How To Make Your Own Pet First Aid Kit

If there is any project you want to tackle for your dog, it is definitely a diy pet first aid kit.

We are all about getting organized and feeling that fresh start energy. It is strictly about laying strong foundations for the future. It is about feeling secure knowing you have the big stuff sorted.

We all want life to be perfect and smooth sailing. But things happen! So, we want to encourage you to create your own safety net. Knowing you have a plan in place when things go a bit pear-shaped brings such huge peace of mind.

What To Include in a DIY Pet First Aid Kit

Building your own kit is actually fun. You get to customize it perfectly for your dog’s specific needs. Start with a sturdy storage container. Ideally, choose one with a snap-lock lid to keep everything safe and dry.

Here is the ultimate checklist of what you need to pack inside:

• Cotton Pads: These are not just for your skincare routine! They are perfect for general clean-up or gently applying topical ointments to sensitive areas.
• Gauze: You need this for swabbing or padding wounds. It acts as a great breathable wound cover too.
• Bandages: Essential for compression and keeping dressings in place.
• Cotton Buds: These little lifesavers are great for topical applications in hard-to-reach spots or cleaning small areas.
• Scissors: A sharp pair is non-negotiable. You do not want to be struggling to cut tape in an emergency.
• Tweezers: Vital for removing those nasty thorns or ticks safely and quickly.
• Flea and Tick Treatments: Keep a backup supply in the kit. You will never have to hunt for them again.
• Worming Treatments: Pop your regular supply in here too, so everything is in one central hub.
• Antiseptic: This is crucial for treating small grazes immediately before they get infected.
• Sanitiser: Hygiene is key! You need this for cleaning your own hands after dealing with any wounds.

This list is merely a starting point for you. Think about what your dog needs medically day-to-day. Consider what might pop up in a sudden emergency. Check with your vet to see what they would recommend you include.

Your local area and lifestyle will dictate the extras:

• Doggie Sunscreen: Absolutely necessary for sunny climates to prevent painful burns on pink noses.
• Tick Removal Devices: These are a total game-changer if you walk in wooded areas often.

Pack your loot and label the kit with your vet’s emergency number. This saves precious time when panic hits. And please, save the bandages for real accidents, not Halloween mummy costumes! Emergencies only, people.

More Handy Hints

Here are more handy hints to get your dog’s health and safety sorted:

1. Eliminate the Paper Clutter

Ever gone to find your dog’s registration details and spent hours searching? usually finding them mixed in with a toaster warranty? We have all been there! It is time to get rid of that clutter.

Photo by Sarah Chai

Streamline your dog’s paperwork into one single folder. Believe me. When you are looking for this info, 

you want it pronto!

Your file should include the following:

• Vet’s contact details: Including emergency after-hours numbers.
• Registration and microchip papers: Keep these safe.
• Vaccination details: Essential for boarding or grooming appointments.
• Health records: A history of past treatments is super helpful.
• Training Certificates: Show off those good manners!
• Dietary Information: Crucial for anyone else feeding your pooch.

2. Clear out the Medicine Cabinet

This one goes for you, too! Throughout the year, it is so easy to build up old tablets, powders, lotions, and potions. Your pooch is no exception. Trouble is, these medications go out of date. Using them when they have expired can be ineffective and plain dangerous for your dog.

So go through your home medical collection. Dispose carefully of anything damaged or out of date. Not too sure about something? Contact your vet, or err on the side of caution and get rid of it. Once the clean out is complete, now is the ideal time to stock up on at-home treatments to ensure you have your dog’s healthiest foot forward.

3. Get your Shots

So your dog hates the vet. Or maybe they love the vet! Whatever the relationship status, just get your dog to the vet annually. You need to make sure their vaccinations are up to date.

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko

Don’t leave it too long. Be cool. Call the vet today. Check when your dog is due and get them booked in.

4. Set Digital Reminders for Pet Care

Set digital reminders on your phone or computer. These will bring up alarm notifications for annual vaccinations, worming, flea treatments, and any other medications. This ensures you never forget a dose!

5. Create a Doggie Profile

No, I am not talking about Facebook! Although we love a dog with a social media presence! I am talking about a one-page CHEAT SHEET for visitors who may come to look after your dog when you are away.

You never know when you may be called away suddenly. Having a short guide means practically anyone can step in to care for your pooch when you can’t.

Include these details:

• What they eat: Brands, amounts, and times.
• Where they sleep: Crate, bed, or (let’s face it) your bed.
• Exercise routine: How often they walk and their favorite parks.
• Medical info: Any allergies or meds they need.

Believe me. If you get stuck in traffic or have a family emergency, this one-page document means one less thing for you to care about. It allows you to worry about important things. But in all seriousness, this cheat sheet means you can get on with sorting yourself out, knowing your dog is cared for. It allows you to get home to your pooch sooner!

Serena Faber-Nelson Founder & Pet Lifestyle Writer

Pet lifestyle expert Serena Faber-Nelson is the founder of Pretty Fluffy. A contributor to Everyday with Rachael Ray, Modern Dog Magazine, Cesars Way and more; her modern, stylized take on DIY dog treats has seen her recipes viewed millions of times over.

Serena is the author of the go-to dog mom bible, Dog Mama, and the popular dog treat recipe book, Healthy Homemade Dog Treats.