Putting Together Your Pet First Aid Kit

A pet first-aid kit is crucial when you are away from home, during a natural disaster, or if the vet’s office is closed. While it should not be used in place of veterinary care, it can be a lifesaver if your pet needs immediate help. Always remember a first-aid kit is not a substitute for professional veterinary care. In case of an emergency, seek professional help as soon as possible.

While you hope you’ll never need it, having a first aid kit for your pet will give you peace of mind and prepare you for emergencies, especially when you're far from help. It could be the difference between life and death for your furry friend. If you're traveling, consider a compact version of this kit. Also, check your family's first-aid kit, as many items can be part of your pet's first-aid kit. 

Consulting your veterinarian on what to include in your pet's first-aid kit is critical in ensuring your furry family member's well-being. This expert advice will help you gather everything you need to be prepared for a pet health emergency.

• All essential phone numbers (your veterinarian, emergency hospital, poison control, animal control, and non-emergency police) in one place can provide a comforting sense of preparedness in an emergency.
• Phone number, address of your veterinarian, and phone numbers and addresses of local emergency veterinary clinics.
• A copy of your pet’s medical record, including any medications your pet is receiving
• A Pet First-Aid Handbook
• A digital pet thermometer to take your pet’s temperature.
• Muzzle to prevent bites (DO NOT muzzle your pet if they are vomiting.)
  If your dog is muzzle trained with a basket muzzle, you can keep that in the first-aid kit.  
• Spare leash and collar because pets can break free of leashes in emergencies.
• Gauze for wrapping wounds or muzzling an injured animal. Medical gauze can be purchased at any pharmacy for approximately $12 for a package of five rolls.
• Self-adhesive tape, available at any pharmacy, is used to secure bandages.
• Nonstick bandages or strips of clean cloth to control bleeding or protect wounds
• Inflatable collar for dogs or a topical spray for cats to discourage scratching or chewing on injuries or bandages.
• Clean towels for cleaning or padding
• A portable dog bowl is a must-have for any pet owner.
• Self-adhering, nonstick tape for bandages
• Large cotton balls for applying medication or cleaning out wounds
• Scissors with blunt ends for safely cutting bandage materials
• Disposable gloves to protect your hands
• Antibiotic ointment
• A small flashlight to examine the eyes, paws, and wounds.
• A magnifying glass to help see cuts and wounds
• Tweezers to remove small foreign objects, such as splinters, from paws.
• An eye dropper (or large syringe without needle) to give oral treatments or flush wounds.
• Sterile lubricating jelly to protect wounds/eyes 
• Activated charcoal is used to absorb poison. (Only use it if instructed by your veterinarian or a poison control center.)
• Fresh 3% hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting (Always contact your veterinarian or poison control center before inducing vomiting. Do not give more than one dose unless otherwise instructed by your veterinarian. Do not use hydrogen peroxide on wounds.)
• Saline solution for cleansing wounds or flushing eyes (Sold for use with contact lenses works well for most purposes).

Regularly checking your pet's first-aid kit and replacing expired supplies is a responsible way to ensure you're always prepared for emergencies. This proactive approach can make a significant difference in a crisis.

Additional Resources:

First Aid & Emergency Care By Species

Downloadable Emergency Contact Cards

ASPCA DIY Pet First-Aid Kit

Sources

https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/emergencycare/first-aid-tips-pet-owners

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/dog-first-aid-kit-essentials/

https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/how-make-pet-first-aid-kit

https://store.animalwiz.com/

https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/

https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/disaster-preparedness/emergency-contact-cards

https://www.aspcapro.org/sites/default/files/resource/downloads/2020-2020-07/aspca-diy-first-aid-kit-list_0.pdf

https://vcahospitals.com/veterinary-specialty-center-seattle/-/media/files/vsc-pet-first-aid-handbook.ashx?la=en