25 Important Items for Your Pet's First-Aid Kit

April is National Pet First Aid Awareness Month. A crucial part of first aid is being prepared should your pet become harmed or sick. So, be ready for the unexpected and use the checklist below to build your pet first-aid kit! (Tip: keep one at home and one in the car.) The intention of a DIY first aid kit is not to be used as a substitute for veterinary treatment! However, keeping a fully-stocked first aid kit on hand allows you to temporarily treat and prevent minor injuries from escalating until you can get to a veterinary hospital.

Make it a point to check your kit every few months to ensure nothing should be replaced or has expired!

1. Emergency information (We have created an emergency sheet & checklist that you can print and fill out for your kits!):

• Include your personal contact information, veterinarian, local emergency-veterinary clinic, and a poison-control center or hotline (ASPCA poison-control center: 1-800-426-4435). A copy of your pet's medical record (vaccine history, medicines, etc.), as well.

2. Pet’s Photo

3. First Aid guidebook & Checklist (Included in the custom template)

4. 3% hydrogen peroxide: Use to induce vomiting but only use under vet or poison control instructions! (Do not use hydrogen peroxide on wounds!)

5. Gauze: Wrap, clean, and cushion wounds.

6. Hand sanitizer: Never use on your pet! Clean your hands before and after treating a wound.

7. Clean towels/blankets: Restrain, muzzle, or transport injured animals. You can also use it to clean or pad wounds & injuries. For overheated pets, cool them down by wrapping them in wet towels.

8. Vetericyn: A sting-free spray to clean wounds.

9. Blunt end scissors & tweezers.

10. Antibiotic ointment.

11`. Cotton balls/swabs.

12. Styptic powder: Quickly slows bleeding on minor cuts.

13. Vet Wrap: Used to secure gauze or bandages.

14. Adhesive medical tape.

15. Non-adhesive bandages

16. Tick comb

17. Eyedropper or oral syringe

18. Digital thermometer

19. Petroleum or water-based lubrication

20. Spare leash, collar, & pet carrier location.

21. Travel bowl & extra water

22. Disposable gloves: Wear to prevent cross-contamination

23. Instant cold pack: Use to reduce swelling & inflammation after injury or bee sting.

24. Alcohol prep pads

25. Eyewash or saline solution

You can always purchase a pre-made first aid kit. Although, making your own allows for you to customize the kit to fit the specific needs of your furry friend.

We hope you find this list helpful! Remember, there is much more you can include in your pet first aid kits but this should help you get started.