Best Dog First Aid Kits of 2026
A certified dog trainer tested six kits on hikes, road trips, and car-camping trips to find the best first aid supplies for adventurous dogs
September 24, 2026
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While we hope you never have to use a dog first-aid kit on your furry companion, minor injuries are common when adventuring outdoors with dogs. Broken nails, scrapes, torn paw pads, and minor eye injuries can all happen while hiking, camping, or traveling, so having a well-stocked first aid kit on hand can make it easier to deal with problems when they come up.
Our lead tester, Jae Thomas, is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge Assessed, who has spent years hiking, camping, traveling, and participating in dog sports with her dogs, Miso and Dashi. For this guide, she took the kits on hikes, walks, road trips, and to dog sport events, packed them in a daypack to compare packability and organization, and tested the included bandages, vet wrap, scissors, tweezers, muzzles, and slip leads. She also compared each kit to the dog first-aid supplies she has used for years on outdoor adventures with her own dogs.
Could you use a human first aid kit to treat your dog? Sometimes. Wound care supplies such as gauze and bandages can often be useful for both people and dogs, but some common human first-aid supplies are not appropriate for dogs. Dog-specific products such as a tick remover, slip lead, muzzle, and vet wrap can also make first aid easier in an emergency. We evaluated each kit for the usefulness and quality of its contents, organization, packability, and the inclusion of practical dog-specific supplies for hiking, camping, travel, and everyday adventures.
Top Pick: The ARCA PET First Aid Kit earns our Best Overall award. It stood out for its comprehensive selection of supplies, durable, well-organized case, high-quality tools, and useful dog-specific additions, including a slip lead and an emergency muzzle. It is too bulky for hiking, but for home use, car camping, overlanding, and road trips, it was the most comprehensive kit we tested.
Veterinary disclaimer: First aid is intended to stabilize your dog until you can reach a veterinarian. Ask your veterinarian in advance which medications and doses, if any, are appropriate for your dog, and contact a veterinarian or an animal poison control service before treating suspected poisoning or inducing vomiting.
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Comparison table
| DOG FIRST AID KIT | TREELINE AWARD | WEIGHT (MEASURED) | DIMENSIONS | BEST USE | # ITEMS | MUZZLE | SLIP LEAD | STYPTIC | PRINTED GUIDE | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARCA PET Cat & Dog First Aid Kit | Best overall Read why |
30.90 oz | 8.3 x 6.3 x 3.2" | Car camping, overlanding | 100 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | $40 |
| ARCA PET Ready-Go Pouch | Best affordable Read why |
9.14 oz | 7.5 x 1 x 5” | Short hikes and walks | 35 | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | $22 |
| My Medic Pet Medic Med Pack | Best lightweight Read why |
6.14 oz | 6 x 6 x 2.1" | Ultralight backpacking | 18 | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | $25 |
| Adventure Medical Kits Trail Dog Medical Kit | Best dog hiking first aid kit Read why |
13.44 oz | 7.5 x 5.3 x 1.5" | Day hikes | 27 | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | $38 |
| Adventure Medical Kits Me & My Dog Medical Kit | 28.92 oz | 7.5 x 5.3 x 3.55" | Keep in the car, for humans and dogs | 52 | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | $75 | |
| Kurgo RSG Dog First Aid Kit | 12.91 oz | 8.5 x 6 x 4.25" | Mounting directly to backpack or harness | 49 | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | $31 |
The winners
Best overall dog first aid kit: ARCA PET Cat & Dog First Aid Kit
Weight: 30.9 oz
Contents: Waterproof hard-shell case, EMT Shears, medical tape, styptic pencil, syringe, 2 pods of pet eye wash, tick remover, metal tweezers, 5 wood tongue depressors, digital thermometer, small roll of vet wrap, large roll of vet wrap, slip lead, 6 povidone-iodine prep pads, 6 sting relief pads, 8 gauze pads of varying sizes, instant cold compress, 4 elastic gauze bandages, 4 antiseptic towelettes, mini flashlight, 2 antibiotic ointment packs, basic pet first aid book, 20 pet cotton swabs, emergency blanket, mini pouch, one pair of vinyl gloves, 1 emergency muzzle
Size: 8.3" x 6.3" x 3.2"
Best for: Car camping, overlanding, and multi-day trips
What we liked: Great organization, durable hard shell case; includes both muzzle and slip leash
What we didn’t like: Too bulky for hiking; first-aid guide wasn’t very thorough
The ARCA PET Cat & Dog First Aid Kit was by far the most thorough kit we tested, and at $40, it’s reasonably priced, too. Since it’s so thorough, it’s a bit big and bulky and isn’t suitable to take on hikes. The best use case for this kit is definitely home or car use.
