Why your dog needs a first aid kit
Dogs have accidents just like humans! At some stage in their lives, dogs may have an unexpected personal or community emergency like a hurricane, flooding or brush fire. That said, keeping Fido safe and treating emergency accidents like choking, burns, cuts and scrapes, and poisonings is necessary.
With no canine 911, pet parents need to be prepared for the unexpected. The best way to do this is to have the best first aid kit for dogs and your veterinarian’s emergency number handy.
You should never attempt to replace expert veterinary care! If it looks serious, call up your emergency veterinarian, and get your dog to a veterinarian fast! These kits should be used only in emergencies.
Things to look for in a first aid kit for dogs
- Instruction manual
- Wound care
- Sprain care
- Medications
What to keep inside your dog’s first aid kit
- Vaccination & medical records
- Emergency phone numbers
- Dog (grooming) wipes
- Gauze, scissors, tape, rubber gloves
Above are the four core things you need to consider when looking at the options, and some things to consider keeping inside the first aid kit once its in your possession.
Popular first aid kits for dogs
Now, let’s look at what brought your here in the first place, some quality options when it comes to first aid kits for pets. These are our favorites, they’ll provide you and your dog with the tools needed when emergency strikes.
RC Pet Products | Pocket Pet First Aid Kit
This kit provides pet parents with basic first aid essentials, yet this first aid kit does not carry styptic powder to stop bleeding in superficial cuts, or over clipping of nails. Perfect for day-travel, hiking or a day at the beach! A beneficial addition for canine sporting activities like agility, and dog shows.
There is also a waste bag portal. The RC Pets Pocket First Aid Kit carries the following:
Pocket and pet first aid manual:
- 1 pair latex free gloves
- 1 box of first aid tape
- 3 gauze pads
- 1 gauze bandage roll
- 4 antiseptic wipes
- 2 rolls of adhesive bandages
- 1 roll of elastic bandages
The lightweight pocket- friendly kit includes an instruction pamphlet, and is easy-to-carry. It can be attached to belts, leashes or backpacks. It’s compact which makes it travel perfect, and offers an extended zipper for easy-use when wearing gloves.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Highly visible orange bag
- Perfect for cut and abrasion management
- Affordably priced
- Easy-to-carry
- Offers a carabiner to attach to leash or backpack
- Pullout x-section for doggie bags
Cons
- No styptic powder
- Wrap does not adhere
- No Celox hemostatic granules to stop severe bleeding
- No antihistamine capsules
Customers Feedback
This has a solid 4.3 out of 5 stars rating. Customers gave positive reviews about how convenient the small sizing was, although many complained about the lack of styptic powder.
Canines & Felines | Pet First Aid Kit
This emergency first aid kit for pets by Canines & Felines is veterinarian approved, and offers a waterproof pouch carrying a wide array of feline and canine first aid supplies. It also offers backup supplies, so it’s great for long trips with Fido.
Pros
- Backup supplies
- Large variety of medical supplies
- Veterinary approved
- Waterproof pouch
- Affordable
- Collapsible bowl with carabiner
- 12-inch collar
- Pet nail trimmer and nail file
Cons
- No styptic powder
- No Celox hemostatic granules
- No antihistamine capsules
- No cold pack
Customers Feedback
This has a solid 5 out of 5 stars rating. Customers gave positive reviews regarding the large variety of emergency veterinary supplies available.
Fab Fur Gear | Dog First Aid Kit
Featuring a durable, compact camouflage bag, there’s no chance of breaking this material when out camping or hiking with Fido! With the National Animal Poison Control Center number added, pet parents can feel reassured.
This kit includes all the basic pet first aid emergency supplies with a flea comb and warming emergency blanket. The tick tweezers are an added plus for the avid camper!
Pros
- Affordable
- Durable fabric
- Easy-to-attach
- Camouflage color
- Great for camping
Cons
- No antihistamines
- No antibacterial dog ointment
- No pet first aid manual or guide
Customers Feedback
This has a solid 4.8 out of 5 rating. Customers liked this good value product with the tick tweezers, which are great when camping outdoors.
Labra K9 | Dog First Aid Kit for Emergency
The Labra K9 dog first aid kit is a compact and durable one, perfect for the outdoors with your dog. With Labra’s kit, pet parents can rest assured that this kit offers all the essentials in first aid.
Featuring durability, this kit is available in red. It offers basic first aid supplies for cuts, scrapes and sprains. This kit was created to fit in Fido’s backpack, and weighs less than 7 ounces.
Pros
- Compact
- 28-piece set
- Good hiking and camping kit
- Includes a pet brush and antiseptic cleaning wipes
- Lightweight
- Durable case
Cons
- No styptic pads
Customers Feedback
This has a solid 4.7 out of 5 rating. Customers enjoyed the compact size, and the fact that it had more first aid supplies than others. Positive reviews all way round!
Adventure Medical Kits | Dog Series
With Adventure, pet parents have it all! A compact, comprehensive first aid kit for pets that also offers a medical emergency manual. The kit includes many extras like a skin stapler, ipecac, karo syrup, and quick clot gauze.
The ultimate in pet first aid kits, this superior kit gives pet owners peace of mind in case of a veterinary emergency. This is a must-have –kit for areas prone to hurricanes, brush-fires, and earthquakes.
Pros
- Waterproof
- 3 individual bags of pet first aid supplies
- Headlamp
- Good quality items
- Extra leash
- Extra LED headlamp
- Emergency blanket
- Medical guide included
- Syrup of ipecac to induce vomiting
- Skin stapler
- Quik Clot Gauze
- Karo syrup for shock
- Saline bottles and syringe
Cons
- Does not open very wide
Customers Feedback
This has a solid 4.5 out of 5 rating. Customers found this kit comprehensive, and better than 80% of the other kits around. Easily one of the best options out there.
Importance of veterinary follow-ups
All dogs should visit their veterinarian after an emergency to determine the extent of the injury, and for follow-up care. There are many underlying problems that may not be diagnosed immediately. To be better prepared, enroll in pet first aid and CPR classes, so that you’ll be organized in case of an emergency.
This can be done through your veterinarian or online. Remember to call ahead of time if your dog has had an emergency. This helps the veterinary staff prepare for your arrival after a veterinary emergency with Fido!
Final take on first aid kits for dogs
Choosing an appropriate first aid kit for your dog is important! The large variety of kits available, means that you’ll have the option of choosing between a basic one or a more comprehensive one.
Just like people, dogs will need emergency veterinary care in case of an accident or poisoning. A dog first aid kit does not replace emergency veterinary treatment. Preventing accidents from happening in the first place should be a priority!
That said, make sure that your dog’s medical history and veterinarian’s phone number are easily accessible, even when out camping or hiking. First Aid Kits should be used to treat minor emergencies.