Updated: February 13th, 2023
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Pets like dogs are naturally energetic and active, making them susceptible to accidents and injuries. Imagine being so far away from your veterinarian, or the accident is so bad that your canine friend might not survive. Having a well-stocked first-aid kit will save you in situations like this.
The same way first-aid benefits us humans is the same way it is beneficial for pets. Not only will it provide immediate treatment for minor injuries but also help save your dog’s life. While preventing the situation from getting worse, it stabilizes your pet until a veterinarian attends to him.
While camping, traveling, or on a road trip, it is best to have your doggy’s first-aid supplies all stored up in a bag, container, or backpack. You can either do this or invest in a pre-assembled dog first-aid kit. But the question is, which product is best for you?
We have reviewed the best pet first-aid kits based on factors like quality and affordability. Read on to learn more!
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Kurgo Pet First Aid Kit – Best Overall
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Adventure Medical Kits Dog Series Heeler First Aid Kit – Budget Option
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Curicyn Equine Triage Horse First Aid Kit – For Large Breeds
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ClotIt Pet First Aid Kit – For Small Breeds
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Adventure Medical Kits Dog Series Workin' Dog First Aid Kit – For Working Dogs
Overview of the Best Pet First Aid Kits s
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Best Overall
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Best Overall
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Budget Option
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Budget Option
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For Large Breeds
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For Large Breeds
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For Small Breeds
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For Small Breeds
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For Working Dogs
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For Working Dogs
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Top 5 Pet First Aid Kits: Reviews
1.Kurgo Pet First Aid Kit – Best Overall
If you are the kind of person that loves traveling, this is the perfect pet first-aid kit for you and your canine friend. It is portable and contains 50 crucial first-aid supplies.
Designed using Oxford 600D fabric, this kit is durable and easy to store. There are three mesh compartments and one exterior zipper pocket that can house other dog essentials. These compartments are spacious and organized.
The kit comes with a hook closure, which is usable as a bottle opener. It comes in handy if you ever find yourself in a place where you do not have access to one. The hook closure also allows hanging the kit in a suitable position, away from pets or kids’ reach.
Content
(1) First-Aid Guide, (4) Sting Relief Pads, Parachute Cord, (1) Tweezers (Plastic), (10) Cotton Swab, (4) Tongue Depressor, (1) Tape Role, (1) Crepe Bandage 2″, (4) Antiseptic Towelette, (1) Instant Cold Pack, (3) Gauze Pad 4″ x 4″, (2 pair) Disposable Rubber Gloves, (3) Gauze Pad 2″ x 2″, (1) Gauze Roll 2″, (1) Thermal Foil Emergency Blanket, (1) Trauma Pad 5″ x 9″, (1) Scissors, (4) Iodine Prep Pad, (4) Alcohol Prep Pad, (1) Bottle Opener.
Pros:
- Portable and travel friendly
- Included 50 pieces of first-aid supplies
- Durable and easy to use
- Organized and spacious compartments
- Hook closure doubles as a bottle opener
Cons:
- Bag zippers get weak quickly
2.Adventure Medical Kits Dog Series Heeler First Aid Kit – Budget Option
You can stay ready to handle emergencies both at home and on all your adventures with this portable first-aid kit. The good thing about this kit is that it features first-aid supplies that will benefit you and your pet.
Its compact design makes it handy and easy to carry along on all your road trips or boot camps. In cases where there are splinters or ticks on your pet’s paws or body, the included picker will enable you to remove them safely. There is also a triangular bandage that allows you to administer first-aid to your dog after muzzling safely. You also get a self-adhering bandage that will not stick to the fur for wrapping around the injuries.
The kit comes with a manual to prevent you from getting overwhelmed, especially if it is your first time administering first-aid to your furry friend. With this product, you soon become confident when applying first-aid to pets.
Content
Conforming Gauze Bandage, (2) Sterile Non-Adherent Dressing 2″ x 3″, Elastic Bandage Self Adhering, Triangular Bandage, (2) Antihistamine (Diphenhydramine 25 mg, Pet First-Aid Manual, (2) Alcohol Swab, Triple Antibiotic Ointment, Splinter Picker / Tick Remover Forceps, (2) Antiseptic Wipes.
Pros:
- Contains essentials beneficial to both humans and pets
- Travel-friendly
- Comes with a splinter picker and a tick remover
- It has a cohesive elastic bandage
- Comes with a manual
Cons:
- It does not come with a durable bag.
