Do you have a Pet First Aid Kit?

As pet owners, we may be faced with any number of emergency situations and having basic pet first aid supplies on hand for our furry loved ones, just as we do for ourselves, can prepare us for incidents that may occur. Pets have accidents, get hurt or sick and having a pet first aid kit helps treat minor injuries or quickly administer first aid in an emergency on the way to the veterinary hospital or emergency clinic. A second kit in the car is also recommended for traveling and outings. Basic preparedness can help us keep our furry companions healthy and happy for a long time to come!

A few modifications to a human first aid kit works well. Band aids aren’t needed for pets and Tylenol, Advil (which are toxic to pets) as well as aspirin should be removed. Never give your pet any medications without consulting you veterinarian first.

Inexpensive pet first aid kits can be found online and restocking supplies can be found at any pharmacy or grocery store. Some items like antibiotic ointment and Kaopectate® will expire and should be replaced as needed. A tackle or tool box with compartments makes a great organizer for your kit and is easily transported. You can label compartments to help locate supplies quickly. The following list contains items that are useful to have in your pet first aid kit:

Phone Numbers and Directions

• Your Veterinarian
• Emergency Veterinarian
• Animal Poison Control Center 888-4ANI-HELP (888-426-4435, fee required)

Supplies

• Sterile gauze pads, 3″ x 3″ and 2″ X 2″
• Gauze bandage rolls, 1″ and 2″ (can also use as a makeshift muzzle)
• Non-stick gauze pads/telfa pads
• First-aid adhesive tape, 1″ roll
• Vet wrap – flexible, self-adherent wrap
• Cotton swabs (Q-tips®)
• Tweezers
• Scissors
• Small bottle of 3% hydrogen peroxide
• Styptic pencil (stops blood flow from minor cuts)
• Antibacterial ointment
• Kaopectate®
• Glucose paste/Kayro® Syrup (for low blood sugar)
• Eyewash
• Eyedropper
• Lube/KY jelly
• Non-glass digital thermometer
• Towels
• Blanket
• Leather work gloves (to protect you from being bitten)
• Latex/non-latex gloves
• Slip Leash
• Muzzle (do not muzzle a vomiting pet)
• Pillow case or cat bag
• Thin rope
• Splint materials (tongue depressors, thick magazine, rolled newspaper, small branches or sticks)
• Pen Light
• A current pet first aid book

For more information on Pet First Aid Visit:

• American Veterinary Medical Association
• Pet Finder Recommended First Aid Kit
• eHow: How to Pack a Pet First Aid Kit
• About.com: How do you build a first aid kit for your pet?
• Pet Wave: How to Make a Pet First Aid Kit

Next Topic: Signs of Illness and Administering Basic First Aid