Article
Why Every Dog Parent Needs a Pet First Aid Kit For Their Dog
March 16, 2024
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Just like humans, dogs can get into situations where immediate medical attention is necessary, and sometimes, a trip to the vet isn't the most immediate option.
This is where having a pet first aid kit specifically designed for dogs becomes invaluable! Tailored to the unique needs of canines, a well-stocked dog first aid kit can be a lifesaver in emergencies, providing you with the tools and supplies needed to address issues while you seek professional medical care. Read on for our recommendations on what to stock in your kit, as well as ready-made kits you can purchase.
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Why You Need a Pet First Aid Kit
In emergencies, quick action is critical. Having a pet first aid kit available allows you or others who are caring for your pets to administer basic care for minor emergencies, or as a short term solution before getting vet care. A first aid kit can be the difference between life and death.
As a pet parent, or care giver, you may encounter some common pet injuries such as:
- Eye, paw or teeth injuries
- Ingesting of foreign objects or toxic plants
- Insect bite wounds
- Nail grooming injuries
- Injuries due to a dog fight or other animal
Supplies You Need In Your Pet First Aid Kit
Your home based pet kit can be purchased, or you can collect the items yourself and place them in a waterproof container. Your kit should include these basic supplies:
- Emergency Contacts: One of the most important items in your kit is an emergency contact card. This card should have:
- vet's phone number
- info for the nearest 24-hour pet hospital
- Pet parent’s number (for those caring for pets)
- Allergy and medical issues
- Poison control number
- Anti-bacterial and Anti-fungal Solutions: Have saline or antiseptic solution on hand to clean wounds and prevent infection. Look for pet-safe antiseptics, as some human products can be toxic to animals. This might come in the form of pads, ointment, and sprays.
- Bandaging Supplies: Your kit should contain bandaging supplies, including: self-adhesive bandage wrap, gauze pads, tape, blunt-tipped scissors, tweezers, and gloves.
- Pet Thermometer: Monitoring your pet's temperature is important during emergencies. Make sure to use a thermometer designed for pets, as human thermometers may not be suitable.
Here are 12 products you should keep stocked in your kit:
1.
Dechra Trizchlor Wipes for Dogs & Cats
- Price: about $70
- Why People Love It: This antiseptic wipe is not only easy to use but highly effective as well. It’s an easy way to have a ready-to-use anti-fungal and anti-bacterial solution on hand. In a pack, you can already get fifty wipes. Also, it has the scent of cucumber melon, away from the strong smell of other solutions that may irritate your dog.
- Amazon 5 Star Review:
“We have been using the mousse on my dog's paws to keep skin inflammation at bay. Started using these and much easier to clean paws and nice scent” -Deborah
- Ratings & Reviews: 4.5 out of 5 stars rating from over 664 reviews
2.
TropiClean Oxymed Hypoallergenic Cat & Dog Itch Relief Spray
If antiseptic wipes are not for you, then a spray might be the one you’re looking for. This is an easy-to-carry solution for any irritation your dog might have.
- Price: about $13
- Why People Love It: Dog wounds can come from irritation which causes them to scratch their skin. Well, this easy-to-use soothing spray can calm down any irritation your dog might have. It has ingredients such as colloidal oatmeal, aloe vera, tea tree oil, and Vitamin E.
- Amazon 5 Star Review:
“Dry itchy skin? Yes, both my chihuahua mixes had scratching issues. So glad I decided to try TropiClean because now all 3 of us are much happier!” -Ms
- Ratings & Reviews: 4.7 out of 5 stars rating from over 629 reviews
3.
AUPCON Vet Bulk Self-Adhesive Bandage Wrap for Dogs
- Price: about $10
- Why People Love It: This self-adhesive gauze is the perfect way to keep your pet from licking its wound. This is especially crucial if the wound has medicine on it. Being self-adhesive, you wouldn’t have any problem with it sticking to your dog’s hair. It’s also a less invasive option than a cone.
- Amazon 5 Star Review:
“This product is amazing. Had to put powder medicine on paws. Wanted to prevent the dog from licking it off. So much better than using a cone head. It stays on really well. You can remove it once you find the end without pulling long Yorkie hair.” -M.Hudak
- Ratings & Reviews: 4.6 out of 5 stars rating from over 4,243 reviews
4.
DOGSWELL Remedy Recovery Styptic Blood Stopper Powder for Dogs & Cats
- Price: about $9
- Why People Love It: Small bleeding wounds such as clipped nails are very common with pets. Styptic powder like this one from Dogswell can stop the bleeding immediately.
- Amazon 5 Star Review:
“I rarely cut my dog's nails too short but sometimes they move or I make a mistake. It's such a relief knowing I have this on hand if there is blood, which there was and it worked perfectly.” -Mkg
- Ratings & Reviews: 4.7 out of 5 stars rating from over 16,214 reviews
5.
Tiny Trim 4.5" Ball-Tipped Safety Scissor for Dog
- Price: about $12
- Why People Love It: Using scissors on your dogs can be scary! But, this blunt-tip scissor is an amazing way to cut dog fur away from the wound safely. You can also use it to cut bandages.
- Amazon 5 Star Review:
“This is the third time I have purchased these scissors. They are perfect for trimming around my poodle's eyes. The grip is comfortable and gives great control.” -Lin
- Ratings & Reviews: 4.7 out of 5 stars rating from over 5,163 reviews
6.
Project Watson Eye Wash for Dogs
- Price: about $11
- Why People Love It: Eye infection is pretty common with dogs. So, having an eye wash can be an excellent part of your pet's first aid kit. This one from Project Watson is mild and gentle for your pet. It also has an excellent pH balance which lessens the amount of irritants in the eyes.
