Small Animal First Aid Kit Checklist

Below is an updated list of recommended items to include in a first aid kit for your pets.

• Activated charcoal (liquid)
• Anti-diarrheal liquid or tablets
• Antibiotic ointment (for wounds)
• Antibiotic eye ointment
• Antihistamine for itching or sedative
• Bandage scissors
• Bandage tape
• Betadine® (povidone-iodine) or Nolvasan® (chlorhexidine), scrub and solution
• Bubble wrap (for splinting)
• Cold packs, hot packs or hot water bottle
• Cotton balls
• Cotton bandage rolls
• Cotton-tipped swabs
• Duct Tape or other heavy tape (for immobilization)
• Elastic bandage rolls
• Electric clippers
• Eye rinse (sterile)
• Flea and tick prevention and treatment
• Gauze pads and rolls
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Ice cream sticks (which may be used as splints)
• Info card with your veterinary emergency clinic phone number and the local or national poison-control number (800-222-1222)
• Info card indicating your pet’s base-line temperature and weight
• Isopropyl alcohol/alcohol prep pads
• Karo Syrup or honey (for shock)
• Latex gloves or non-allergenic gloves
• Liquid dish detergent (mild wound and body cleanser)
• Measuring spoons
• Medications and preventatives (such as heartworm prevention), minimum 2-week supply, with clearly labeled instructions. Provide veterinary and pharmacy contact information for refills.
• Muzzle(s)
• Needle-nose pliers
• Non-adherent bandage pads
• Plastic Wrap (to seal wounds)
• Saline solution (for rinsing wounds)
• Sterile lubricant (water based)
• Styptic powder (clotting agent)
• Syringe or eyedropper
• Syrup of Ipecac (to induce vomiting)
• Thermometer (digital)
• Tourniquet
• Towel and washcloth
• Tweezers

For more detailed information, visit the AVMA website.