However, this kit comes with a mini carabiner pouch, so you can pack a few items to take on short hikes when you’re away from your full kit. The pouch isn’t big enough to carry a lot of stuff, but you’ll easily fit a few essentials.
ARCA PET Cat & Dog First Aid Kit
Though the ARCA PET Cat & Dog First Aid Kit is too bulky to take with you on hikes, it’s ideal to keep at home or in your car and is extremely thorough in its contents. Photo by Jae Thomas
The ARCA kit also has great organization, and the interior pockets and pouches keep things easy to find. There are plenty of bandages and other scrape/cut essentials to treat multiple dogs on longer road trips or car camping trips, and nothing in this kit feels wholly unnecessary.
There are multiple dog-specific products in this kit that make it a good option, including a slip leash, a muzzle, and a styptic stick to stop bleeding from small cuts, scrapes, and broken nails. It also includes cotton swabs, an emergency blanket, an instant ice pack, a mini flashlight, and a thermometer. The included metal tweezers are also high quality, and though the tick tool is made of flimsy plastic, it’s nice to have a dedicated tick remover regardless.
Really, the only downside of the ARCA is that the included first-aid guide isn’t very thorough. There are a few things I would add after buying that would make this kit even better, too. I would look for a better first aid booklet and swap it out, add two soft dog booties for paw injuries, a few packets of honey (good for treating low blood sugar and shock), and a few individually wrapped Benadryl. With these small tweaks, this first aid kit would cover you for a wide range of common minor injuries and stabilization needs you might encounter with your dog.
Looking for a complete checklist for camping with your dog? See our Dog Camping Essentials: What to Pack for a Safe and Fun Trip.
Best affordable dog first aid kit: ARCA PET Ready-Go Pouch
Weight: 9.14 oz
Contents: Water-resistant bag, 2 3” by 3” gauze pads, 2 antiseptic towelettes, bandage roll, roll of vet wrap, pair of tweezers, tick remover, emergency blanket, EMT shears, roll of tape, whistle, 2 povidone-iodine prep pads, 2 sting relief pads, pair of vinyl gloves, pet first aid manual, 2 pods of pet eye wash
Size: 7.5” x 1” x 5”
Best for: Short hikes and walks, small dogs
What we liked: Compact, lightweight design; budget-friendly
What we didn’t like: First aid guide wasn’t very thorough; plastic tools aren’t the best quality
If you’re not looking to spend a lot of money on a dog first aid kit, the ARCA PET Ready-Go Pouch has all the essentials, is compact enough to take on hikes, and only costs $22.
ARCA PET Ready-Go Pouch
This smaller ARCA kit is better for hiking, though the pet first aid guide could be more detailed. Photo by Jae Thomas
This kit comes in a reflective, water-resistant bag. The reflective front design makes it easy to find in a bag or in the dark with a flashlight. It’s not meant to be submerged, but some light rain or spills won’t ruin the interior contents.
Though it’s small, it comes with a set of EMT shears, which are great for cutting through dog collars or harnesses in an emergency. In addition to the essential cut-and-scrape products, it includes an emergency whistle, an emergency blanket, sting-relief medicated pads, and vinyl gloves.
Since this kit is on the smaller side, you’ll likely only have enough bandages and other supplies for 1–2 incidents before needing to refill it. However, if your priorities are an easy-to-carry, small size and budget-friendly price, this is the way to go.