3.Curicyn Equine Triage Horse First Aid Kit – For Large Breeds
Dog parents that want to enjoy peace of mind during all outings with their pets would love this first-aid kit by Curicyn. It comes in a portable bag with ergonomic handles to enable you to carry the necessary supplies with ease. The bag is also water-proof, keeping all content dry and ready for use in an emergency.
Users get several items for use when there are unexpected accidents and in treating severe injuries with this comprehensive first-aid kit. When the weather is cold, the included emergency blanket helps to keep your pet warm and comfortable. Although the product design had horses in mind, it is also useful to large dog breed owners.
The included gloves guarantee safety when administering first aid to an injured animal. You also get bandages, including the triangular one. The included manual features crucial first-aid procedures for different situations.
Content
3-oz Curicyn “Original Formula” Spritzer, Hoof Care Single Application Kit, 1-oz Curicyn Wound Care Clay, 3-oz Curicyn “Original Formula” Yorker, 3-oz Blood Stop Powder Yorker, (2) PBT Bandage, (4) 3×3 Gauze, (4) 2×2 Gauze, (2) Gloves, (2) Glow Sticks, Cold Compress, Medical Scissors, (4) 6″ Cotton Applicators, Hoof Pick, Thermometer, Emergency Lead Line/Rein, Triangle Bandage, Vet Wrap, 2-oz Pack Electrolytes, Tweezers, Manual.
Pros:
- Carry bag with organized dividers
- Travel-friendly
- It comes with a thermometer
- Hand gloves included
- The first-aid manual included
Cons:
- Most of the supplies are for horses.
4.ClotIt Pet First Aid Kit – For Small Breeds
The ClotIt first-aid kit is one that comes with the right supplies to enable you to patch up your pet within short notice. Every pet guardian wants a product that comes with the proper selection of medical supplies. When accidents happen, you can rest assured that the supplies needed to keep your dog comfortable are within reach.
Users get antibiotic gels to minimize infection risk for injuries and hydrocortisone creams to reduce inflammation from allergies. You also get a bottle of ClotIt powder, made of natural minerals to encourage coagulation and stop bleeding. Whether the cuts are shallow or deep, clotting happens almost immediately, ensuring that your dog does not lose much blood.
Content
Conforming Stretch Gauze Bandages 2″ X 75″, Clotit All-Natural Blood Clotting Powder, (2) Cotton-Tipped Applicators 3″, (2) Povidone-Iodine Prep Pad, (2) Sting Relief Pad, (2) Sterile Alchohol Prep Pad, (2) Hydrocortisone Cream, (2) Triple Antibiotic Gel, (2) Antiseptic Towelette, (2) Sterile Gauze Pad 2″ X 2″, 1/2″ X 10 Yards Tape, Wire Scissors, Plastic Tweezers, Slip Leash.
Pros:
- 100% natural non-staining powder
- Travel-friendly
- Durable carry case
- Supplies for quickly stopping bleeding
- Hydrocortisone cream and slip leash included
Cons:
- The carry case has no handles.
5.Adventure Medical Kits Dog Series Workin’ Dog First Aid Kit – For Working Dogs
Ranchers would find the Workin’ Dog first-aid kit by Adventure Medical Kits very useful due to its comprehensive supply set. It is a must-have for hardworking dog owners to ensure that their furry friend’s life is not at risk when there is a medical emergency. With this kit, going on hunting trips with your canine should no longer be scary.
The Workin’ Dog comes with a variety of useful supplies like the disposable skin stapler for closing cuts to minimize infection. You also get gloves, a nylon leash, an emergency blanket, triangular bandages, eyewash, and antihistamine. The included LED headlamp is for improved visibility at night, mostly when you stay outdoors for extended periods.
Content
Styptic Pencil, (2) Nitrile Glove, QuikClot Advanced Clotting Gauze, Canine Field Medicine by Sid Gustafson, Leash Nylon, DVM, Headlamp LED, Emergency Blanket, EMT Shears, Hemostat Forceps, Splinter/Tick Remover Forceps, Triangular Bandage, (3) Safety Pin, (2) Saline Solution 100ml, Disposable Skin Stapler, Instant Cold Pack, Irrigation Syringe 20cc, (35) Wide Staples, Self-Adhering Elastic Bandage, Skin Staple Remover, Self-Adhering Elastic Bandage, Conforming Gauze Bandage, Conforming Gauze Bandage, (4) Non-Adherent Sterile Dressing, (4) Antihistamine (Diphenhydramine 25 mg), (4) Non-Adherent Sterile Dressing, Hydrogen Peroxide .75oz., (3) Triple Antibiotic Ointment, (1) Eye Wash .5oz., (6) Antiseptic Wipes, (2) Alcohol Wipes.
