How To Make a Pet First Aid Kit and Other Essential First Aid Topics for Pet Care Professionals – Updated For 2025!
While some pet care professionals might be former veterinarians, vet techs, or have some medical training concerning animals, it’s safe to say most dog walkers and pet sitters do not have that kind of medical experience. However, when you start a dog walking or pet sitting business and begin to take care of people’s pets, it’s essential that you (and your team) are familiar with pet first aid and undergo the necessary training. While the hope is that you will never need to use these medical skills, you never know when they might come in handy. Plus, being able to tell your clientele that you have certifications in pet first aid techniques can really set your business apart, adding tremendous value. Not to mention, it will also offer your clients peace of mind knowing their pets are in good hands in the event of an emergency.
We’ve compiled a list of several crucial first-aid topics every dog walker or pet sitter should know. We also highly recommend getting professional training and certifications in pet first aid techniques, like CPR, to take you and your team’s pet care game to the next level.
Checklist Of Information You Should Have for Every Pet in Your Company’s Care
When a pet comes into your care through pet sitting or dog walking, there is some vital information you’ll need to have on hand to ensure their health and safety, especially in an emergency situation when you may have to make important decisions. Below, we’ve compiled a quick checklist of what you should know about a pet before going on that first walk or visit with them:
- Vet Information: Always make sure you have the name, address, and phone number for the veterinarian they use. You should also have the contact info for an emergency vet clinic in your area on hand, just in case the need should arise. Many veterinarians partner with emergency clinics or have recommendations if they don’t offer 24/7 services themselves. This is something that can often be overlooked, but you should prioritize having this information on file while keeping it up-to-date and accurate to avoid any potential mishaps.
- Health and Vaccine Information: Make sure your clients give you detailed health information about their pets. This should include any particular health concerns such as injuries, allergies, ailments, or any chronic or ongoing conditions. Having this information ensures you’re prepared for anything that comes up. It's also a good idea to keep a complete record of all the pet’s vaccinations, in case you ever need to show proof or take a trip to the vet. If you’re using Time To Pet, we have a feature that makes it easy to track pet vaccination records and help remind you and your clients of upcoming expiration dates.
- Poison Control: It's a good idea to become familiar with the Animal Poison Control Center, which provides valuable information on which plants, foods, and household products are considered dangerous for pets. They can be reached by phone at 888-4ANI-HELP (888-426-4435), and their website is https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control.
- Pet First Aid Kit: A readily available kit of essential supplies is a must! Keep reading below and we’ll give you some ideas of what this kit should include.
- First Aid Knowledge: Become familiar with first aid techniques for pets, such as CPR, wound treatment, insect or animal bites, and identifying signs of heat stroke, hypothermia, frostbite, or water poisoning. PetProHero is an excellent resource with online courses to take for pet first aid training.
- Tick Removal: Ticks can be a huge concern for pets in some areas. It’s important to know how to remove a tick from pets safely, particularly if you’re offering services in those regions.
- Disaster Preparedness: It’s good to always be prepared for emergencies like tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, fires, or earthquakes. Be sure you understand the specific care and precautions pets may require during these events.
Pet First Aid Kit
Emergencies can happen at any time, so it’s important for pet sitters and dog walkers to be ready for anything – big or small. Having a well-stocked pet first aid kit on hand can make a world of difference in the moment. Here are some essential items we recommend including in your kit to help you stay prepared for any situation:
- Leash
- Muzzle
- Water bowl
- Disposable gloves
- Tweezers
- Ice pack
- Scissors with a blunt end
- Self-clinging bandages
- Absorbent gauze pads, adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes
- Pet safe wipes
- Cotton balls or swabs
- Towels
- Mylar blanket — useful on hikes
- Ikea Bag — a lightweight, plastic blue IKEA bag that is durable enough to transport a pet
- Harm-free soap
- Hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting — check with a veterinarian or Poison Control expert before administering
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Saline eye solution
- OTC antibiotic ointment
- Flashlight
- Phone number and address of veterinarian and local emergency veterinary clinics
Heatstroke
Heatstroke can be incredibly harmful to pets, especially dogs, who are more likely to be left outside for extended periods or in a hot car. If not treated immediately, heatstroke can cause serious, long-term damage to a pet’s organs and can even lead to death in extreme circumstances.
