Dog First Aid Kit for Home and Walks: What to Include

Updated August 2026

Accidents can happen even when you are careful. A dog may cut a paw, pick up a tick, suffer an insect sting or become unwell while you are away from home.

A dog first-aid kit gives you clean, useful equipment while you contact your vet and arrange appropriate treatment. It does not turn you into a vet, and it should never encourage you to delay professional help.

I have worked professionally with dogs since 2011 and hold an Ofqual Level 3 qualification in Canine First Aid. One of the most important lessons from first-aid training is knowing what not to do.

Quick answer: what should be in a dog first-aid kit?

A practical dog first-aid kit should include:

• Your vet’s telephone number
• Your nearest emergency veterinary practice
• Your dog’s medical and medication information
• Clean wound dressings and gauze
• Self-adhesive tape
• Blunt-ended scissors
• Disposable gloves
• Sterile saline
• Clean towels
• A foil emergency blanket
• A tick-removal tool
• A torch
• A spare lead
• Pen and paper

Keep one larger kit at home and a smaller version in your walking bag or car.

A first-aid kit is there to help you protect your dog and provide basic support until you can contact a veterinary professional. It is not intended for diagnosing injuries or treating medical conditions at home.

Affiliate disclosure: This guide contains Amazon and Rachel Bean affiliate links. If you buy or enrol through one of them, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I include only products and training relevant to this guide. Prices, availability and course details can change.

Why every dog owner should have a first-aid kit

Most of the time, your dog’s walks and adventures pass without incident. However, small accidents can happen surprisingly quickly.

A dog can:

• Cut a paw on glass
• Damage a claw
• Pick up a tick
• Be stung by an insect
• Brush against something sharp
• Become overheated
• Swallow something unsafe
• Be injured in a collision or fall
• Be bitten by another animal

A first-aid kit means that you do not have to search through cupboards for a clean dressing while you are also trying to contact your vet.

The PDSA pet first-aid guide recommends keeping basic supplies at home and carrying a smaller kit when travelling with your pet.

Your first action in an emergency should normally be to contact your vet. The RSPCA dog first-aid guide advises owners to call their vet first, or ask somebody else to call while first aid is being given.

Keep a home kit and a walking kit

I prefer the idea of two kits.

The larger home kit can contain spare dressings, additional contact information and anything your vet has specifically recommended for your dog.

The walking kit should be smaller and easy to carry. When I am out on a one-to-one walk, I do not want a heavy bag full of equipment that I am unlikely to use. I want a compact kit containing a few clean, practical items.

Your walking kit could include:

• Two or three clean dressings
• Gauze
• Self-adhesive tape
• Disposable gloves
• A small bottle or sealed pods of sterile saline
• Blunt-ended scissors
• A foil blanket
• A tick remover
• A small torch
• Emergency contact information
• A spare lead

Keep the kit somewhere accessible. A beautifully stocked kit at the bottom of a locked cupboard is not much help during an emergency.

Emergency information to put in the kit

The most valuable part of your first-aid kit may be the information inside it.

Include a waterproof card containing:

• Your usual veterinary practice
• Your vet’s daytime telephone number
• Your vet’s out-of-hours arrangements
• The nearest emergency veterinary practice
• Your dog’s name, age and breed
• Your dog’s microchip number
• Important medical conditions
• Known allergies
• Current prescribed medication
• Your name and telephone number
• A second emergency contact

Save these details on your phone as well.

If you are travelling elsewhere in the UK, identify an emergency practice before you leave. The RCVS Find a Vet service can help you locate registered veterinary practices.

I have also written a guide to choosing a local vet in North London.

Poisoning information

Save the Animal PoisonLine number:

01202 509 000

Animal PoisonLine is a 24-hour service operated by the Veterinary Poisons Information Service. A charge applies when owners call.

If you believe your dog has swallowed or been exposed to something harmful, contact your vet or Animal PoisonLine promptly.

Keep the packaging, label, plant or substance involved if it is safe to do so. Be ready to provide your dog’s weight, the approximate amount involved and when the exposure happened.

Do not try to make your dog vomit unless a veterinary professional specifically instructs you to do so. Salt water and hydrogen peroxide can cause additional poisoning or injury. Animal PoisonLine explains why treating a dog’s illness at home can be dangerous.

Essential dog first-aid supplies

Clean dressings and gauze

Keep several individually wrapped wound dressings and sterile gauze pads.

These can be used to cover a wound or apply pressure while you contact your vet.

If a wound is bleeding heavily, press a clean dressing or cloth firmly against it. Do not keep lifting the dressing to check whether the bleeding has stopped because this may disturb a forming clot.

