Pet First Aid Kits

Accidents aren't planned but they do happen and we should be prepared for them when they do.

I would recommend that you put together your own pet first aid kit. Pre-packaged ones are available on various websites online, just be sure that they suit your needs and have what you need in them.

Tackle boxes, craft boxes, and tote bags all make great container for your pet first aid kit. Portability in an emergency is a factor to consider.

*Information regarding what to put in your pet first aid kit is credited to Mary Oquendo, C.M.P.T.I., C.S.S.

Suggestion of things to have in your kit:

-FOR BLEEDING/WOUND INJURIES-
-Adhesive tape
-Gauze pads
-Gauze rolls
-Vet wrap
-Rubbing alcohol - for cleaning wounds
-Hydrogen Peroxide - for cleaning bite wounds
-Antibiotic Ointment
-Iodine
-Sanitary Napkins - for soaking up excess blood
-Bandanas/triangular bandages - can be used for splinting fractures and covering wounds. In addition, they can be used to aid a dog in walking by taking the pressure off of an injured limb.
-Paint stirrers - for splinting.
-Sealed sterile solution for flushing wounds. Unsealed bottles are no longer sterile, nor is bottled water.

-ANAPHYLACTIC SHOCK, ALLERGIC REACTIONS AND INSECT BITES-
-Premeasured dose of LIQUID gel antihistamine as determined by your vet.
-Safety pin.
The safety pin is used to puncture a hole in the liquid gel. It is then squirted onto the tongue of the pet. This is the easiest and most effective way to administer an antihistamine.
-Plastic card for flicking out bee stingers. Do not tweeze them out as you will only inject more venom into the pet. Place the card under the stinger and lift up and out.

-HEAT STROKE-
-Chemical cold pack or instant cold gel wrap. They can be placed against pressure points to aid in cooling the pet.
-Rubbing alcohol can be squirted onto the pads. As this can cause alcohol poisoning, you should first talk to emergency veterinary personnel.

-POISONING-
-Poison Control Center’s phone number is 888-426-4435.
DO NOT ASSUME YOU SHOULD INDUCE VOMITING! Different poisons call for different protocols. What will help one situation will cause harm in another.
-Hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting.
-Activated charcoal to absorb poison.
-Baking soda to absorb topical caustic material.
-Squirt bottle to administer treatment.
-Plastic baggie/latex gloves for vomit or stool sample.

-BURNS-
-Sterile solution for 1st and 2nd degree burns. DO NOT RINSE 3rd DEGREE BURNS. 3rd degree burns are characterized by the burn being through the full thickness of the skin.
-Bandana/gauze to cover burns.

-CHOKING-
-Small flashlight with spare battery to check throat for debris.
-Plastic baggies/latex gloves for debris sample.

-MISCELLANEOUS-
-Emergency muzzle.
If you need to use your kit, your pet is probably in pain. Any pet in pain or being moved into pain can and will bite.
-Digital thermometer and petroleum jelly. They will thank you later.
-Blunt tip scissors.
-Tweezers.
-Eye dropper.
-Eye wash.
-Honey packets for hypoglycemic dogs.
-Survivor blanket will help keep pet warm due to shock in cold weather ONLY. It should not be used in warm weather.
-Glow sticks can be used to illuminate most common strains of ringworm. However, keep in mind this is not a full-proof diagnostic tool.
-Smart Water or unflavored Pedialyte will help to re-hydrate stressed pets. Pedialyte must be unflavored because the other varieties contain artificial sweeteners.
-Photos of you WITH your dogs. The photo will establish ownership should you become separated from your dog(s) while hiking or traveling.
-Latex gloves to protect from zoonotics.
-Constricting band. If a poisonous snake bite occurs on an extremity, then place the constricting band after the wound. It will help to slow down the venom. Remove any collars from the pet. Intense body swelling can occur.

Your kit should be tailored to suit your needs. Taking a class in pet first aid is an excellent plan for all pet owners as well.