What to Include in Your Pet’s First Aid Kit
March 21, 2025
Rouken Glen Vets’ Richard Black shares how having a first aid kit tailored for your pets can make a huge difference in emergencies. While we hope never to need it, being prepared can provide peace of mind and help you respond quickly to minor injuries or health issues before arriving at your vets.
Why pets need their own first aid kit
Dogs, cats, and smaller pets like rabbits are curious creatures that often get into scrapes. Whether it’s an adventurous dog cutting their paw on a sharp object, a cat with an insect sting, or a rabbit showing signs of heat stress, having the right supplies on hand can make these situations easier to manage.
A pet first aid kit isn’t a replacement for professional veterinary care, but it’s a practical tool for stabilising your pet in emergencies or addressing minor issues at home. Calling us and being prepared for a visit to our vet practice in Giffnock should be your next step.
What to include in your pet first aid kit
A well-stocked pet first aid kit should include items for common scenarios like small wounds, allergic reactions, and accidents. Here’s what Richard recommends:
Wound care supplies
- Sterile saline solution for cleaning cuts and grazes
- Non-stick dressings and bandages for covering wounds
- Pet-safe antiseptic cream or wipes
- Tick removers to safely remove ticks and tweezers for splinters
- Blunt-tipped scissors for trimming fur around a wound
- A digital thermometer to monitor your pet’s temperature
Comfort and safety items
- A soft muzzle for dogs or a towel to gently restrain a cat if needed
- A pair of gloves to keep the area sterile while handling injuries
- A cooling gel pack for heat stress
- Pet-safe antihistamines – if your pet has been treated with antihistamines for an allergic reaction previously, ask your vet for a pet-safe brand and the correct dosage for your pet.
- Your pet’s regular medications or supplements if you’re travelling away from home
How to use your kit effectively
Familiarise yourself with the items in your pet first aid kit and how to use them. Knowing how to clean a wound or apply a bandage properly can make all the difference in an emergency – book a nurse appointment at Rouken Glen Vets and our nurses will be happy to show you how.
It’s also helpful to keep the contact details of our vets and details of our out of hours vet service in Giffnock in the kit.
Keeping your kit up to date
Richard recommends checking your first aid kit regularly to replace expired items and replenish supplies. A well-maintained kit ensures you’re always ready for the unexpected.
By having a pet-specific first aid kit at home, you can confidently handle minor injuries and provide comfort to your pet in emergencies. For advice on first aid or to discuss any concerns about your pet’s health, feel free to get in touch with our team at Rouken Glen Vets.