Dog first aid kit for Australian owners: what to include
Updated 2026-10-16. General information, not veterinary advice.
Ask your vet. This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. It does not diagnose or give doses. Your vet knows your dog and your area, so ask them about anything specific.
A first aid kit helps you in the minutes before you reach a vet. It is not a substitute for veterinary care. If your dog is seriously hurt or unwell, call your vet or an emergency clinic straight away.
What goes in the kit
This list is based on advice from RSPCA Pet Insurance and the RSPCA shop kit. Your vet can tailor it to your dog.
Wound care
- Sterile gauze swabs and a gauze roll
- Non-stick wound dressings
- Bandages, including a self-adhering (cohesive) bandage
- Adhesive or surgical tape
- Cotton wool
- Sterile saline
- A pressure bandage (ask your vet how and when it is used)
Tools
- Blunt-ended scissors
- Tweezers and a tick remover
- A digital thermometer
- Disposable gloves
- A small torch
- Syringes in a few sizes
Handling and comfort
- Clean towels and a blanket
- A spare lead and collar
- A properly fitted muzzle
- An Elizabethan (cone) collar
Paperwork and contacts
- Vaccination and vet records
- Medicines your vet has prescribed, with instructions
- A recent photo of your dog
- Your vet, nearest after-hours emergency vet, and the Australian Animal Poisons Helpline (1300 869 738, from the helpline website)
What not to do
- Do not give human medicines unless your vet says so. RSPCA Pet Insurance notes that paracetamol and ibuprofen can be toxic to dogs.
- Do not guess at doses. This guide gives none, so ask your vet.
- Do not force food or water into a distressed dog.
Situations to call a vet about
Call a vet immediately for signs such as collapse, trouble breathing, a suspected snake bite or tick, heatstroke, ingestion of something toxic, serious bleeding or seizures. See tick and heat safety, hot weather safety and puppy-proofing your home.
Keeping it ready
Keep one kit at home and one in the car, but not in a hot car for long. See car travel with your dog. Check it each season. Teach your dog to accept handling and a muzzle with treats well before an emergency, using the tips in preparing for a vet visit.
Browse health and safety listings for related items.
Product types worth comparing
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- Pet first aid kit: Ready-made kits exist at pet retailers and RSPCA shops. Compare the contents with the checklist here.
- Tick remover: Many owners keep one in the kit. Ask your vet to show you how to use it.
- Properly fitted muzzle: Can keep everyone safe when a dog is in pain. Introduce it with treats beforehand.
- Spare lead and towel: A towel or blanket can also help move an injured dog.
Check current price, size guides and availability with Australian pet retailers such as Petbarn, Pet Circle or Petstock.
FAQs
Can I treat my dog at home instead of going to the vet?
A first aid kit is for short-term measures while you get veterinary help. For anything serious, contact your vet or an emergency clinic straight away.
Can I give my dog human medicines?
Do not give human medicines unless your vet tells you to. Some common ones, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, can be toxic to dogs.
Should I buy a ready-made kit?
It is a matter of choice. A ready-made kit can be a good start. Check the contents against your list and ask your vet what to add for your dog.
How often should I check the kit?
Check it regularly, for example when the seasons change, and replace used or out-of-date items.