A pet first aid kit will not replace a vet, but it helps you stabilise your pet and get safely to one. Assemble one now and keep a smaller version in the car or travel bag.
This guide is part of our pet emergency guide.
Pet first aid kit checklist
| Category | Items |
|---|---|
| Information | Your vet’s and nearest emergency hospital’s numbers; animal poison helpline number for your country; copy of vaccination records and medication list |
| Wound care | Sterile gauze pads, non-stick dressings, self-adhesive (cohesive) bandage, adhesive tape, saline solution for flushing wounds, blunt-ended scissors |
| Handling | Soft muzzle or long strip of cloth, thick towel or blanket, spare lead, e-collar (cone) |
| Tools | Tweezers, tick remover, digital thermometer, disposable gloves, small torch |
| Fluids and comfort | Collapsible bowl and water, instant cold pack, foil emergency blanket |
| Prescribed items | Any medicines your vet has prescribed for your pet |
What not to use
- Human painkillers such as paracetamol (acetaminophen), ibuprofen or aspirin: these can be toxic, and paracetamol can be fatal to cats.
- Hydrogen peroxide on wounds: it can damage tissue. Use saline.
- Inducing vomiting without vet advice: some substances cause more damage coming back up.
- Tight tourniquets: use firm pressure with gauze instead, unless trained.
Basic first aid for common situations
Bleeding
Apply firm, direct pressure with clean gauze for several minutes. Add more layers on top rather than removing soaked gauze. Go to a vet if bleeding does not stop.
Heatstroke
Move your pet to shade, wet the body with cool (not ice-cold) water, use a fan, and go to a vet immediately, even if your pet seems to recover.
Choking
If you can see the object and it is safe, remove it carefully with your fingers or tweezers, taking care not to push it further. If your pet cannot breathe, go to an emergency vet immediately.
Burns
Cool the area with cool running water for several minutes and cover loosely with a clean, damp cloth. See a vet.
Suspected fracture
Keep your pet still and move it on a flat surface. Do not attempt to splint unless trained.
Taking a pet’s temperature
A normal temperature for dogs and cats is roughly 38 to 39.2°C (100.5 to 102.5°F). Use a lubricated digital thermometer rectally, gently, or ask your vet to show you how.
Keep it ready
- Check expiry dates every six months.
- Keep a copy of key numbers on your phone.
- Consider a pet first aid course.
Related guides
This guide is general information for pet owners and is not a substitute for an examination by a licensed veterinarian. If your pet is unwell, contact your vet.
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