As pet owners, it's our responsibility to keep our pets safe and happy; and whether we're addressing a serious health concern or a minor one, it's important that we're properly prepared. One of the most crucial preparations for providing proper pet care is a suitable first aid kit. A first aid kit should be specialized to your pet and contain a variety of products to address a wide range of health concerns.
Despite the diverse nature of possible afflictions that may affect your pet- there are certain things that should be included in each first aid kit intended for pets. Though this means that there are pre-prepared first aid kits available for purchase that will cover your needs, it also means that you can prepare one yourself. To help ensure that you're ready to care for your pet in the event of unforeseen misfortune, our loving team here at HealthyPets have created this guide to help you assemble a kit to keep your cat or dog healthy.
Though your pet should have their own set of supplies set aside from your personal first aid kit, many of the materials your pet may need are generally included in first aid kits for people. These supplies are useful for cleaning and bandaging minor wounds and for ensuring that your pet is comfortable and safe in these situations. The recommended basic materials to include in your kit are as follows:
- Gauze (pads and rolls)scissors, adhesive tape, cotton swabs, and splints
- Antiseptic solutions, otic cleansers, and antibiotic ointment.
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Ice pack
- Disposable gloves
- Rectal thermometer, petroleum jelly, and rubbing alcohol (for taking temperatures, for lubricating the thermometer, and for cleaning it)
- Sterile saline solution
- Tweezers
- Foil emergency blanket
- Flashlight
- Eye dropper or syringe
- Towels
It can also be important to ensure that you know how to use the materials included in your kit. Aside from knowing how to properly bandage different types of wounds such as abrasions, lesions, and lacerations, it is important to know how to take your pets temperature. It's also important to know that the hydrogen peroxide listed is to be used only under the direction of a veterinarian or poison control expert, as directed by the Humane Society.
Pet Specific Supplies
Aside from those supplies needed to care for any patient, there are a few supplies that your pet will need that do not typically appear in human first aid kits. In addition to the supplies listed above that should be set aside specifically for your pet's kit, it can be useful to store some food and water in the same place, in case of an emergency. Other helpful items are included below:
- Styptic powder
- Nail clippers
- A pet carrier and either a pillowcase or a blanket
- Emergency hotline numbers (poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 & your local veterinary hospital)
- Muzzle
- Medical records and paperwork
- Prescription medications if applicable
- Glucose or insulin for diabetic pets
Remember to ask your veterinarian if there is anything special your pet might require in their first aid kit in addition to the materials listed in this article. We hope this guide has been helpful in creating a kit that can keep your pet healthy and safe in the case of any unexpected incidents. And remember to let us know what you think of this guide by leaving a comment below!
