Blog 10 Essentials in Your Pet First Aid Kit
Every dog owner should keep a pet first aid kit on hand the same way everyone keeps a first aid kit for humans. Having the right supplies handy will give you peace of mind and enable you to respond quickly to a pet emergency.
You must ensure that these 10 essentials are in your pet first aid kit. These are all items that Very Important Paws makes a point to keep on hand as well.
- Contact Information
In addition to supplies for treating your pet’s medical needs, every animal lover should have important contact information on hand.
Vital information to keep handy are your vet’s name and contact information, details for an emergency vet open 24/7, and contacts for animal poison control.
Ideally, this same card or list will also include your dog’s medical conditions, the medications he is taking, and his birthday. That way, you can give the emergency vet all the info they need in an instant.
Don’t forget to give a copy of this card to anyone who watches over your furry friend, including the staff members at Very Important Paws, your trusted dog daycare in West Palm Beach.
- Bandages
In terms of being ready to give first aid to your dog, it’s smart to have bandages on hand. Gauze or non-adhesive vet wrap are great choices. Both materials will keep wounds clean and control bleeding, if necessary. If you can’t get them when preparing your first aid kit, grab clean rags, a clean sock, or an old clean shirt.
- Scissors With a Blunt Tip
When including gauze or other bandages in your dog’s first aid kit, remember that a pair of clean scissors is essential for cutting. It’s best to choose scissors with a blunt tip to prevent you from accidentally injuring your pup when preparing the bandages. After all, an injured pup may be squirmy.
- Antiseptic Wipes or Rinse
Don’t forget to include an antiseptic, which you will use to clean wounds and prevent infection. While liquids can be versatile, wipes tend to be easier to use on your dog’s toes and face.
- Tweezers
Tweezers can come in handy for your pet’s medical needs. If there’s a tick, thorn, or broken glass lodged into his skin, clean tweezers are ideal for safely taking out foreign objects. After all, it is more sanitary to use tweezers than your bare hands.
- Gloves
Having a set of rubber or latex gloves in the pet first aid kit will enable you to address your pet’s needs while keeping your pet from infection and your hands clean.
- Sterile Eye Solution
You don’t want something to end up in your pup’s eyes, but it can happen. That’s why every dog owner should have a sterile eye solution in their pet emergency kit.
- Thermometer
When you call the emergency vet, they may ask for your dog’s temperature in order to diagnose the problem while on the phone. This is where a thermometer comes in handy. Don’t forget to include a water or petroleum-based lubricant to help you get your furry friend’s temperature without much discomfort.
- Medications
Include any medications your dog may need in your pet emergency kit. On top of any regular medications, consider including:
- Styptic powder to stop bleeding
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) for mild allergic reactions
- Sugar tablets if your dog is diabetic
You may also want to include hydrogen peroxide in the kit, but only if your pet is a dog. With your vet’s advice, you can give your dog hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting if you need to eliminate toxins. Note that hydrogen peroxide should never be given to cats and only to dogs, if you have your vet’s consent. If given to cats, it may cause extreme inflammation and bleeding in the esophagus and stomach.
- Muzzles or Other Restraints
Even if your pet is normally calm, consider keeping a muzzle or similar restraint in the emergency kit. Even the sweetest pet can become aggressive or unpredictable when afraid. In addition to a muzzle, other good options include a slip-leash or a blanket to wrap up your pet when they feel anxious.
Conclusion
With the above tools in your pet emergency kit, you will be equipped to follow your vet’s instructions in an emergency. Your doggy daycare, Very Important Paws, is similarly well-equipped, so you don’t have to worry about bringing these supplies when you drop off your furry friend.
Sources:
https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/10-things-you-need-your-pet-first-aid-kit
https://www.thesprucepets.com/build-first-aid-kit-for-pet-3385623