Despite our very best efforts to keep our pets safe, accidents sadly do happen. Often enough, thank goodness, the consequences are mild and can be dealt with effectively at home. For this reason, it’s a good idea for owners to be properly prepared to deal with injuries and equipped with a fully stocked dog first aid kit.
There are multiple kits out there designed for different purposes, and selecting the right one for you is no easy feat. Here we review the very best dog first aid kits recommended by other Doodle owners. So, whether you’re looking for something you can have in the house or that you can pop in the car and take with you, we’ve got you covered.
Table of Contents
- Dog First Aid Kit Buying Guide
- Best Dog First Aid Kits: Reviews
- Are Human First Aid Kits Dog-Friendly?
- Checklist for Building Your Own Dog First Aid/Emergency Kit
- Frequently Asked Questions About the Dog First Aid Kit
Our Top 3 Best Vet-Approved Dog First Aid Kits
For those of you with less time to leisurely browse through our reviews, here is a rundown of our top picks and some of the reasons we have chosen them.
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Pick #1:
Kurgo Portable Dog First Aid Kit. This fully portable 50-piece medical kit has everything you need for dealing with day-to-day canine injuries, allowing you to be prepared for just about every eventuality. The equipment is organized into four spacious compartments for ease of use.
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Pick #2:
Rayco Pet First Aid Kit. Super handy to grab and go, this eye-catching carry case can be stored in your home and taken with you on trips to the park. This kit has all the necessary items for dealing with bumps, cuts, tick removal, insect bites, and more.
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Pick #3:
Adventure Medical Kits Me & My Dog First Aid Kit. Containing everything that you and your four-legged friend could need for up to four days of fun, this excellent medical kit is perfect for dealing with any injuries that may occur while you’re out on your adventures.
Dog First Aid Kit Buying Guide
The variety of first aid kits available these days makes it that much easier for you to find the perfect one to meet your needs. In narrowing down your selection, there are a few key considerations.
Equipment and Supplies
Obviously, the most crucial part of any first aid kit is the equipment and supplies. High-quality bandages, plasters, and more are a must. The good news is that these are not generally hard to find. Look for a kit equipped to deal with cuts, scratches, splinters, insect bites, and ticks. These are the most common issues you will encounter.
Picking a kit that has a good amount of more frequently used items, such as doggy band-aids, means that you are unlikely to be caught without if your pet injures themselves. However, something that you are taking out on a quick walk or trip to the park won’t require quite so many supplies as a kit you keep at home.
Size and Portability
The size and portability of the kit is another thing you will need to think carefully about. If you are simply looking for something to have in the house, then the kit’s case and weight are not going to be as important as what’s inside. However, if you are going to be taking it out and about, then you will need to consider how well the kit is suited to this.
Some kits have been designed to attach to your pooch’s leash or harness, meaning that you can always have it on hand while out on a walk. However, if you get one of these, you need to ensure that it is water-resistant and tough enough to withstand wear and tear. You will also need to keep supplies light, so the pack isn’t too heavy or cumbersome for your pup.
Organization
Organization also matters. When dealing with an emergency situation and a reluctant, squirming dog, being able to quickly get your hands on what you need is vital. A disorganized bag wastes time and is a major hindrance. Look for something that is easy to access and has separate storage compartments for the different supplies.
First aid kits with extra space that allows you to add additional items tailored to your dog’s specific needs, such as fresh water and medication, are also particularly useful, especially when you are spending a great deal of time outdoors.
Best Dog First Aid Kits: Reviews
Best for the Car
Contents:
- 1x parachute cord
- 1 x first aid guide
- 4 x sting relief pads
- 1 x tweezers (Plastic)
- 1 x tape role
- 1 x crepe bandage – 2″
- 10 x cotton swabs
- 4 x tongue depressors
- 4 x antiseptic towelettes
- 1 x instant cold pack
- 2x disposable rubber gloves
- 3 x gauze pads – 4″ x 4″
- 3 x gauze pads – 2″ x 2″
- 1 x gauze roll – 2″
- 1 x trauma pad – 5″ x 9″
- 4 x alcohol prep pads
- 1 x thermal foil emergency blanket
- 1 x scissors
- 4 x iodine prep pads
- 1 x bottle opener
Perfect for every adventure, this travel-friendly pet first aid kit can be tucked away in your glove compartment or backpack. So, just like any good scout, you are always prepared. The pack, which opens fully out, has three mesh compartments containing various bandages, swabs, gauze pads, and other items for dealing with an assortment of canine injuries. They have even included a handy bottle opener in case you find yourself stuck without a way into your drink.