If blood soaks through, place another dressing over the first one and continue applying pressure.

The PDSA first-aid guidance for bleeding explains when to apply pressure and seek urgent veterinary help.

Bandages and self-adhesive tape

Bandages are useful, but they are also easy to apply incorrectly.

A bandage that is too tight can restrict the blood supply. A poorly positioned bandage can slip, rub, or worsen an injury.

Keep a conforming bandage and self-adhesive tape in the kit for temporary protection or holding a dressing in position. Do not attempt a tight or supportive bandage unless a vet or veterinary nurse has shown you how.

The Blue Cross first-aid guide warns that leaving a bandage in place for too long or applying it too tightly can cause further damage.

Blunt-ended scissors

Blunt-ended scissors can be used to cut dressings, gauze or tape.

Do not cut around an injury if your dog is moving, frightened or likely to bite. It is better to leave the area alone and seek veterinary help than risk cutting your dog.

Disposable gloves

Disposable gloves help protect you and keep dressings clean.

Carry several pairs because gloves should be changed if they become dirty or damaged.

Wash your hands as soon as you can, even if you have worn gloves.

Sterile saline or clean water

Sterile saline can be used to rinse dirt from a small, superficial wound gently.

Clean lukewarm tap water can also be used when saline is unavailable.

Do not pour antiseptic, disinfectant, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, cream, honey or another wound product onto your dog without veterinary advice. Even products marketed for animals may delay healing when used incorrectly.

The PDSA wound-care guide advises using water or saline for minor wounds and speaking to a vet before applying anything else.

Do not try to remove glass, sticks or other objects embedded in a wound. Avoid pressing on the object and contact your vet.

Clean towels and a blanket

A clean towel has several uses:

• Covering a wound
• Applying pressure
• Helping move a small dog
• Providing warmth
• Helping protect you while handling a frightened dog

A blanket can help keep an injured dog warm, except when overheating or heatstroke is suspected.

Move an injured dog as little as possible, especially following a collision, fall or suspected spinal injury.

Foil emergency blanket

A foil blanket is lightweight and easy to carry.

It may help reduce heat loss while you wait for veterinary assistance. Do not use one to wrap an overheated dog.

Tick-removal tool

A proper tick-removal tool is preferable to pulling a tick out with your fingers.

Follow the tool’s instructions carefully. Do not burn, squeeze or cover a tick with petroleum jelly, alcohol or another substance.

If you are unsure how to remove a tick, or part of the tick appears to remain, contact your veterinary practice.

The O’Tom Tick Twister contains two tool sizes for removing different-sized ticks. Its forked design allows the tick to be held without squeezing its body.

Follow the instructions carefully and contact your vet if you are unsure, the area becomes inflamed, or part of the tick appears to remain.

View the O’Tom Tick Twister on Amazon UK

Affiliate link. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Torch

A small torch can help you see a paw, check the surrounding area or locate something dropped during a dark walk.

Do not shine a bright light directly into an injured eye.

Eye injuries can deteriorate quickly and should be discussed with a vet promptly.

Spare lead

An ordinary spare lead can help you control your dog while arranging assistance.

Do not use a lead as an improvised muzzle or tourniquet.

Prescribed medication information

Keep an up-to-date list of your dog’s prescribed medications, including the medicine name, strength and instructions.

Only store medicine in the kit if your vet has advised it and the product can be stored safely under those conditions.

Do not give somebody else’s medicine or change the prescribed dose.

Ready-made dog first-aid kits or build your own?

A ready-made kit can provide a convenient bag and a useful starting selection of supplies.

However, buying a kit does not guarantee that every item inside is suitable for your dog.

Some pet first-aid kits contain:

• Antiseptic products
• Alcohol wipes
• Thermometers
• Splints
• Tourniquets
• Cold packs
• Unlabelled tools
• Items intended for trained use

You do not need to use everything simply because it came in the bag.

Check the contents before relying on a kit. Remove anything you do not understand or would not feel confident using. Add your own veterinary contact card, appropriately sized dressings and any dog-specific information recommended by your vet.

You can compare pet first-aid kits on Amazon UK. This is an affiliate link. Look for a compact kit containing clean dressings, gauze, gloves, saline, blunt-ended scissors, tape, a foil blanket and a tick remover.

You can also build your own kit using supplies from a pharmacy or veterinary practice. A small waterproof pouch with carefully selected contents may be more useful than a large kit filled with things you do not know how to use.

For other carefully selected pet-care products, visit Dog and Pet Products I Recommend.

