1. A Clean Towel

Towels can be used in a number of ways – from keeping your pet dry, to acting as a sling or to provide as a wrap to help calm and secure your pet.

2. Gauze or Bandages

Use these to cover and protect open wounds, or to soak in water and help gently clean out cuts and scrapes.

3. Muzzle

For dogs primarily, it’s important to keep a muzzle around for your own safety, because pets in pain can be grouchy or even aggressive.

4. Disposable Gloves

You never know what substances your pet could be exposed to (or roll in) during an outdoor adventure, so keep some sterile gloves on hand to help you stay clean and safe and to prevent contaminating any wounds you treat.

5. A Wound Care Solution

A properly formulated pet wound care solution will come in handing for cleaning cuts, abrasions, and scrapes, and will jumpstart the healing process.

6. Tweezers

These will be one of the most versatile tools in your pack. Use them to clean debris from wounds or remove splinters, ticks, and burrs.

7. Scissors/Knife

Whether you need to cut gauze or cut away something that your pet managed to get stuck in, it’s important to keep a sharp tool on hand for emergencies. Make sure to always store these properly with blades closed and tucked away so no one accidentally gets hurt.

8. Medical Tape

If your pet gets a scrape or wound out in the woods, medical tape will help to keep a dressing in place and prevent their wound from getting contaminated any further on your trip home.

9. Emergency Numbers

One of the most important things you can keep in your kit, or programmed into your phone, are the numbers to your vet, an emergency veterinary hospital, and poison control. These numbers could be what saves your pets life in a dire emerge

10. A Water Bottle

Dehydration can happen in any weather but is especially dangerous in the warmer months. Keep a water bottle in your trunk in case of an emergency. It can also be used to rinse down your pet or clear out a wound.

Don’t Forget Species or Breed-Specific Items:

The basic items listed above are a great place to start when building your pet first aid kit, but don’t forget items unique to your pet. For instance, different breeds may have different requirements, and different species definitely will.

Whether you take your pet out for adventures or are strictly indoor buddies, it’s important to be prepared for anything. Always follow up with your vet after your pet has had an injury and always seek medical attention if an injury is too severe for your first aid kit.