Pet parents appreciate the quality of this useful product as well as how easy it is to tuck into a travel bag. The kit contains a first aid book with careful instructions on how to deal with everyday problems. Owners seem to agree that this is a very complete first aid pack and they feel reassured having it on hand.
Pros
- The compact roll-up bag makes this kit extremely suitable for traveling.
- The hook closure allows it to be hung up while open for easy access.
Cons
- As expected with a highly portable kit, there is less space for additional items.
Best Multipurpose
Contents:
- 2 x conforming gauze rolls – M
- 1 x high elastic bandage
- 1 x self adhesive bandage
- 2 x small and medium gauze dressing pads
- 10 x plaster bandages – various sizes
- 2 x adhesive patch – 7cm and 10cm
- 2 x exam gloves
- 1 x first aid tape – 2.5cm
- 1 x triangle bandage
- 1 x metal tweezers
- 1 x scissors – 12.5cm
- 1 x ice pack
- 1 x saline solution
- 1 x thermal foil emergency blanket – 82″ x 52″
- 1 x unique tick remover
- 8 x antiseptic wipes
- 1 x wooden tongue depressor
- 1 x disposable plastic syringe
- 1 x flashing orange LED collar
- 1 x collapsible water bowl
- 1 x tick remover
- 3 x settings with a writeable tag for pet name or owner info
- 5 x saline solution styptic pencils – 5 grams
Excellently designed for ease of accessibility, this comprehensive kit comes equipped with a whole host of handy gadgets along with regular medical supplies. Housed in a strong but soft nylon carry case, it has a styptic pen used for controlling bleeding, as well as a flashing LED collar with three different settings and a writable tag for owner information.
Those who purchase the pack are impressed with what they receive, which is often much far more than expected. They find extremely good value for the money. Many of them also love the light-up collar, which makes it so very easy to track your pet in the dark – invaluable in an emergency situation.
Pros
- The styptic pen is an excellent addition as bleeding is a common issue.
- Other helpful items include a collapsible water bowl.
Cons
- Plastic tweezers are unlikely to be as strong and durable as metal ones.
- It would also be helpful if the kit came equipped with instructions for use or a basic first aid guide.
Best for Trips
Contents:
- 5 x easy access bandages – 1″ x 3″ fabric
- 2 x easy access bandages – knuckle fabric
- 3 x butterfly closure fabric adhesive bandage
- 2 x sterile gauze dressing – 3″ x 3″ (Pkg./2)
- 2 x sterile non-adherent dressing – 2″ x 3″
- 1 x conforming gauze bandage – 2″
- 1 x tape – 1″ x 10 yards
- 1 x elastic bandage self-adhering – 2″
- 1 x irrigation syringe – 10cc. with 18 gauge tip
- 1 x saline wound & eye wash
- 1 x nitrile glove
- 3 x triple antibiotic ointment
- 6 x antiseptic wipes
- 1 x moleskin – pre-cut & shaped (14 pieces)
- 2 x alcohol swabs
- 1 x triangular bandage
- 1 x instant cold compress
- 3 x safety pins
- 1 x Wilderness & Travel Medicine: A Comprehensive Guide – by Eric A. Weiss
- M.D.
- 1 x pet first aid manual
- 1 x EMT Shears – 4″
- 1 x splinter picker / tick remover forceps
- 1 x leash – 5″ nylon
- 1 x hydrogen peroxide 3% – 1 oz.