This travel pouch is ideal for packing a few first aid essentials with you for hikes or day trips. Photo by Jae Thomas
Best lightweight dog first aid kit: My Medic Pet Medic Med Pack
Weight: 6.14 oz
Contents: 1 gauze roll, 2 gauze pads, 1 non-adherent pad, 3 antiseptic towelettes, 1 hand wipe, 3 triple antibiotic ointment packs, 1 roll of 1” vet wrap, 1 pair of gloves, 1 sterile eye/wound wash, tweezers, 2 diphenhydramine, slip leash
Size: 6” x 6” x 2.1”
Best for: Ultralight backpacking setups
What we liked: Very lightweight; good quality tweezers; includes a slip lead
What we didn’t like: Comes in two flimsy plastic bags; pet first aid guide is a QR code
The My Medic Pet Medic Med Pack combines the brand’s pre-made Scrape kit (meant for humans) with a few additions for pets. Added on are two individually-wrapped diphenhydramine (Benadryl) tablets, a quality set of metal tweezers for removing splinters and ticks, and a vet-style slip lead. Its ultralight weight makes it ideal for backpackers looking to keep pack weight down.
Editor’s note: A newer version of this was recently released that comes with a different carrying case. We are currently in the testing process.
My Medic Pet Medic Med Pack
Though the My Medic kit doesn’t have a great bag, it covers many basic first-aid needs, and the supplies are good quality. Photo by Jae Thomas
The Scrape pack includes everything you’d need to treat cuts or minor wounds on yourself or your dog in the backcountry. To make it a bit more comprehensive, I’d toss in a small plastic bag containing styptic powder in case of a broken dog nail while hiking.
This kit comes with access to a thorough 32-page pet first-aid guide that covers a wide range of topics, from managing insect bites and wounds to normal pulse, temperature, and respiratory rates for dogs. However, the catch is that it’s accessed via a QR code on your phone. If you remember to pre-download the guide and your phone has battery while hiking, this isn’t an issue. However, if you’re hiking with your dog in the backcountry and have no service or no phone battery, the QR code guide isn’t super helpful. It does save on weight not having a printed booklet, though.
I don’t love the two-plastic-bag setup, and it felt a bit disorganized. It’s definitely easier to find products in pre-made kits with bags that have dedicated compartments. However, not having a fabric bag undoubtedly saves on weight. This was the lightest kit we tested and, though simple, it hits most of the must-have products for a dog first aid kit.
Best dog hiking first aid kit: Adventure Medical Kits Adventure Dog Medical Kit — Trail Dog
Weight: 13.44 oz
Contents: Waterproof bag, 2 sterile gauze, 2 non-adherent gauze, 1 roller gauze, 1 elastic self-adhering bandage, 1 triangular bandage, 1 wound irrigation tool, 1 splinter/tick remover forceps, 3 triple antibiotic single-use packets, 2 antihistamine, 1 hydrogen peroxide, saline solution, pet first aid manual
Size: 7.5" x 5.3" x 1.5"
Best for: Day hikes
What we liked: Fits nicely in daypacks, has a waterproof interior bag, comes with a big roll of vet wrap
What we didn’t like: List of contents on the bag isn’t accurate, not well-organized
The Adventure Medical Kits Adventure Dog Medical Kit — Trail Dog is a good option for folks looking for a first aid kit primarily for day hikes with their dog. It covers many basic first-aid supplies you’ll need to treat minor cuts and scrapes your dog may get on the trail, and it includes some nice dog-specific supplies, like a large roll of vet wrap and a triangular bandage that can be used as a muzzle in emergencies.
Adventure Medical Kits Adventure Dog Medical Kit — Trail Dog
It comes with a pet first-aid manual that’s pretty exhaustive and small enough not to add much weight. This kit is also housed in a nice DryFlex zipper bag, which is then stored inside a fabric bag with spaces to write your emergency vet’s and regular vet’s phone numbers, along with a printed list of the kit’s contents.
One downside to this kit is that the contents list on the exterior of the bag is inaccurate. The bag lists one eye wash and one saline solution, but the kit only included a purified water eye wash. While this isn’t the biggest issue, it’s mildly annoying that the list isn’t accurate.
The included tweezers were also a bit small and hard to use. We much preferred the larger, longer options that were included in the My Medic and ARCA PET kits.