Pets are not able to regulate their body temperatures the same way that people are, so it is vital to pay close attention to pets during hotter weather, keeping an eye out for early signs of heatstroke. You should try your best to limit the amount of time pets spend outside on scorching days, but if they need to be out for longer durations, ensure they have access to plenty of fresh water and shade. Never leave a pet in a car on warm days – even just for a few minutes – since cars can heat up dangerously fast in the sun.
Let’s learn how to check for early signs of heatstroke. One way to check that a pet may be experiencing heatstroke is related to their gums, so it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on the state of a pet’s gums. If their gums are an abnormal color, dry, sticky, or if you spot any bruising, they may be experiencing heatstroke. Other symptoms to watch out for include elevated breathing, lethargy, seizures, and disorientation.
If an animal is experiencing heatstroke, you must immediately (and safely) work on reducing their body temperature. This can be done by pouring cool water over the pet or by applying cool, wet towels to their bodies. Don’t use ice water, however, as it could cause them to go into shock. If the pet isn’t cooling down, you should immediately visit a veterinarian.
For more information about heatstroke and how to treat it, we recommend looking at this article from VCA Hospitals.
Water Intoxication
Water intoxication, or water poisoning, is not talked about enough, but it can be deadly if not caught early and treated. It happens when a pet drinks an excessive amount of water too fast, overwhelming their body by depleting it of sodium, which causes their organs to bloat and eventually shut down. Knowing the symptoms of water intoxication and how to treat it can be lifesaving – especially on hot days or for pet care providers who offer hiking or swimming as part of their services.
The symptoms of water intoxication include lethargy, bloating, vomiting, loss of coordination, restlessness, drooling, pale gums, dilated pupils, and glazed eyes. Since the onset of water intoxication can occur very suddenly, the best treatment is prevention.
If you offer swimming as part of your pet care services, keep track of their movements and ensure they aren’t taking in too much water as they swim. Similarly, when it comes to caring for pets on hot days, keep an eye on how much water they are drinking and make sure they aren’t overdoing it. In some cases, if you notice a pet drinking a lot of water very quickly, you might need to refill their bowls in smaller amounts or withhold water briefly to help them pace themselves while drinking.
If a pet drink does consume too much water, you may be able to help them replenish sodium for their bodies by giving them electrolytes for milder cases of water intoxication, though it is highly recommended you still take them to a vet, since too much sodium can cause neurological issues. If symptoms show no signs of improvement, then you should take the pet to a veterinarian. For more severe cases, you should take them to an emergency vet clinic immediately.
For more information about water intoxication, you can take a look at these articles from the American Kennel Club and ASPCA.
Poison
Household items, food, plants, or pesticides are common causes of pet poisoning. Whenever you're in an unfamiliar setting with a pet, be vigilant and mindful of where they might be sticking their noses and mouths. Pets often have an “eat first and ask questions later” mentality, so it’s essential to be cautious and observant when out on walks or in a client’s home.
Take some time to familiarize yourself with the foods, plants, and household items that are hazardous and toxic to pets. The ASPCA has a lot of great resources on their website about common pet toxins and the symptoms to watch out for if they’re ingested. If you think a pet in your care is experiencing poisoning, take them to their veterinarian immediately. If the usual vet is unavailable, take them to an emergency veterinary clinic or call the Animal Poison Control Center instead.
In addition to having great resources on their website, the Animal Poison Control Center can be reached 24/7 by phone at 888-4ANI-HELP (888-426-4435).
Choking
Choking is another emergency situation that might come up while caring for a pet, so it’s important to be prepared just in case. Some signs that a pet might be choking include being in a state of panic, trying to paw at their mouth, and excessive coughing. In some extreme instances, a pet may also be unconscious. Should that be the case, you will want to immediately open their mouth to see if anything is obstructing their airway. If the pet is still conscious and choking, be very careful when getting near its mouth. A panicking animal might bite you, even if it has never bitten or shown signs of aggression before, and that will do nothing but make the situation worse.
If you feel comfortable approaching the animal's mouth, open it with both hands and use your fingers in a sweeping motion toward the back of the mouth. If you cannot remove the obstruction or cannot see anything, you can either attempt the Heimlich maneuver yourself or seek immediate veterinary care.
Shock
Animals can go into shock when they experience blood loss or if they have received a sudden injury. Shock can occur even if an injury doesn't appear serious. The symptoms of shock can include a rapid heartbeat, shallow breathing, low body temperature, and pale or white gums if the pet is being deprived of oxygen.
