Veterinarian-written / veterinarian-approved articles for your dog.

First Aid Kit for Dogs

Accidents happen. Medical emergencies happen.

Having a well-stocked canine first-aid kit can be your first line of defense in an emergency. Keeping one at home and a duplicate in your car will ensure that you’re always ready. Start with a pre-packaged pet first-aid kit and add to it, or start from scratch to make your own.

Following are the first aid essentials for dogs.

Basic Dog First Aid Tools

  • Dog nail clippers
  • Styptic powder such as Kwik Stop® to stop minor bleeding
  • Scissors
  • Tweezers or forceps
  • Disposable gloves
  • A 6cc dosing syringe for administering medication or flushing wounds
  • A digital fever thermometer
  • A lubricant such as Vaseline® or K-Y®
  • A small bottle of 3% hydrogen peroxide
  • Antiseptic hand wipes
  • An instant cold pack

Wound Care Items for Dogs

  • Sterile gauze pads for wound cleansing
  • Cotton balls
  • Cotton swabs such as Q-tips®
  • Sterile, non-adherent gauze pads (such as Telfa® pads) for dressing wounds
  • Roll gauze to keep padding in place
  • Self-adhesive wrap such as Vetrap®
  • One-inch bandage tape for securing bandages
  • An antibacterial ointment such as Neosporin®
  • A small bottle of antiseptic wash such as Betadine®
  • Sterile eye wash

Restraint Items for Dogs

  • A leash, preferably a simple slip leash
  • A muzzle
  • A towel to wrap small dogs to restrain them

Optional First Aid Items

  • Pet clippers for removing matted hair or examining wounds
  • An Elizabethan Collar that fits your dog
  • Benadryl® liquid or tablets for treating allergic reactions. Consult your veterinarian for the proper dose.
  • A tick removal tool

Items For Reference


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