Finally, though we liked that the kit's contents are housed in the DryFlex zipper bag, it makes it a bit hard to find things, and it’s not well organized.
Other dog first aid kits we tested
Adventure Medical Kits Me & My Dog Medical Kit
Weight: 28.92 oz
Contents: 2 waterproof bags, sheet of moleskin, pet first aid manual, roll of tape, triangular bandage, 1 fl. oz. 3% hydrogen peroxide, 4 fl. oz. purified water eye wash, gauze roll, 2 3”-by-3” gauze pads, 2 2”-by-3” gauze pads, 5 1”-by-3” adhesive bandages, 2 knuckle bandages, 3 butterfly bandages, 2 alcohol prep pads, 3 triple antibiotic ointment packets, 2 antihistamine capsules, 6 antiseptic towelettes, emergency blanket, instant cold compress, plastic syringe, roll of vet wrap, pair of nitrile gloves, slip leash, 3 safety pins, tweezers, wilderness & travel medicine guide
Size: 7.5" x 5.3" x 3.55"
What we liked: Includes a variety of supplies for both you and your dog; good size to keep in the car for car camping trips
What we didn’t like: Too bulky to hike with; listed aspirin but didn’t include it; listed saline and eye wash separately but only included eye wash; included hydrogen peroxide as a vomit inducer for dogs, which isn’t recommended anymore; expensive
The Adventure Medical Kits Me & My Dog pack is a decent option for those who want to bundle human and dog first aid into a single kit. The kit is split between two waterproof plastic zip bags, which then fit into a larger fabric zip bag.
The organization on this kit isn’t great compared to other options, and all the contents are crammed into the interior zip bags, which can make it hard to find specific things. It’s also quite bulky and not the best option as a hiking kit. However, it works well as a car first-aid kit for both you and your dog.
This kit listed aspirin in its contents, but none was included in the kit we tested. Aspirin is fine for humans but generally not recommended for dogs without veterinary guidance. Adverse reactions to aspirin are pretty common in dogs, so if you opt for this kit and it does have aspirin, avoid giving it to your dog.
Hydrogen peroxide is also included in this kit as a way to induce vomiting if your dog ingests something they’re not supposed to. While this was once recommended, vets generally don’t recommend using hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting in dogs anymore. Only induce vomiting if a veterinarian or animal poison-control service tells you to.
A few things in this kit that stand out are the instant cold compress, moleskin (great for human blisters while hiking), bandages, and a slip leash.
For more info, see our article, “Hiking with Dogs: A Complete Guide to Safe and Fun Trail Adventures.”
Adventure Medical Kits Me & My Dog Medical Kit
The Adventure Medical Kits Me & My Dog Medical Kit was quite thorough, but it was too bulky to hike with and was much more expensive than other options we tested. Photo by Jae Thomas
Weight: 12.91 oz
Contents: 3 4”-by-4” gauze pads, 3 2”-by-2” gauze pads, combine pad, 4 alcohol prep pads, 4 antiseptic wipes, 4 sting relief pads, 4 povidone-iodine prep pads, 1 emergency blanket, instant ice pack, 4 wooden tongue depressors, pet first aid manual, plastic tweezers, scissors, gauze roll, roll of elastic crepe bandage, roll of tape, paracord, 2 pairs of disposable gloves, 10 cotton swabs
Size: 8.5 x 6 x 4.25 inches
What we liked: Durable and organized bag, includes lots of gauze
What we didn’t like: Doesn’t have medication, styptic powder, or any muzzle or leash
The Kurgo RSG has one of the best cases of all the first aid kits we tested. It’s compact, has good internal organization, and features MOLLE panels on the outside, making it easy to mount on a backpack or dog harness.
However, its contents fell short of its competitors. While it comes with more gauze than other kits, it’s missing styptic powder, medication, a muzzle, and a leash. Instead of these helpful items, the kit included some weird items, like a piece of paracord and wooden tongue depressors. While these could be useful, we wish it included more practical items, such as saline and antibiotic ointment.
