In today's guide, we recommend the best dog first aid kits and outline the key features you shouldn't be without.
While nothing can replace the need for professional medical attention, a well-stocked first aid kit can minimise discomfort and treat any minor problems.
When you need to see a vet, nothing else will do but there are plenty of minor scrapes which can be treated easily at home.
There are lots of doggy first aid kits on the market but which ones measure up? Here’s a closer look at what you should look for, and our recommendations for the best kits to buy.
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Our Recommended First Aid Kits for Dogs
There are many excellent first aid kits for dogs available, and there are undoubtedly lots which provide exactly what you need.
We’ve taken a look at what’s on offer and have come up with what we think are the best dog first aid kits for home and travel.
OUR TOP PICK
Pawly Dog First Aid Kit
Dogs deserve to have the same level of medical care as their owners, and the Pawly First Aid kit for dogs lives up to this standard. At first glance, it’s difficult to tell that the medical supplies are designed for canines because the quality is so high.
The kit comes with a tough and strong case, which is perfect for when you’re traveling around. It’s not made from flimsy material like some other cheaper kits, so you can have confidence that everything inside is well protected.
It’s a convenient size for both home and travel. It’s not too large so easily tucks into a backpack, or into the side pocket in your car.
Inside, there is a huge array of supplies, some of which aren’t easily found in other first aid kits (such as the rubber tourniquet). This means that whatever the emergency, you should have more or less everything you need.
The kit doesn’t include a few desirables such as a thermometer and ice pack. However, the case has been deliberately designed with extra space so you can add in any extra supplies you need for your dog.
What’s inside?
Pros
Cons
Bottom Line: Although there are a couple of things that we think should have also been included, this is really only a very minor criticism.
This dog first aid kit has plenty of things that you won’t find in other kits and comfortably covers all the likely situations you’re likely to encounter.
Made from the highest quality, and with a robust carrying case, we don’t think there’s another kit that tops this.
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Best Travel Kit
Mountain Paws First Aid Kit
Mountain Paws make one of the more compact first aid kits for dogs but it manages to still pack in everything you’d expect.
Compact enough to attach to your belt while out jogging, you can ensure that medical supplies for your pooch are always at hand.
Although the kit is small, you’ll be surprised at how much is inside. Bar an antiseptic spray and maybe some antihistamines, there’s everything you could potentially ever need while out walking.
They’ve even packed in an emergency blanket; hopefully you’ll never have to use it but it’s good to know that it’s there!
What’s inside?
Pros
Cons
Bottom Line: This first aid kit is perfectly suited to hounds who like to hit the trails with their owners. If you spend a lot of time away from home, having a comprehensive first aid kit for your dog is a wise idea.
This little kit ticks all the boxes while still being neat and compact. Finished with a water-resistant case and a belt loop, it’s the ideal kit for those long walks in the country.
Buyer's Guide
The purpose of a first aid kit for a pet is to deal with any minor complaints, or to provide emergency treatment while you get them to the vet for something more serious. They're an invaluable tool for when you’re out hiking, or traveling a long way from home.
Some of the factors you might want to consider when getting a health kit for your dog include:
Size
Bigger isn’t always better and the size of the bag can make a significant difference. But there’s not always a single answer; much depends on what you need the kit for.
If you’re looking for canine medical supplies to keep at home, you can afford to look for larger bags.
A more generously sized storage bag packed full of lots of different items means you’re more likely to have everything you need.
However, if you want to buy a dog first aid kit for traveling, a large bag packed with surplus items will be heavy and irritating.
Travel first aid kits should be sufficiently kitted out with all the important items in a compact bag that fits comfortably into a rucksack.
Design and Style
It’s not just the size of the bag that matters; the style and design will be important too. Without wanting to sound too dramatic, it could even be a matter of life or death.
If you find yourself in an emergency situation, you should be able to put your hands on the supplies you need instantly.
If you have a large bag with just one single compartment and no organisation, it might be hard to find exactly what you need. Rummaging around could cost vital minutes, preventing you from administering critical treatment.
In contrast, a kit which has separate sections which can be organised will ensure you can find whatever you need quickly.
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Contents
The contents of any first aid kit for a dog is the single most important factor. You need to have confidence that your kit contains whatever you need to deal with an emergency situation or treat trivial complaints.
The following are very useful items in any dog first aid kit:
- Non-stick bandages
- Gauze
- Adhesive tape
- Cotton balls
- Hydrogen peroxide (or other antiseptic)
- Antibiotic spray
- Milk of magnesia (used to offset toxins and poisons but check the dosage in advance)
- Digital thermometer
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Tic remover
- Magnifying class
- Instant ice pack
- Syringe (for flushing out eyes or giving oral meds)
- Soft muzzle (even the gentlest dog can bite when they’re in pain)
If you’re going to be primarily traveling with your first aid kit for dogs or using it while out hiking, consider adding:
- Pocket guide for emergency dog care
- Microfibre towel
- Emergency blanket
- Flashlight
You should be able to see a complete list of the contents of any kit before you buy so you can be certain you’re getting what you need.
