Medical emergencies can happen when you least expect them, and preparation can save a life. If you or a loved one get hurt, you probably have supplies, but what about your pet? While some of your resources can assist an injured animal, you may lack the pet-specific, appropriately sized equipment that your furry friends need. Our experts have rounded up the top five pet first aid kits online.
The kit comes with two sizes of tweezers and detailed instructions for tick removal, so you can safely and efficiently eradicate any tick size. There is an additional room in the case for your pet’s medication or even a few emergency supplies for you.
This kit has over 40 high-quality first aid items for your dogs, cats and other pets. Its contents cater to a wide variety of pet emergencies, mainly minor mishaps and injuries that require pre-vet aid. All the items come in a stylish, green hard case with black double zippers. This casing has a one-litre capacity and is lightweight, portable and waterproof.
This slim, rectangular case can easily fit into your handbag, backpack or car door pocket. The supplies included are best used for minor injuries, followed by a veterinarian’s visit.
This kit contains equipment for people, dogs, cats, rabbits and other domesticated animals. There are 15 types of medical items, clearly labelled and in varying quantities, amounting to 56 individual items. They come in a soft yet durable nylon fabric case with a zip weighing 321 grams when wholly stocked.
You can personalise this first aid kit by attaching ID tags, patches, and other trinkets that showcase your style and personality. This purchase includes a first aid booklet that gives detailed advice on dealing with a myriad of pet crises, including wound care, choking and ingestion of toxic substances.
This 400-denier polyester supply case contains 49 items. It qualifies as Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE), the bag can fasten to an RSG Dog Harness or an RSG Active Utility Belt using MOLLE clips for maximum portability. It weighs 358 grams when filled and is waterproof, making it an excellent choice for outdoor adventures.
At the back of this first aid pouch, there are two peelable fasteners so you can secure it to your belt during outdoor expeditions. It weighs only 100 grams when stocked, so you can comfortably walk, run and play with your pet without feeling weighed down.
This compact nylon pouch is rectangular-shaped with a neat zippered opening and easily fits into most personal bags and car compartments. It contains smaller medical supplies like bandages, tape, tweezers, gauze, alcohol wipes and a syringe. It is bright red with a white first aid cross printed on it, so there’s no mistaking it in an emergency.
The stock items in this emergency kit, like bandages and cleaning agents, prove extremely handy if you have a pet cat prone to feline fights. There is plenty of extra room to stock more necessary items or add some less standard supplies.
This portable first aid kit comprises durable, green fabric, a top handle and a loop that allows it to hang from a person’s belt. It opens into two zippered mesh compartments so you can readily view the contents and access these items quickly. Some notable supplies include saline pods and biohazard bags that make messy clean-ups safe and straightforward.
Preparing for every possible pet emergency is unrealistic, but first aid bags aim to include supplies that cater to most situations, and some are more successful than others. Consider the following to find a kit tailored to your pet's needs:
A: When purchasing a pre-built first aid kit, there are certain non-negotiable medical supplies. For wounds, ensure that there is sterile, absorbent material like gauze pads or cotton, along with a gauze roll to wrap and hold the padding firmly. Adhesive surgical tape or safety pins are necessary to prevent wrapped dressings from unravelling, and blunt-tip scissors help open packages, cut material and trim the fur around wounds. Pre-cut, sticky bandages are convenient, but ensure you have the right size for your pet. Always have a saline solution and an accompanying syringe to administer to cuts or to flush your pet's eyes, and use sterile gloves to keep you and your pet safe. Antiseptics can clean wounds better than saline but are not as versatile, so including both in your kit is a good idea. You can visit your local pharmacy when it's time to replenish these items or check if the first aid kit manufacturer sells refill packs. Please monitor your reserves to ensure that nothing is missing, running low or close to expiry.
A: Several supplemental items will come in handy in your kit. When animals get hurt, especially dogs and cats, they are likely to bite and scratch. An adjustable, breathable muzzle can protect you and won't harm your dog. Tweezers for tick removal are small, won't occupy much space, and will prove helpful, especially if your pet spends time outdoors. Blankets and cold and hot compresses are bulkier items, so once space is available in the kit, pack one of each item. Waste bags and wet wipes will assist with clean-up if your dog accidentally ingests a diarrhoea-inducing substance. Consider a CPR mask, but hopefully, you'll never have to use it. Aside from medical tools, you can store crucial paperwork like your dog's vaccination records and contact information for your primary and secondary veterinarians.