Kurgo RSG Dog First Aid Kit
The Kurgo RSG Dog First Aid Kit has a fantastic bag that keeps everything organized, but the contents weren’t as thorough as other options. Photo by Jae Thomas
What to look for in a dog first aid kit
Weight and packability
If your dog's first-aid kit is heavy and bulky, you’ll be less likely to bring it on outdoor adventures. The best dog first aid kits for hiking and camping are compact and lightweight enough to toss in or attach to a hiking daypack or backpacking pack.
Waterproof or weatherproof storage
Look for a dog first aid kit that comes in a waterproof container. If you’re hiking or dealing with an injury in the rain, a waterproof bag can be the difference between sterile first-aid supplies and a first-aid kit that needs to be completely replaced. For additional rainy-day dog adventure protection, check out our Best Dog Raincoats guide.
Ensure your dog first aid kit comes in a waterproof vessel. If the bag isn’t waterproof, consider putting the kit’s contents in a plastic zip bag. Photo by Jae Thomas
Dog-specific items
A slip lead, a muzzle or muzzle alternative, a tick remover, vet wrap, and styptic powder are all must-haves in a dog first aid kit. These products are the ones you may not find in a first aid kit designed for humans.
Human-compatible supplies (if any)
Triple antibiotic ointment, saline, and other basic wound supplies are helpful to have on hand in case you get a scrape, too. However, if you’re going on a multi-day backpacking trip with your dog, you will likely want to carry a human-specific first aid kit in addition to your dog’s.
What’s inside a good dog first aid kit?
Here’s everything you need to help your dog in case of an injury in the outdoors:
Gauze, bandages, vet wrap
Gauze and bandages help stop bleeding and cover a wound. Vet wrap can be used to secure gauze and bandages on your dog, provide extra support to a limb if your dog is limping, and protect your dog from licking or biting at cuts or other wounds. It can also be used to make a temporary muzzle if necessary.
Vet wrap won’t stick to your dog’s skin or fur, but stays pretty secure once on. I generally find vet wrap to be a better option than medical tape. Vet wrap isn't for treatment, but it is for securing a dressing. The need for a muzzle can depend on the injury and the dog's condition. Ask your veterinarian whether muzzle use is appropriate for injured dogs.
The best dog first aid kits will include multiple sizes of gauze, vet wrap, and med tape to bandage up cuts and scrapes. Photo by Jae Thomas
Tweezers, tick remover
If you’re spending a lot of time outdoors with your dog, it’s almost inevitable that they’ll get a tick or a splinter that needs to be removed, so it’s helpful to have both tweezers and a tick key in your dog’s first aid kit. Tweezers will help with splinters in your dog’s paws, but if you’re not experienced using them to get ticks off your dog, you may break the tick’s body off from its head. A tick key is easier to use and makes it easier to remove the whole tick.
Saline, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment
Some dogs go all out in the outdoors, especially wide-ranging breeds that like to run big. Dogs that tend to run through tall grass and bushes often get plant matter in their eyes, which is best washed out with saline. Antiseptic wipes are a must for cleaning scrapes and cuts and can also be used to clean your dog’s skin after tick or splinter removal.
Antibiotic ointment is helpful to apply to a cut or scrape before bandaging it to encourage healing.
Styptic powder
Styptic powder is a clotting agent that helps stop bleeding from minor cuts or nail issues. Some styptic powders also have ingredients that offer mild pain relief. Dogs break their nails and get scraped up while hiking all the time, so having styptic powder on hand is a good idea.
Dog-safe medications
Dog got stung by a bee while backpacking? A dog-safe amount of Benadryl can be helpful while on the way to the vet. Does your dog have diarrhea while traveling? Keeping Pro-Pectalin tablets on hand may help. You should also keep any medication your veterinarian has prescribed for your dog in your first aid kit, in case you forget to bring it along while traveling.
Remember never to give your dog any human pain medication, as most human pain relievers are toxic to dogs.
Honey or corn syrup
While most pre-made first aid kits don’t contain these items, keeping a few packets of honey or corn syrup can help if your dog has low blood sugar or goes into shock from an injury.
