June 24

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Be Prepared! Pet First Aid Kits & Emergency Know-How

Pet emergencies happen - are you prepared?

Being prepared for emergencies is essential, which includes having a pet first aid kit. First aid kits aren't just for humans - our four-legged friends need them, too. Additionally, knowing basic pet first aid is important. It can make a significant difference in the moments before you reach the vet or when you're unable to. In this blog, we'll break down what to include in your pet's first aid kit, how to handle common emergencies at home, and how to know when it's time to head to the vet.

Why Every Pet Owner Needs a Pet First Aid Kit

Pet emergencies can happen anytime. Having a pet first aid kit in certain emergencies can provide your pet with the critical care it needs. Examples of common pet emergencies include allergic reactions, bee stings, cuts, scrapes, puncture wounds, and heatstroke. 

Pet First Aid Kits Essentials 

So, what should you keep well-stocked in your pet first aid kit?

Know all about the essentials for pet first aid kits.

The Basics 

Every pet first aid kit should have these basic supplies. 

  • Gauze pads & rolls (for wrapping wounds)
  • Non-stick bandages and self-adhesive vet wrap
  • Cotton balls and swabs
  • Disposable gloves
  • Blunt-tipped scissors
  • Tweezers (for removing splinters, ticks)
  • Syringes (for oral medications or flushing wounds)
  • Digital thermometer (rectal, pets' normal temp is 100.5–102.5°F)
  • Instant cold pack (for swelling or heat-related issues)
  • Clean towels or blankets (for warmth or restraint)
  • Muzzle or soft restraint (even friendly pets may bite when in pain)

Medications & Treatments

Your pet first aid kit also needs the following to help you handle minor emergencies:

  • Antiseptic wipes, solution (like chlorhexidine or Betadine), or a pet-safe antiseptic spray
  • Saline solution (great for rinsing eyes or wounds)
  • Styptic powder or cornstarch (to stop nail bleeding)
  • 3% hydrogen peroxide (only to induce vomiting if your vet instructs you to)
  • Activated charcoal (used only under vet guidance for toxin ingestion)
  • Glucose paste or Karo syrup (for low blood sugar emergencies)
  • Benadryl (for minor allergic reactions - ask your vet about the correct dose)
  • Anti-diarrheal (vet-approved)
  • Electrolyte powder or Pedialyte (to help with dehydration)

NOTE: It's always best to consult with your veterinarian before using any medical treatment at home. 

Important Information

To make it easy on you, we've put together a downloadable Pet First Aid Kit Checklist to help you stock your kit with confidence.

Or, if you'd rather skip doing it yourself, you can check out a ready-made one here. 

Keeping Your Kit Updated & Ready

Once you have your first aid kit, be sure to keep it up to date and ready for use. Set a calendar reminder every six months to review the kit and replace any items that have expired or are low. 

It's also a good idea to have a travel pet first aid kit, especially if you travel with your pets on road trips, camping, or going "up north," as we do here in Wisconsin. Emergencies don't wait until you're home.

  • Keep it in a waterproof container.
  • Add pet-safe insect repellent.
  • Include paw balm for rough or hot terrain.
  • Carry extra water, bowls, and a portable crate or blanket.
  • Pack a tick remover (ticks are common in wooded areas).
  • Update the kit for the season (heat protection in summer, paw care in winter).
Have a travel pet first aid kit especially if your pets travel with you where you are outside.

Pet first aid kits are necessary when traveling with your pets includes the outdoors. 

Pet First Aid Skills Everyone Should Know

Having a properly stocked first-aid kit is the first step in being prepared for an emergency. Still, the next is knowing what to do when an emergency strikes.

Here are pet first aid skills every pet owner should know. 

Bleeding

Bleeding is one of the most common pet emergencies stemming from things like cuts from sharp objects, ripped nails, animal bites, or injuries from accidents.

How to stop bleeding: 

  • Apply firm pressure with clean gauze.
  • Elevate limb(s) if possible.
  • Use styptic powder for minor bleeding (like nail trims).
  • If bleeding doesn't stop in 5-10 minutes, seek emergency care.
Having a pet first aid kit allows you to help you pet with injuries until you can get to the vet.

