Paper Towels Are Not a Bandage

The Pet First Aid Kit You’ll Actually Use

(Not the 47-Item Amazon Monster List)

Over the past two years, our on-call doctors and I have answered countless late-night calls through Pets After Dark. And let me tell you, I’ve mentally compiled a wish list of things I wish every pet owner had at home. Call it the “real-world first aid kit.”

When I’m on a video call and ask owners to grab their pet’s meds, I can practically hear the rummaging begin, followed by the inevitable parade of expired bottles from 2012. And without fail, there’s a half-finished course of antibiotics (someone didn’t get the memo about completing treatment, huh?).

So, let’s fix that. Here’s what I actually want you to have: a realistic, one-shoebox-sized kit that’ll save the day (and your nerves) when things go sideways.

🐾 The Core Five (Non-Negotiable)

1. Gauze Pads and Rolled Gauze
Not Band-Aids. Not paper towels. Gauze.
Dogs bleed like it’s an Olympic sport~paw pads, nail beds, ear tips.
Buy: 4×4 gauze pads + 2–3 rolls of rolled gauze (stretchy). About $15 total.
Why: Gauze applies pressure without sticking to a wound. During a PAD call, we’ll guide you through a proper wrap.

2. Vet Wrap (Self-Adhesive Bandage)
That colorful stretchy wrap every vet uses.
Buy: 2–3 rolls, any color, $8–12 total.
Why: Keeps gauze secure, supports injuries, no tape required.
Pro tip: You should be able to slide a finger underneath~too tight = no circulation.

3. A Muzzle (Yes, Really)
Even the sweetest dog bites when scared or hurting. 

I’ve been bitten by more “he’s never done that before!” dogs than I can count.

Buy: A basket muzzle that fits your dog~or learn to make one from a leash or fabric.
Why: Safety for everyone. Pain makes even good dogs unpredictable.

4. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
For allergic reactions, hives, bee stings, facial swelling.
Buy: Plain tablets only. No cold/flu combos or gel caps.
Why: Reactions happen fast~having it on hand saves precious time.
Critical: Write down your dog’s most recent weight so we can dose correctly.

5. The Pets After Dark Number
📞 855-238-7375
Save it under “Vet – Emergency.”

Because when panic hits, you won’t remember it.

Helpful Extras (If You Want to Go Further)

• Towels: Old ones. For pressure, cleanup, or transport. Keep two in your car.
• Hydrogen Peroxide (3%): Only use to induce vomiting if a vet instructs you. Never on wounds.
• Corn Syrup or Honey: For diabetic or hypoglycemic pets. Rub on gums if weak or trembling.
• Styptic Powder: For nail bleeding. Cornstarch or flour works in a pinch.
• Rectal Thermometer + Lube: We can walk you through checking temperature if fever or heatstroke is suspected.
• Tweezers: For tick removal. (They’re great for splinters, too ~ yours and theirs.)
  

  My Personal Favorites

  • Toss expired meds. Review your stash every 6 months.
  • Stock staples:
    1. Pro-Pectalin or Proviable, plus a few cans of GI Biome or I/D for upset stomach calls.
    2. Pain meds (Gabapentin or an NSAID) ~ if your vet’s prescribed them before, keep a little on hand.
    3. Artificial tears ~ perfect for eye irritation or infection until your vet visit.
    4. Elizabethan collar (cone of shame): Yes, everyone hates it. No, there’s no substitute.
    5. A turkey baster or pipette: To give peroxide if we advise inducing vomiting.

Where to Keep It

A first aid kit you can’t find at midnight is basically useless. Store it somewhere obvious ~ under the bathroom sink, in a hall closet, or a labeled shoebox. Tell  your family where it is.

Better yet, make a mini-kit for your car (gauze, vet wrap, phone numbers). Hikes and road trips are where many injuries happen.

The Bottom Line

Build it. Know where it is. Keep it updated.
When chaos hits, you’ll be calm, your pet will be safer, and we’ll be right here~ guiding you through it.

By Caroline Simard-Swimmer 

Medical Director, Pets After Dark