To treat shock, remain calm and try to prevent the animal from moving around too much. You should try to lay the pet on its right side and make sure their airway is clear. If there is bleeding, attend to that first. For more information on what to do if a pet is bleeding, see this great article from the VCA Hospitals: First Aid For Bleeding In Dogs. Once any injury has been addressed, gently wrap the pet in a towel or blanket to conserve body heat and keep them calm. If the situation doesn't improve or if the injury is severe, seek out veterinary help immediately.
Seizure
Seizures in pets are most commonly caused by idiopathic epilepsy, liver disease, kidney failure, brain tumors, brain trauma, or ingesting toxins/poisons. Seizures can look incredibly scary, and it is easy to panic and feel helpless in the moment, but the most important thing you can do is stay calm and keep them from harming themselves on anything that could be dangerous, like running into a sharp corner or falling off of stairs or furniture. Once the seizure has started and they are lying down, try not to move the animal unless it’s absolutely necessary. Seizures can cause long-term damage to a pet, and keeping them as safe as possible while it’s happening is vital.
Most seizures only last for a short amount of time. If it continues for more than several minutes, it’s crucial to get them to a veterinarian immediately. Once the seizure is over and the pet has calmed down, contact the owner and arrange a vet visit.
For more information on what typically happens during a seizure in pets and how they are treated, the VCA Animal Hospitals has a helpful guide here.
Blood Loss
If a pet is bitten, scratched, or cut and is experiencing blood loss as a result, you will want to muzzle the pet and apply a thick, clean gauze to the affected area. Hold the dressing down for several minutes to ensure that the blood begins to clot. Depending on the severity of the wound, you may need to seek immediate veterinary care.
Tick Removal
If you live in a wooded area or spend a lot of time caring for pets outside, performing regular tick checks on the pets under your care is essential. The Humane Society has an easy-to-follow guide for handling ticks:
- The first step is scanning your pet's body, using your hands to check for any bumps or swelling gently.
- Ticks come in many varieties, so familiarize yourself with the ticks in your area to make the proper identifications. Mayo Clinic has a guide for identifying different types of ticks and more detailed information on the different tick-borne diseases here. When removing a tick, make sure to wear gloves and use a pair of tweezers or a tick remover to pull the tick straight out. Don’t try to twist the tick because it might leave its mouth or head embedded in your pet. You should take the pet to a veterinarian if you cannot remove the full tick.
- Clean the bite area with antiseptic. Make sure to take note of the type of tick and let the owner know so that they can keep an eye out for any signs of symptoms or infection.
- Keep your pets safe from future tick bites by checking them often and using flea and tick prevention products.
CPR and First Aid Certifications
Getting certified in pet CPR and first aid will make you a better pet care provider and offer your clients peace of mind. You can talk to your veterinarian to find a local class or training. A few online certifications are also available through the American Red Cross and PetTech.
Disaster Preparedness
It’s important to have a plan in place for emergencies like fires, tornados, hurricanes, earthquakes, and other emergencies – especially if you offer overnight pet-sitting services in areas prone to these events. Ensure all your clients have their pets microchipped and always wear a collar with an ID tag or phone number engraved on it.
It’s also a good idea to have a plan in place for how pets will be transported during a disaster or emergency. Ask clients if they keep a crate or car harness in their home. For example, many cat owners keep a bag or carrier in their garage or basement. Dog owners usually keep a folded dog crate somewhere.
For more helpful information, take a look at the American Humane’s Pet Disaster Preparedness fact sheet.
Stay Safe!
You can never be too safe when your business involves caring for someone’s furry baby or best friend! It’s worth the effort to educate yourself and your staff on first aid topics – your clients will appreciate it and feel reassured leaving their precious pets in your hands. Having a reliable and responsible pet care ethos is always the best practice and does great things for your company’s reputation. Happy pet owners are much more likely to spread your name to their friends if they know you are a trustworthy pet sitter or dog walker, and adding first aid expertise as another feather in your cap is a great way to earn that reliable reputation!
Accidents do happen, unfortunately, no matter how well you prepare. Make sure you are fully bonded and insured. Check out Time To Pet’s Definitive Guide to Pet Sitting Insurance for more information on the subject to ensure you are ready for any emergencies.
Happy sitting!