A practical ready-made starter kit

The Reliance Medical Pet First Aid Kit provides a sensible starting selection in a compact bag. Its listed contents include saline pods, sterile dressings, gauze, tape, a conforming bandage, blunt scissors, gloves, a foil blanket and tweezers.

I would still inspect everything before relying on it. Do not use the supplied cleansing wipes or attempt a supportive bandage on your dog unless a veterinary professional advises you.

View the Reliance Medical Pet First Aid Kit on Amazon UK

Affiliate link. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

What not to put in a dog first-aid kit

Human painkillers

Do not give your dog paracetamol, ibuprofen, aspirin, or any other human painkiller unless a vet has prescribed the exact product and dose.

Human medicines can be dangerous or fatal to dogs.

Piriton and other antihistamines

Do not treat Piriton as a standard dog first-aid item.

Different antihistamine products can contain different active ingredients or additional substances. The appropriate product and dose depend on the individual dog and their medical history.

If your vet wants you to keep a particular antihistamine for your dog, ask them to write down the exact product, strength, dose and circumstances in which it should be used.

Facial or neck swelling, breathing difficulties, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness or collapse require immediate veterinary attention.

Honey, creams and antiseptics

Do not apply Manuka honey, antiseptic cream, disinfectant, essential oil, surgical spirit or another wound preparation unless your vet recommends it.

A natural product is not automatically safe or appropriate.

Products intended to make a dog vomit

Do not keep salt, hydrogen peroxide, or any other home emetic in your dog’s kit.

Whether vomiting is appropriate depends on what was swallowed, how much was swallowed, when it happened and the dog’s condition. In some situations, vomiting can make the injury much worse.

Improvised splints and tourniquets

Improperly splinting an injury can cause pain and further damage.

Tourniquets can cause severe tissue damage and should not be used without veterinary instruction and appropriate training.

Routine food and treats

You may carry treats as part of your normal walking equipment, but they are not an essential emergency item.

Do not offer food following a serious injury or suspected poisoning unless your vet says it is safe. Your dog may need sedation, anaesthesia or urgent treatment.

How to use your dog’s first-aid kit safely

Contact your vet first

Call your vet as soon as possible.

Tell them:

• What happened
• When it happened
• Your location
• Your dog’s symptoms
• Whether your dog is conscious
• Whether your dog is breathing normally
• Whether there is serious bleeding
• Whether poisoning is suspected

Follow their instructions.

My guide to knowing when your dog needs veterinary care explains some of the changes that should not be ignored.

Make the area safe

Before approaching your dog, check for traffic, broken glass, electrical hazards, water, fire, aggressive animals, or other ongoing dangers.

Do not put yourself in danger. You cannot help your dog effectively if you are also injured.

Be careful around a frightened or painful dog

Even a gentle dog may bite when frightened or in pain.

A properly fitted muzzle or towel may sometimes help protect the handler, but never muzzle a dog that:

• Is struggling to breathe
• Is vomiting
• Has a facial injury
• Is unconscious
• Cannot be handled safely

Do not wrestle with an injured dog to fit a muzzle. Step back and ask your vet for guidance if you are at risk.

Control serious bleeding

Place a clean dressing or folded cloth over the wound and apply steady pressure.

Do not remove the dressing to look underneath. Add another dressing if blood comes through.

Call your vet immediately.

Leave embedded objects in place.

Do not remove glass, metal, sticks or another object embedded in a wound.

Removing an object can increase bleeding and cause further damage.

Avoid pressing directly on it and arrange urgent veterinary treatment.

Do not attempt home treatment for poisoning

Move your dog away from the suspected substance if it is safe to do so.

Keep the packaging or take a photograph. Contact your vet or Animal PoisonLine.

Do not offer food, milk, oil, salt water, or any other home remedy unless instructed by a veterinary professional.

Keep your dog quiet

Keep movement to a minimum after a collision, serious fall, suspected fracture or significant injury.

Do not encourage your dog to walk to see whether they can.

When should I contact a vet immediately?

Seek urgent veterinary help if your dog:

• Is struggling to breathe
• Has collapsed or is unresponsive
• Is having a seizure
• Is bleeding heavily
• Has pale, blue or grey gums
• Has swallowed a poisonous or unknown substance
• Has swallowed part of a toy or another object
• Has a significant wound
• Has something embedded in a wound
• Has suffered a road traffic accident
• Has fallen from a height
• Has been bitten by another animal
• Has a suspected snake bite
• Has severe facial or neck swelling
• Is repeatedly vomiting
• Cannot stand or walk normally
• Appears to be in severe pain
• Has a serious eye injury
• Shows signs of heatstroke

Do not wait for symptoms after a known exposure to something potentially dangerous. Call your vet and explain what happened.