Emergency contact card
Write down your emergency contacts, your dog’s primary vet, and your local emergency vet. You can save these numbers on your phone, but in case your phone is lost or dead, it’s best to have a hard copy.
Dog first aid guide
If you’re not super knowledgeable on dog first aid, having a comprehensive guide in your kit is a good idea. Opt for a printed, physical guide. Guides based on QR codes are unlikely to work when you're outdoors without phone service.
Scissors and gloves
EMT-style bandage shears can be immensely helpful for dog first aid, whether you need to cut through a dog's collar or harness or simply cut a bandage to the proper size. Latex or nitrile gloves will help you keep any minor injuries you’re treating from getting grimy (especially if you’re dealing with dirty hands from being in the backcountry).
Scissors are helpful to cut bandages and to cut through collars or harnesses in an emergency. Photo by Jae Thomas
Muzzle or soft restraint
Even if your dog has never bitten anyone or anything, dogs in pain are often bite risks. Training your dog to wear a muzzle and keeping one in your first-aid kit are helpful in case of an emergency. Vet wrap can also be used to make a temporary emergency muzzle if you don’t have one on hand.
Boots, slip leash
One of the most common trail and camping injuries I see in dogs is paw pad injuries. If your dog tears or cuts a paw pad, you can bandage and vet-wrap it, but if you still have a while to go on a hike or camping trip, it can be hard to keep it clean without a dog boot. I like to toss a pair of lightweight dog boots into my dog’s first-aid kit, just in case of paw pad injuries.
A slip leash is also useful if you need to leash a dog quickly in an emergency or after an injury.
Do you need a dog-specific kit?
Some first-aid supplies, such as bandages and gauze, can be shared between dogs and humans. However, some common first-aid supplies (such as over-the-counter medications) that are safe for humans can be extremely toxic to dogs. If you’re not sure what can and can’t be shared between a dog first aid kit and a human first aid kit, it’s best to stick to a dog-specific one for peace of mind.
Dog first aid kit checklist
While this isn't an exhaustive list of what should be in a good dog first-aid kit, it's a starting point for what to include and why it matters.
| Supply | Why it’s useful |
|---|---|
| Gauze + vet wrap | Cover and secure minor wounds |
| Saline/eye wash | Flush debris from eyes or wounds |
| Tweezers/tick remover | Remove splinters and ticks |
| Styptic product | Help control minor nail bleeding |
| Bandage shears | Cut dressings, collars, or harnesses if needed |
As a reminder, for medications such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), your choice of medication, formulation, and dosing are dog-specific. Check with your veterinarian.
For hydrogen peroxide or other medication used to induce vomiting, appropriate use depends heavily on what was ingested and professional guidance.
When to give Pro-Pectalin should be decided with your veterinarian.
Antibiotic ointments can depend on the wound and product formulation.
Check your kit before trips
Before heading out, take a minute to make sure your dog's first aid kit is complete and ready to use. Replace anything you used on a previous trip, check expiration dates on medications and ointments, and make sure sterile supplies are still sealed and dry. Check bottles of saline or eye wash for leaks, and confirm that tools such as scissors, tweezers, and tick removers are still in good condition.
It is also worth checking that your veterinarian’s contact information and any emergency or poison-control numbers you carry are still current. If your dog takes prescription medication or your veterinarian has recommended specific first-aid supplies for them, make sure those are stocked before you leave.
How to build your own dog first aid kit
Can you build your own dog first aid kit? Absolutely. Should you? It depends. With most dog first aid kits costing between $20 and $50, it may be more worth it to just buy a pre-assembled kit. The main perk of buying a full kit is that the bags they come in are optimized for their contents and are easy to pack for a day hike or backpacking trip.
If you’re planning on building a human first aid kit as well, buying the products for both at the same time could save you money, especially if you’re an avid outdoor adventurer who will need to refill their first aid kit essentials fairly frequently. Just be sure to do research on what can and can’t be used on your dog.
Most first-aid essentials can be found at your local pharmacy, but dog-specific items like slip leads, styptic powder, and a muzzle will need to be acquired online or at your local pet store.