- Amazon 5 Star Review:
“These wipes are gentle, effective, and easy to use. With just a few swipes, they remove dirt and odor, leaving my dog's ears clean and fresh. I highly recommend these dog ear wipes for any pet owner looking to keep their pup's ears in top shape!” -Loredana
- Ratings & Reviews: 4.4 out of 5 stars rating from over 786 reviews
7.
Nutri-Vet Ear Cleanse for Dogs
- Price: about $11
- Why People Love It: Say hello to happy, healthy ears. This paw-some formula gently removes dirt and wax buildup, leaving your furry friend feeling fresh and fabulous!
- Amazon 5 Star Review:
“Best product for keeping your dog's ears clean and infection-free. I have used lots of different products, including expensive ones purchased right from the vet, and nothing has worked as quickly and easily as this product. I have a Shitzu with floppy ears, and this product keeps them healthy and clean with no problems.” -Sherri
- Ratings & Reviews: 4.6 out of 5 stars rating from over 9,436 reviews
8.
Sulfodene Brand 3-Way Ointment for Dogs
- Price: about $12
- Why People Love It: For small cuts, this 3-way ointment will come in handy! It’s anti-bacterial and anti-fungal while also alleviating the pain from the cut.
- Amazon 5 Star Review:
“Everyone with a dog/cat should have this for minor scrapes or cuts.” -Joyeux
- Ratings & Reviews: 4.4 out of 5 stars rating from over 534 reviews
9.
MED PRIDE Conforming Stretch Gauze Bandages
- Price: about $7
- Why People Love It: Wrap your worries away with these gauze bandages! With their stretchy, reliable hold, they're the go-to choice for wrapping up minor or major wounds.
- Amazon 5 Star Review:
“Easy to order and what I needed for my emergency kit.” -Bryan
- Ratings & Reviews: 4.5 out of 5 stars rating from over 2,109 reviews
10. Basic Medical Synmax Vinyl Exam Gloves (Case of 1,000)
- Price: about $32
- Why People Love It: Get a paw up on protection with nitrile gloves! With a case of 1,000 gloves, you'll have a 'handy' supply to keep your furry friends away from contamination. Having this on your pet's first aid kit will minimize the bacteria going into open wounds.
- Amazon 5 Star Review:
“I am very satisfied with this product/the cost. I will order them again. Thanks!” -Amazon
- Ratings & Reviews: 4.6 out of 5 stars rating from over 2,018 reviews
11.
iProven Dog & Cat Thermometer
- Price: about $9
- Why People Love It: Much like humans, dogs have fevers too! To monitor your dog’s temperature, having a pet thermometer should be a crucial part of your pet's first aid kit.
- Amazon 5 Star Review:
“Order this when my labradoodle was pregnant to check her temperature before labor would start. Very accurate description and on point. I would recommend highly.” -Ruby
- Ratings & Reviews: 4.4 out of 5 stars rating from over 2,765 reviews
12.
TickCheck Premium Tick Remover Kit
- Price: about $12
- Why People Love It: This 2-in-1 kit is perfect for your tick problems as it comes with a tick-remover and tweezers. Not only that, this set can be used for splinters or any foreign object stuck in your dog’s skin.
- mazon 5 Star Review:
“The tick remover is awesome! I have a 65 lb Rottweiler who is extremely resistant to tick removal or anyone messing with her and this tool was super easy and efficient!” -Judy
- Ratings & Reviews: 4.7 out of 5 stars rating from over 5,133 reviews
Where to Buy a Pet First Aid Kit for Dogs
If you don’t have time to gather all the materials you need for your kit, there are several good options to purchase. Here are 3 popular options:
1.
Rubyloo Dog First Aid Kit
- Price: about $35
- Why People Love It: This set comes with puppy-approved essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and even a handbook. So, it’s no surprise that this is among the highest-rated pet first aid kits in the market.
- Amazon 5 Star Review:
“This is a great product. You never know when you may need it, but it's great to have. It is jam-packed with all the necessities for an emergency. Perfect size for home or car. Love it!” -Liz
- Ratings & Reviews: 4.9 out of 5 stars rating from over 344 reviews
2.
RC Pet Products Pet First Aid Kit
- Price: about $39
- Why People Love It: Tailored for pet parents who value safety and adventure, this kit is a must-have! From minor scratches to unexpected bumps along the trail, trust RC Pet Products to provide the right items for on-the-go care.
- Amazon 5 Star Review:
“My pet is always getting himself into trouble, breaking nails, cutting his tail wagging too hard, rolling into some sharp branches. But this has been great to take with us on trips or have handy at home. It has a lot of necessary items but in small amounts. However, it's easy to refill and the bag is great for traveling and storing first aid.” -Judy
- Ratings & Reviews: 4.6 out of 5 stars rating from over 346 reviews
3.
Arca Pet Dog First Aid Kit
- Price: about $35
- Why People Love It: This is a comprehensive first aid kit. It is vet-endorsed and has a lifetime manufacturer guarantee. The manufacturer is a US-based company.
- Amazon 5 Star Review:
“This is a basic level must have for all pet owners. I love that the case is super durable and stands out..” -fireydawn
- Ratings & Reviews: 4.7 out of 5 stars rating from over 1100 reviews
Checking and restocking your kit
Once you have your pet's first aid kit together, it’s a good practice to check it every 6 months (or sooner if there has been an event). Check for expiration dates, replenish any used supplies and make sure emergency contact info is current.
Conclusion: Be prepared for any pet emergency with a well-stocked first aid kit
As a pet parent, it’s important to be prepared for the minor scrapes and injuries your dog is sure to have have over their lifetimes. Whether you purchase a kit or make a DIY version, having an well stocked pet first aid kit in your home, is critical and may event save your dog's life, depending on the injury.
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