- 1 x emergency blanket
- 2 x aspirin – 325 mg. (Pkg./2)
- 2 x antihistamine (Pkg./1)
This unique 2-in-1 first aid kit offers the best of both worlds. Not only does it include essential items for taking care of a sick or injured dog, but it has supplies for you, too. Moreover, it contains two excellent guides for dealing with injuries in the great outdoors. With this kit, you can confidently head off on your trip knowing that you’re covered.
Adventure-loving owners are truly impressed with this kit, stating that it contains outdoor essentials that other kits do not. The general consensus is that it is well put together, with the supplies coming nicely and safely packed inside two separate dryflex ziplock baggies for extra protection.
Pros
- This is an excellently versatile kit that saves you space by allowing you to pack one rather than two.
- It contains useful items such as hydrogen peroxide, saline solution, and antihistamines.
Cons
- As with other travel kits, there isn’t much space to include additional items.
Are Human First Aid Kits Dog-Friendly?
A human first aid kit is better than nothing, but dogs have different needs. While there may be some overlap, a canine kit will contain specialist items that are not only designed to deal with the type of injuries dogs might face, but equipment suited to helping you care for an agitated pup.
Also, the medical supplies in such a kit are likely to be more pet-friendly, meaning the ingredients of ointments are safe to use on them, and the various bandages are toxin-free in case your pal decides to chew them off and gobble them up.
Checklist for Building Your Own Dog First Aid/Emergency Kit
Pre-assembled kits are incredibly convenient. They are often designed by veterinarians and have room for added extras. However, if you have very specific requirements, you might consider assembling your own. You are going to need to do a little research, though, to make sure it contains all the right things.
Suppose you are looking to put together a kit that you can take with you on outings. In that case, you will need a portable, weather-proof bag to keep your gear in that has various compartments that allow you to keep it organized. Then, according to experts over at the American Kennel Club, this is what you should be filling it with:
- Gauze pads
- Non-stick bandages
- Adhesive wrapping tape
- Cotton balls or antiseptic wipes
- Antibiotic spray or cream
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Milk of Magnesia
- Tweezers
- Thermometer
- Scissors
- Magnifying glass
- Syringes
- Disposable gloves
- Dog restraining muzzle or triangular bandage
- Leash and collar
- Travel bowels
- Pet medication
- Canine first aid guide
Frequently Asked Questions About the Dog First Aid Kit
Most pre-assembled kits are put together from expert advice, so they will likely have everything you need. Depending on whether they are travel or stay-at-home kits, they will have varying amounts of these items. Double-check a kit has all the essentials before you buy by checking the contents against the above list.
With any kind of abrasion you will first want to flush the wound and then apply a cream or spray to prevent infection. Although your first instinct may be to reach for the Neosporin, this has been specifically designed for humans and, as such, may not be safe for your pet. It’s much better to use something formulated for animals, such as Sulfodene 3-Way Ointment for Dogs.
Most dog first aid kit supplies have expiration dates of around two and five years. This is not just medicines, but bandages too. When you first receive your kit, carefully check the dates, and set yourself a reminder to replace the items as needed. Of course, as you use items in your kit, they will also need to be replaced. It’s a good idea to make sure you are regularly checking through the contents.
Where you keep your dog’s first aid kit depends on what you will be using it for. If it’s exclusively for travel, then the glove compartment of the car is a great option. If it’s multi-purpose, on the other hand, keep it in an easily accessible place, such as hanging up by the door. Wherever you store it, make sure that it is safe, dry, and out of direct sunlight.
Keeping your pup safe in and out of the home should be one of your top priorities. A properly stocked canine first aid kit can ensure that you are able to deal with any minor injuries that occur either inside or outside the house. In picking the perfect one, ensure it not only has everything you are likely to need but that it is also suitable for how you will be using it. That way, you can have absolute peace of mind wherever you and your dog venture to.
The information on this page is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for qualified professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified animal health provider with any questions you may have.
Hi. I live in the Southwest and previously carried a snack bite kit for my dog. I can not find one.
March 23, 2022 at 9:17 pmAre they no longer recommended?
I carry player for cactus.
Thanks,
Christi
Hi Christi, according to this article snake bite kits aren’t recommended: https://www.thewildest.com/dog-health/rattlesnake-bites-dog
March 25, 2022 at 8:42 am