Opt for a gallon zip bag to store your homemade first aid kit, and place the human-only first aid items in a separate quart or sandwich-sized bag. Write down the contents of each bag on a piece of paper or on the exterior of the bag so you can keep track of when things need to be refilled.
FAQ
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You can use some products in a human first-aid kit for dogs. Bandages are generally safe, but avoid any human medications or ointments, as some products in human first-aid kits may be toxic to dogs.
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You should keep any necessary prescription medications for your specific dog in your first aid kit. Dog-safe antihistamines, eye wash, styptic powder, and antibiotic ointment may also be kept in your dog first aid kit. Check with your vet before using or stocking any other medications in your dog’s first aid kit.
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Check your dog’s first aid kit every three to six months, restock any used-up supplies, and replace any medications or ointments that may have expired.
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Yes, carrying a dog first aid kit on every hike will ensure you can treat minor injuries that may occur on the trail. It’s also recommended to carry a dog rescue harness (especially for large dogs) on every hike in case your dog is seriously injured and cannot walk back to your car.
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If your dog is seriously injured on a hike, you may need to muzzle them to apply first aid. Stop any bleeding or clean any wounds once your dog is muzzled. After administering first aid, carry your dog off the trail and back to your vehicle using a dog rescue harness, and seek immediate veterinary care.
How we researched and tested
I examined each and every piece of equipment in every first aid kit in this story, from counting the number of bandages included to testing the strength and durability of the included tick removers and tweezers. I packed each kit in my daypack to see how packable they were for hikes, and evaluated each kit's organization by timing how long it took me to find specific items in each.
I also compared each kit in this story to the dog first aid kit I’ve used for many years (the Adventure Medical Kits Trail Dog) and checked which products I’ve used most over the years to identify the most important first-aid supplies.
I took each of the first aid kits in this story with me on various hikes, walks, road trips, and to dog sport events. Photo by Jae Thomas
Though I was lucky that none of my dogs got injured while testing these kits, I still evaluated how well the bandages covered my dogs, how well the included vet wrap stayed in place, and how well the scissors and other tools actually worked.
I noted any low-quality products and only recommended options that felt high-quality enough for me to actually purchase.
My two helper dogs, Miso and Dashi, aided by trying on the muzzles, slip leashes, and bandages of each kit. They were both paid handsomely in tasty treats for their hard work on this story.
- Hikes, walks, and road trips
- Dog sport outings
- Daypack packability tests
- Timed organization tests
- Bandages, tools, muzzles, and slip leads tested
- Supply usefulness and quality
- Organization and accessibility
- Packability for hiking
- Tool strength and function
- Dog-specific first aid supplies
About the author / Why you should trust us
Jae Thomas has spent the better part of the last five years adventuring outdoors with her dogs. She’s of the opinion that if the dogs can’t go, she’s not going. With that philosophy, she’s spent lots of time on backcountry public-land trails and on 4x4 roads that not many people venture onto, so the dogs could tag along.
Spending time outdoors with dogs is bound to lead to minor injuries. From cactus spines to slipped paw pads to burrs galore, Jae and her dogs have experienced all the inconveniences of the outdoors. She’s put her experience into this guide, noting the essentials of a good dog first-aid kit she’s used and mentioning what she wished she'd had in those moments but didn’t.
Jae Thomas is an e-commerce journalist, editor, and dog trainer based in Colorado. She graduated from New York University's journalism program in 2020 and has written and edited commerce content for publications such as Mashable, Apartment Therapy, Bon Appétit, Whole Dog Journal, Chewy, CNN Underscored, and more.
Jae is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge Assessed, and teaches agility, rally, and other dog sports at Canine Athletics Training Center in Boulder County. Jae uses her background in dog sports and behavior to test outdoor-focused dog gear focused on fit, comfort, safety, and functionality for dogs and their owners.
Jae shares her life with two dogs: a mixed-breed Miso and a Rough Collie named Dashi. Jae competes in conformation, agility, rally, herding, barn hunt, Fast CAT, and other sports with her dogs and is a pro at traveling, camping, hiking, and adventuring with canine companions in tow.
Connect with Jae on LinkedIn or @jaelah
Find more of Jae Thomas’ reviews and guides here.