You can find more emergency guidance through my Dog First Aid Guide.

Checking and maintaining your kit

Check both kits every three months.

Look for:

• Damaged packaging
• Dirty or wet contents
• Expired sterile products
• Missing dressings
• Rusty scissors or tools
• Leaking saline
• Outdated contact details
• Changes to your dog’s medication
• A torch with flat batteries

Replace an item whenever you use it.

Make sure other members of the household know where the kit is stored. Give your pet sitter or dog walker the relevant veterinary and emergency information as well.

Dog first-aid training

Owning a first-aid kit is useful. Knowing how to respond calmly is more important.

A practical dog first-aid course can help you learn:

• How to assess an emergency
• How to contact and communicate with a vet
• How to control bleeding
• Safe handling and movement
• What to do if a dog is choking
• When CPR may be appropriate
• What not to attempt
• How to practise with bandages safely

First-aid guidance changes, so training should be refreshed rather than treated as a once-only qualification.

If you would like structured online training, I recommend Rachel Bean RVN’s Canine First Aid and Wellbeing course. Rachel is a qualified veterinary nurse and experienced canine first-aid educator. This is an affiliate link, which means I may earn a commission if you enrol at no extra cost to you.

Calm, prepared care on local dog walks

When I provide one-to-one dog walks in Finchley, I work with one household at a time, starting and finishing at the dog’s front door.

I carry practical walking and emergency information, but equipment is only part of safe care. Knowing the dog, observing changes, choosing appropriate routes and contacting the owner or vet promptly are just as important.

If you are looking for calm, individual pet care in Finchley or the surrounding area, you can contact me here.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most important item in a dog first-aid kit?

Your veterinary contact information is the most important part of the kit. Clean dressings and gloves are useful, but professional guidance determines what should happen next.

Can I use a human first-aid kit for my dog?

Some supplies are useful for both people and dogs, including gauze, dressings, gloves, blunt-ended scissors and foil blankets.

Do not assume medicines, antiseptics, creams or other treatments from a human kit are safe for your dog.

Can I give my dog Piriton for an insect sting?

Only give an antihistamine if your vet has confirmed the exact product and dose for your individual dog.

Contact your vet immediately if your dog develops swelling around the face or neck, breathing difficulty, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness or collapse.

Should I bandage my dog’s wound?

You can use a clean dressing or cloth to apply pressure to serious bleeding while contacting your vet.

Do not attempt a tight, supportive or long-term bandage unless a vet or veterinary nurse has shown you how. Incorrect bandaging can restrict circulation and cause further damage.

Should I remove glass or a stick from a wound?

No. Do not remove an embedded object.

Avoid applying pressure directly to it, and arrange urgent veterinary treatment.

Is a ready-made pet first-aid kit worth buying?

A ready-made kit can be a convenient starting point, but check every item before relying on it.

The best kit is not necessarily the one with the most pieces. It is the one that contains clean, suitable equipment you understand how to use.

How often should I replace my dog’s first-aid supplies?

Check the kit every three months and after every use. Replace damaged, contaminated, opened or expired items immediately.

A first-aid kit is preparation, not treatment.

A sensible dog first-aid kit helps you stay organised during a stressful situation.

Keep it simple. Include clean dressings, gloves, saline, emergency information and a few practical tools. Learn how to use them safely and know when to stop.

Most importantly, contact your vet promptly and follow their advice.

Related dog health and safety guides

• Dog First Aid Guide
• When Does My Dog Need Veterinary Care?
• Choosing a Local Vet in North London
• Dog and Pet Products I Recommend
• Solo Dog Walks in Finchley

About the author

I’m Del Chambers, the owner of Finchley Dog Walker. I have worked professionally with dogs since 2011 and hold an Ofqual Level 3 qualification in Canine First Aid.

I provide calm, one-to-one dog walking and personalised pet care across Finchley and parts of North London. My articles share general welfare and safety information based on professional experience and continuing education.

Veterinary disclaimer

This article provides general information about preparing a dog first-aid kit. It is not a substitute for veterinary examination, diagnosis or treatment.

I am not a veterinary surgeon and cannot diagnose a medical condition, prescribe medication or tell you how to treat an individual injury.

In an emergency, contact your veterinary practice or its out-of-hours provider immediately. Follow the instructions given by a veterinary professional. Never delay seeking help because of something you have read online.