Even small wounds need care.

Burns

Pets can get chemical, thermal, or electrical burns from hot appliances, household cleaners, fertilizers, and from curiously chewing on electrical cords.

How to handle burns: 

  • Flush chemical burns with water for 20 minutes.
  • Apply a cool compress to thermal burns. 
  • Cover with a clean, non-stick bandage.
  • Do not apply butter, ointments, or ice.

Limping 

Your pet may start limping due to cuts, scrapes, puncture wounds, insect bites, burns from hot surfaces, or sprains or strains from activity or accidents. 

How to help with limping:

  • Restrict activity
  • Check for foreign objects (e.g., thorns).
  • Apply a cold compress for swelling.
  • Do not give human pain meds unless directed by a vet (some are toxic to pets).
If your pet is limping, knowing pet first aid and having a pet first aid kit can help until you can get them to the vet.

Choking

Many things can cause choking in pets, including food, bones, toys, and even items they shouldn't be eating, such as string.

How to clear the airway of a choking pet:

  • Open the mouth carefully and look for a foreign object.
  • Remove it gently if you can reach it.
  • If not breathing and not responsive, perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich) and CPR.

Poisoning

Pets often eat things they shouldn't, including toxic foods, household chemicals, and dangerous plants, which can lead to poisoning. Signs of poisoning can include vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, lethargy, or collapse.

How to handle suspected poisoning:

  • Remove your pet from the source of poison if it's safe.
  • Don't induce vomiting unless told to by a vet or poison control.
  • Keep the toxin's packaging or details to share with the vet.
  • Contact your vet, an emergency clinic, or the Pet Poison Helpline right away.
Even with the best first aid kit and knowledge, with poisoning, it's best to get your pet to the vet as soon as you can.

Pet poisoning is no joke! 

Learn more about common pet poisons in our blog here. 

Heatstroke

Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition that can happen when pets overheat, especially in hot weather, after exercise, or if left in hot cars or poorly ventilated spaces. Signs of heatstroke can include excessive panting, drooling, weakness, vomiting, or collapse. 

How to help with heatstroke:

  • Move your pet to a shaded or air-conditioned area immediately.
  • Offer small amounts of cool (not ice-cold) water.
  • Wet towels with cool water and place them on the head, neck, and chest.
  • Avoid using ice or ice-cold water, as this can cause hypothermia and potentially lead to shock.
  • Seek emergency veterinary care immediately.

CPR for Pets 

Should your pet stop breathing or become unresponsive after trauma, like choking, knowing pet CPR can be lifesaving.

The Red Cross offers a Pet First Aid App and online training. Read more from the Red Cross on How to Perform Pet CPR | Red Cross.

Knowing When First Aid Isn't Enough

First aid is and always will be given in emergencies, like the ones described above, until you can seek medical care or advice. But, sometimes, first aid isn't enough, and you may need to seek professional medical attention right away.

Sometimes pet first aid isn't enough and you should know when your pet needs emergency care.
  • Bleeding heavily or profusely
  • Not breathing or unconscious
  • Hit by a car or had a major fall
  • Shows signs of poisoning (vomiting, drooling, tremors)
  • Having seizures or extreme swelling
  • Unable to stand or walk

For more details on when to seek urgent or emergency care for your pet, read our blog Urgent Care for Pets: When You Need the ER and When You Don't - Buddy's Vets.

Be Prepared, Stay Calm, and Act Fast

Emergencies can happen when you least expect them and being prepared can make all the difference. Having a fully stocked pet first aid kit and knowing how to use it gives you the ability to help your pet until veterinary care is available. 

To help you get started, we've created a Pet First Aid Kit Checklist you can download here and use to build your own kit with confidence.

At Buddy's Vets, we encourage you to get your pet's first aid kit ready and consider taking a pet first aid class. If you have any questions about how to be better prepared, our team is here to help. Your pet depends on you for their happiness, their health, and their safety. 

NOTE: We hope this blog helps you feel more prepared! Remember, while first aid can make a big difference, it's not a replacement for professional veterinary care. If you ever have concerns about your pet's health or experience an emergency, please contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic right away.

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