Pros:
- LED headlamp for improved visibility at night
- Eyewash and antihistamine included
- Ergonomic carry case
- Disposable skin stapler included
- Hand gloves, nylon leash, and emergency blanket included
Cons:
- Quite expensive.
Importance of having a dog first-aid kit
a. Administer aid before medical help comes
First-aid treatment may not completely heal your injured or sick pet, but it helps you administer the primary treatment before medical help arrives. Check your kit regularly to ensure that all items are in place. If any is missing, quickly replace. Also, ensure that everything is within their expiry date.
b. Protect your pet from getting an infection
It might be impossible to keep your four-legged friends from getting injured, but you can always protect them from having infections. If your dog has a cut, you can apply the right ointment immediately. It reduces the risk of disease, regardless of the severity of the injury.
c. Keeps your pet alive
A first-aid kit saves your pet’s life. Imagine being stuck in an area where you have zero access to medical help, and your dog is injured. This kit will come in handy. Owning one gives you the confidence and ability to react to an incident, whether injury or sickness.
d. Reduces recovery time
Administering first-aid treatments before visiting your veterinarian will not only save your pet’s life but will also reduce their recovery time. With deep cuts, they may lose much blood if you do nothing before help arrives. With a first-aid kit available, you can prevent it, as the blood will clot within seconds.
e. Reduces the severity of injuries
One wrong move while trimming your pet’s nails can result in a sudden and painful injury. If not taken care of immediately, it will become infected with severe consequences. Owning a well-stock first-aid fit will save you from this problem.
f. Saves medical cost
The amount of money you will spend stocking up your first-aid kit is far lower than the cost of a veterinary appointment. The supplies will help you take care of minor injuries, so they do not graduate to severe and complex ones that will run your account dry.
Essential first-aid tips that will help keep your dog safe
Master your dog
You cannot claim to be a dog owner if you ignore little things like appetite, bowel movements, and body language. These will help you know when something is wrong with them. Once you sense a change in their behavior, you should act immediately.
Learn how to check your dog’s pulse
Checking pulse is usually the first thing experienced dog owners do once they sense a change in their pet’s behavior. For example, when an energetic dog like a golden retriever suddenly goes calm, it is a red flag – something could be wrong.
Checking for their pulse will help you know how well the heart is working. And in emergencies, examining the pulse rate will help you ascertain whether the heart is pumping enough blood.
You can always feel for your dog’s pulse at the upper third of his thigh.
Learn how to muzzle your dog
Do not make the mistake of treating an injured dog without a muzzle. No matter how gentle a dog is, once frightened or in pain, he/she will likely bite. Though uncharacteristic, their actions are understandable. Your safety should always come first because if you end up injured, both of you would need help at the same time.
According to an article on Global News, Cliff Redford, a Toronto-area veterinarian, warned that pets may accidentally scratch and bite you during treatment, hence the need for caution. Though muzzling is essential, it is not ideal when the dog is overheated or has difficulty breathing.
Learn how to help when your dog is choking
Dogs, especially golden retrievers, are curious and energetic. They usually want to try to eat anything. In the end, they either choke from plastic bags, balls, toys, pins, or anything that comes their way. If not attended to quickly, they will have difficulty breathing.
When you notice that your pet is retching, pacing to and fro, or pawing at their mouth, quickly attend to him/her to find and remove the obstruction.
Know how to administer CPR
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, otherwise known as CPR, comes in handy for reviving dogs when they are not breathing anymore or have zero pulse rate. Though you should call a vet once you notice that your dog is no longer responsive, administering a CPR first before a professional step in will increase your pet’s chances of survival.
Conclusion
Now you are convinced that having a pet first-aid kit is essential for your dog’s safety. Depending on your budget, you can either purchase a product with full supplies or some essentials separately. It would be best if you also mastered the primary first-aid treatment and always read instructions before administering any drug to your dog.