Today’s blog on creating a first aid kit for pets was inspired by my 5 cats: Joey, Antonio, Athena, NiNi, and Gus. Don’t forget to check out last Thursday’s blog on creating a first aid kit, part 1.
Here are suggestions from the ASPCA. You’ll want to begin with some basics:
Have a pet first-aid book. (I found a natural one on Amazon.)
Have easy-to-access phone numbers: your veterinarian, the nearest emergency-veterinary clinic (along with directions!), and a poison-control center or hotline ASPCA (888) 426-4435
Using Technology
- Pet First Aid by American Red Cross: comprehensive emergency care information incl CPR
- Animal Poison Control Center Mobile App: The ASPCA Poison Control Center offers this handy reference tool. potentially poisonous plant “chocolate wheel,” which makes it easy to tell which signs you can expect based on the quantity and type of chocolate your pet may have ingested.
- ASPCA Mobile App: In the event of a natural disaster, “access critical advice on what to do with your pet before, during, and after a major storm — even if there’s no data connectivity. It also offers some missing pets’ help
- Paperwork for your pet (in a waterproof container or bag): proof of rabies-vaccination status, copies of other important medical records, and a current photo of your pet (in case he gets lost)
Basic first-aid supplies
Nylon leash
Self-cling bandage (bandage that stretches and sticks to itself but not to fur
Muzzle or strips of cloth to prevent biting (don’t use this if your pet is vomiting, choking, coughing, or otherwise having difficulty breathing)
Gauze & non stick gauze pads & gauze rolls
Adhesive tape
Antiseptic wipes, lotion, powder, or spray
Blanket (a foil emergency blanket)
Cotton balls or swabs
Ice pack
Non-latex disposable gloves
Petroleum jelly (to lubricate the thermometer)
Rectal thermometer
Scissors & Tweezers
Sterile saline solution & hydrogen peroxide
Have a nervous or anxious pet? A pillowcase to confine your cat for treatment. Thunder jackets
A pet carrier
Other useful items
- (Benadryl®), if approved by a veterinarian for allergic reactions. A veterinarian must tell you the correct dosage for your pet’s size.
- Ear-cleaning solution, Plastic eyedropper or syringe
- This was a really interesting repurpose. Expired credit card to scrape away insect stinger
- Glucose paste or corn syrup (for diabetic dogs or those with low blood sugar
- Flashlight
- Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl) &
- antibiotic ointment
- Splints and tongue depressors
- Styptic powder or pencil
- Temporary identification tag (to put your local contact information on your pet’s collar when you travel)
- Towels
- Needle-nosed pliers, nail clippers
Pet Rescue Remedy is also something wonderful to have on hand.
Also include anything your veterinarian has recommended specifically for your pet.
FYI: AVMA has a page devoted to pet food recalls and alerts. American Veterinary Medical Association
Maintenance
It may also be useful to keep a basic first aid manual or instruction booklet with your first aid kit.
Medicines should be checked regularly to make sure they are within their use-by dates as well as flashlight batteries still working.
- Include any personal items such as medications and emergency phone numbers or other items your healthcare provider may suggest.
- For your family’s safety, keep all medical supplies and medications out of the reach of children and pets.
Do you have a pet first aid kit? What do you need to add? How will you maintain and where can you store it?
Take Actions from Today’s blog on creating a pet first aid kit:
- Have all pertinent information about your pet in kit.
- Create a pet first aid kit for your home. Pick one place to keep the kit. Set up a calendar reminder to check for expirations in a year.
- Maintain your pet first aid kit
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