The Best Dog First Aid Kits

We love dogs for their spontaneity and energy, but sometimes, these qualities can land our pups in trouble. Luckily for you and your dog, there are plenty of great dog first aid kits on the market that make providing first aid for your dog affordable and convenient. Here are some of the best dog first aid kits for your next pet emergency.

Buying Guide for Dog First Aid Kits

Why buy a dog first aid kit?

If you treasure your dog, you’ll want to make sure you have all the necessary tools to render it aid when an emergency occurs. For this reason, dog first aid kits are an excellent item to keep around the house, in your car, or even bring on the trail if you go hiking with your dog. Dog first aid kits can be useful in a wide variety of scenarios and can be used to treat cuts, scrapes, bee stings, splinters, and tick bites.

What should you look for in a dog first aid kit?

• The Essentials: There are some essential items that no dog first aid kit should be without. High-quality bandages, sting relief pads, tweezers, gloves, scissors, and antiseptic wipes would fall under this category. These items will come in handy for your average pet injury, so be sure that a dog first aid kit includes these before you decide on a specific product.
• Portability: While a 100-piece dog first aid kit will likely provide you with everything you need to care for your dog in an emergency, it is likely not the best thing to bring on a hike or camping trip with your canine. For this reason, consider the activities you do with your dog and purchase a first aid kit that is appropriate. If you enjoy hiking with your dog, purchasing one first aid kit for home and one for the trail is also a good idea.
• Extras: There are several non-essential first aid products that you should consider looking for in a first aid kit. For instance, styptic powder or a styptic pen can be convenient for stopping a bad wound from bleeding so that you can buy time to get your dog aid. Additionally, when it comes to tweezers, metallic options will always perform better than plastic ones. Consider providing these items yourself if your dog first aid kit does not include them.

What should you do after using items in your dog first aid kit?

Just as you have to replace your dog’s plush toys after your dog thoroughly destroys them, dog first aid kits probably won’t supply you with a lifetime supply of first aid gear. This is especially true for dog bandages, gauze, and sanitary wipes, which will need to be replaced after you use them. Thankfully, most pet stores feature a wide variety of pet first aid products that you can purchase when you start to run low. You may even find some products that weren’t included in your dog first aid kit that would make an excellent addition to your kit.

Our Picks for the Best Dog First Aid Kits

Pros: Those looking for a great budget-friendly first aid kit for their dog can do no better than the Pet First Aid Kit from Rayco International. This 45-piece kit includes quick remedies for ticks, insect bites, and small cuts, as well as enough bandages and gauze to get you started. This first aid kit even includes a 5g styptic pencil to help promote blood clotting for serious cuts, which is an addition that even many expensive dog first aid kits leave out.

Cons: This kit doesn’t include peroxide and antibiotic ointment, which are definitely add-ons that you will want to purchase yourself if you go with this kit. That being said, this product still offers you the best bang for your buck compared to other budget-priced dog first aid kits.

Bottom Line: While this dog first aid kit doesn’t exactly include everything you will ever need to administer first aid to your dog, it definitely outperforms other products at its price range in terms of variety and quality. To sweeten the deal, this kit’s carrying case is well designed to keep everything organized and accessible in the event of an emergency.

 

Pros: If you’re planning on putting your dog first aid kit through its paces, a durable option such as the ARCA PET Cat & Dog First Aid Kit is a necessity. This 100-piece kit features clear vinyl pockets that make organizing your first aid kit a breeze. It includes a great mix of bandages, dressings, and everything you will need for bee stings and tick removal. Additionally, most will really love the included 4- by 6-inch mini pouch, which is great for taking on day trips or hikes.

Cons: Some reviewers have noted that the thermometer that comes with this kit isn’t exactly a great long-term option for your pet. Additionally, this kit doesn’t come with a styptic agent to reduce bleeding, but other than that, there are very few omissions worth noting in this well-rounded first aid kit.

Bottom Line: Although this dog first aid kit stands out due to its durable, water-resistant case, its wide variety of first aid gear makes it a great choice for those who don’t mind spending a little extra for the well-being of their pet. That being said, it does leave out a couple of important items that many people will want to buy themselves in order to complete the kit.

 

Pros: The NM2 New Market Squared Pet First Aid Kit stands out thanks to its durable hard case, which does well to ensure the contents of the first aid kit don’t get crushed while traveling. In regard to the kit’s contents, this product comes with a nice variety of bandages as well as nearly all of the essentials that you’ll need to care for your dog in an emergency. It comes with a very informative book on pet first aid, making it a great choice for those who have never administered first aid to their dog before.

Cons: While this first aid kit comes with almost everything you’ll need, it would have been nice if styptic powder was included for particularly bad cuts. That being said, the quality of the emergency blanket and flashlight somewhat make up for this omission.

Bottom Line: If you’re planning on throwing a dog first aid kit in the back of your car, investing in a durable product such as this one is a great idea to protect its contents. However, for at-home use, you can find comparable dog first aid kits for less that offer even more first aid gear.

 

Pros: Featuring an affordable price tag and everything you’ll need for on-the-go pet care, the Tactical Freedom Dog First Aid Kit is a great product for those who love going on adventures with their dog. This first aid kit includes quite a few quality contents, including a styptic pencil, metal tweezers, and wound dressings. It’s also a great size and weight to store on your dog’s harness when you’re hiking with your canine.

Cons: This kit comes in a fairly small storage bag, so you won’t be able to add much to it before you run out of room. That being said, the small size of the storage bag does make it ideal for taking on hikes.

Bottom Line: While this might not be the most comprehensive dog first aid kit, the quality of its contents and its portable design make it a great choice for keeping in your vehicle for when you go on hiking excursions with your dog. The styptic pencil is an especially great addition to this kit, especially considering this product’s budget-friendly price tag.

Final Thoughts

Few things are worse than when your dog is hurt and you don’t have what you need to help. This is why it is so important not only to purchase a dog first aid kit but to learn how to quickly administer first aid to your pet in the event of an emergency. Thankfully, there are plenty of great products on the market that will help you care for your dog when the need arises.