergency phone numbers
    • Your Vet
    • Emergency Hospital
    • ASPCA Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435

ASPCA Poison Control (888) 426-4435

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) is your best resource for any animal poison-related emergency, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you think your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, call (888) 426-4435.

American Red Cross Pet First Aid Classes