Keep a puppy first-aid kit stocked with emergency contacts and medical records, safe transport items, basic wound-care supplies, and a few simple tools. It can help you act while arranging care, but it does not replace a veterinarian: call your vet or a local emergency veterinary hospital when your puppy is seriously ill or injured.
What to put in a puppy first-aid kit
The American Veterinary Medical Association’s 2025 Pet First Aid brochure lists the following supplies. Store them together where adults can reach them quickly, and keep the kit out of your puppy’s reach.
Contacts and medical information
- Your veterinarian’s name, address, and phone number, plus those of a nearby emergency veterinary hospital.
- Poison-control contact information.
- Your puppy’s medical records and current medication list, along with identifying details for the puppy and owner.
Handling and transport
- A spare leash and collar.
- A muzzle, if appropriate. Do not muzzle a puppy that is vomiting.
- Clean towels.
- A carrier or another safe way to confine your puppy for transport.
Wound-care supplies
- Gauze roll and nonstick bandages, or clean cloth.
- Self-adhering nonstick tape and adhesive tape.
- Blunt-ended scissors.
- Disposable gloves.
- Sterile saline and sterile lubricating jelly.
Small tools
- A digital thermometer.
- A flashlight and tweezers.
- An eyedropper or a large syringe without a needle.
These pet first aid kit supplies cover basic response needs; ask your veterinarian whether your puppy’s health or circumstances call for anything additional. If you buy a preassembled kit, compare its contents with this checklist and check storage instructions and expiration dates where applicable. The AVMA checklist does not assess specific brands.
Items that need veterinary direction
The AVMA checklist also includes activated charcoal and 3% hydrogen peroxide with cautions. Do not give either unless a veterinarian or poison-control professional specifically directs you to do so. Hydrogen peroxide is not for cleaning wounds. Do not give medication or try to make your puppy vomit without professional instruction.
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What to do while arranging veterinary care
Call your veterinarian or the nearest emergency veterinary hospital when an injury or illness may be serious. The clinic can advise you and prepare for your arrival. Use first aid only to support your puppy while getting help.
If your puppy is bleeding
- Place a clean cloth or towel over the wound and apply firm, direct pressure.
- Keep pressure on for at least three minutes before checking whether bleeding has stopped, as the AVMA advises.
- If blood soaks through, place more material on top; do not pull away the first layer.
- Seek immediate veterinary care for severe bleeding.
If you suspect poisoning
- Call a veterinarian, emergency clinic, or poison-control service immediately.
- Have the substance packaging available. Be ready to share your puppy’s species, breed, age, sex, weight, symptoms, suspected substance, amount, and when exposure may have happened.
- Do not induce vomiting or give medication unless the veterinarian or poison-control professional instructs you to.
If your puppy is injured
Approach carefully: pain and fear can make even a gentle puppy bite. Keep your face away from the mouth, and avoid hugging or restraining the puppy in a way that increases distress. Do not remove an object embedded in a wound. Stabilize an injury only if you know how; an incorrectly applied bandage or splint can cause harm. Confine your puppy safely for transport and call the clinic.
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If your puppy has a seizure
Move nearby hazards away, do not restrain your puppy, and keep your hands away from its mouth. Time the event if you can do so safely, then contact a veterinarian after it stops.
If your puppy is choking or struggling to breathe
Treat this as an emergency and seek veterinary care promptly. Do not delay getting help to attempt a maneuver if you are unsure what to do.
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Keep the kit current
At your puppy’s early veterinary examination, bring any available medical, vaccination, and deworming history and ask the vet to review the kit. Update records and medication information as your puppy’s care changes. The AVMA advises arranging an examination for a new puppy as soon as possible; its Selecting a pet dog guidance also notes the value of available health history.
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