Important Things To Know About Pet First Aid Kit
April month is known as National Pet First Aid Awareness Month. On this occasion, you must assemble a first aid kit for your pet. And if you already have a first-aid kit, you can make some necessary replacements or updates. It is good to be ready for every emergency. Like you have a first-aid kit for the humans in your home, it is wise to keep one for the canines in your life.
It is best to put all the first-aid supplies in the kit. You can take it with you while traveling, camping, or hiking. Of course, it is always best to seek professional veterinary treatment when your dog gets hurt. However, when you cannot get to a vet, you will be glad you have a pet first-aid kit. When a pet emergency strikes, the last thing you should be doing is scrambling for items you need. Assembling a first aid kit for pets will give you the peace of mind that you’ll be prepared in case of an emergency. Make sure to check your cat first aid kit or dog first aid kit every six months or so to make any necessary replacements or updates. Accidents and emergencies involving your pet can happen at any time, so it’s always good to be prepared. When you’re just at home, out on a walk, camping, or travelling, it pays to be able to meet any eventuality. And just as you should have a first aid kit to treat the humans in your home, it’s good to carry a first-aid kit for your family pet.
How to Make a Pet First Aid Kit
A first-aid kit is important not only in the event of a natural disaster, but any time a pet is far away from immediate help – for example when the family takes the pet camping or on vacation out of the area.
Your Kit Should Contain
- Absorbent gauze pads
- Adhesive tape
- Cotton balls or swabs
- Fresh 3% hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting (always check with veterinarian or animal poison control expert before giving to your pet)
- Ice pack
- Disposable gloves
- Scissors with blunt end
- Tweezers
- OTC antibiotic ointment
- Oral syringe or turkey baster
- Liquid dishwashing detergent (for bathing)
- Towels
- Small flashlight
- Alcohol wipes
- Styptic powder
- Saline eye solution
- Artificial tear gel
- Phone number, clinic name, address of your veterinarian as well as local veterinary emergency clinics.
Make sure to check your pack every few months to make sure nothing has expired or needs to be replaced. And of course keep your kit out of the reach of children.
Here are a few essentials things you should always keep in the first-aid kit for your pet:
- Important Papers
If you are dealing with a critical emergency, you will want all information about your pet in one place. That will help if your pet gets hurt and needs medical attention. Because of the availability of the information, doctors will be able to provide better, safer care as they know the medical history.
You should write some emergency numbers on a card, like phone numbers for your veterinarian, a 24-hour emergency clinic and animal poison control. A hard copy is a great help when you do not have electricity, internet, or phone service. A USB drive is also a good thing as a backup.
If you are going out of town and leaving your pup with a friend, make sure you handle all the papers and contacts for an emergency. A copy in your wallet can also be an option.
- Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is not just for cleaning minor wounds. If your pet ingests something toxic, you may have to induce vomiting with hydrogen peroxide after following proper instructions. You may need this kind of thing during a crisis. But do not attempt to administer this to your pet without professional guidance.
- Antibiotic Ointment
If you and your pet enjoy outdoor activities, it is advisable to keep this item in the first aid kit every time. Antibiotic ointments will help prevent infection, relieve pain, and protect from bacteria and germs for cuts and scratches. It is a mandatory thing that every pet first-aid kit should have. Sometimes minor cuts can lead to severe health problems if they become infected.
- Accessories
Gauze, Scissors, Tape, Bandages, Rubber Gloves. These may be more than one item, but they are a package and work together in an emergency.
- Gauze controls bleeding and acts as a temporary brace for suspected fractures.
- Tape can hold gauze or other items in place.
- Scissors can cut an old shirt into strips to make a more solid bandage for big wounds. It can be an overlooked element in a first aid kit for pets, but it is an equally important item as others. Look for blunt-tipped scissors, as you do not want to nick your pet when cutting close to the skin, especially when trimming hair near the eyes, nose or ears.
Rubber gloves are essential for any medical emergency. Always wear protective gloves when you are dealing with blood or bodily fluids. When providing first aid for pets, gloves are one of the essential items. Gloves protect you and your pet from the risk of infection. Keep several sets of gloves in your kit as you may need more if another person assists you in handling your pet.
- Wet Wipes
These may not be emergency materials but are very helpful in odd situations. Wipes are great for cleaning off muddy paws before getting in the car or having messy accidents. You can also use them to clean dirt or blood or an eye or ear. You can conveniently clean around the face or in between the toes using the wipes.
Using wipes on your pet’s wound will minimize the risk of infection. Faecal matter and outdoor water sources can harbour many dangerous bacteria and parasites, so keeping your pet and its immediate environment clean will help prevent infections.
- A Towel
If your pet is injured or panicking, gently wrap it up in a soft cloth or towel. It can calm it down and allow you to access its injury without any drama. A towel will also offer a comfortable surface to rest your pet for an examination if the ground is too hot, rough or covered in sharp rocks.
- Collapsible Bowls
These are great at the time of travel. On long hikes, cross-country road trips, or anytime you are away from home, you should have at least one collapsible bowl with you to give your friend water and food. Hydration is vital for all living things. Offer lots of water, even after an afternoon outing or usual walk with your pet. Try to stick with silicone, not plastic, as plastic can easily break into sharp pieces or start to leach into its food and water.
- Treats
Be sure to keep a bottle of water for your pet in a situation where you do not have access. Also, keep an emergency stash of food to help distract your dog in an emergency.
You can use it as a reward for their bravery after they have allowed you to remove a thorn or tick. Treats are good that you can use as a distraction while giving first aid to your pet. Do not feed sick pets who are vomiting or unable to swallow.
- Medications
Talk to your vet about keeping a backup supply of any prescribed or used medications in your pet first-aid kit. If you are traveling and can not find the medication, you will always have a backup supply. It is never a bad idea to have a few vet-approved medicines in the kit like flea and tick meds, antacids or drugs for stomach issues, and any approved sedatives for traveling.
Always check the expiration of medicines. In addition, it is also practical to stock your kit with a couple of standard remedies. The styptic powder can stop mild bleeding, while benzocaine helps ease the pain.
- A Comfort Item
If you are in a high-stress situation with your pets, such as a nasty storm or a particularly traumatizing event, it is always wise to soothe them.
Keep an old favorite toy in the pet first-aid kit. The sight and smells of a beloved object can help settle them down, soothe, and comfort them in particularly trying situations.
- Extra Leash, Collar, & Poop Bags
If your pet gets sick, it may go through more poop bags than you can imagine. Be sure to have an extra supply on hand. It is good to have an extra collar and leash around. It will help if you happen upon a lost or stray animal and want to get them to the local vet. You can keep them in your car in the event of an emergency. You do not need to spend money on that and can recycle the old ones.
Emergencies can strike anytime and anywhere. So, you should always be ready with a pet first-aid kit.This list will help you assemble everything appropriate and sufficient you will need in a first-aid kit for an animal medical emergency. You can, of course, add some more relevant items as you find necessary for yourself and your pet.
Compiled & Shared by- Team, LITD (Livestock Institute of Training & Development)
Image-Courtesy-Google
Reference-On Request.
