Essentials to Pack in Your Dog’s First Aid Kit

By Krista Halling DVM DACVS

When you’re out hiking, camping, or road-tripping with your dog, a well-stocked dog first aid kit can save the day—and possibly your dog’s life. You can either build your own, or modify a store-bought first-aid kit.  Below are the essential items in River’s first aid kit. 

First-aid kit containers

• Tackle box
• Large waterproof pouch
• MEC first-aid pouch

Basic supplies

The supplies listed in bold are those I carry on every adventure, even day trips.

• Pet first aid manual
• Paper copy and digital copy of your dog’s info (name, weight, meds, vet & emergency contacts, microchip number, vaccination status)
• Emergency numbers (e.g. Animal Poison Control: 1-888-426-4435; Pet Poison Helpline: 1-855-764-7661)

• Penlight or flashlight (Smartphone flashlight may work but the beam is not as focused)
• Digital thermometer (rectal)
• Emergency blanket
• Rubber or latex-free gloves
• Safety pins and Zip-loc bags

Bandaging & Wound Care

• Sterile saline solution (eye and wound flush) (If you don’t carry sterile saline, clean drinking water can be used as a first-aid flush of skin wounds and eyes. it’s not sterile but typically is much “cleaner” than whatever dirt/sand/grit is in the wound)
• Alcohol wipes
• Gauze rolls (various sizes)
• Non-stick sterile pads
• Absorbent gauze pads
• Adhesive tape
• Triple antibiotic ointment (no combos with steroids; not for cats)
• Raw honey or Medihoney™ dressings (raw honey is a very effective antimicrobial and promotes wound healing)
• Scissors (blunt-ended)
• Splints or tongue depressors
• Styptic pen (for bleeding toenails)
• Vetrap (be VERY cautious if applying this and apply it only loosely. It quickly and easily tightens and can restrict blood flow to tissues)

Medication & tools

• Diphenhydramine (e.g. Benadryl®, 25 mg tablets or 12.5 mg/5 mL liquid) – NO combo ingredients; label with dose
• Heartworm/flea/tick/internal; parasite medications (I keep these here so River’s meds are all in one place)
• 3% Hydrogen peroxide – to induce vomiting (check first with vet or poison control if okay to induce vomiting) (place in a sealed, opaque container labeled with with dose and exp date)
• Oral dosing syringe or turkey baster (for meds or peroxide)
• Measuring spoon set (tablespoon/teaspoon)
• Tweezers
• Tick removal key
• Needle-nosed pliers
• Instant cold pack
• Liquid dish soap (e.g. Dawn, no bleach additives)

Safety & restraint

• Muzzle, slip leash, or roll of gauze to create a temporary muzzle
• Extra leash or slip lead
• Large towel or blanket (can be used to carry injured dog)
• Dog evacuation sling

Optional but smart

• Small container of baking soda (for insect stings)
• Skunk odor remover recipe (print and pack: peroxide + baking soda + dish soap)
• Emergency contact sheet laminated and stored in each vehicle

Pro tip: Keep a small kit for adventures and another larger kit at home. And make a habit of checking expiry dates—especially for hydrogen peroxide and medications.

By having both a small travel-pack and a larger first-aid kit for your dog at home, you’ll be ready for surprises on the trail, in the car or a home. Is there something you always pack that we didn’t include? Share it in the comments.

About the author

Krista Halling is a veterinarian board-certified with the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and creator of Dogpacking.com. She is also certified in the Human-Animal Bond and in Canine Physical Rehabilitation. Krista loves travelling and adventuring with River, her mini goldendoodle sidekick. Her duck and tortoise largely stay home.