Protect Your Pooch: Putting Together A Pet First Aid Kit
For many people, the family pet is seen as a vital member of the
family. While many families have a first aid kit, most people
are not prepared when a calamity befalls their beloved pets.
Having the right supplies on hand can reduce your pet's pain and
discomfort, and potentially save their life. Being prepared with
an emergency first aid kit is one of the best things you can do
for your pet.
How should you go about putting together a first aid kit for
your pet? First, choose a container especially for your first
aid supplies. The container should be water resistant and
durable, with a secure closure. Label it clearly and keep it in
a cool, dark location, where it is within easy reach, yet out of
the reach of small children and pets.
Here are some recommended items to keep in your pet first aid
kit.
1. Bandages, such as gauze pads, cotton gauze, ace bandages, and
adhesive tape. Nonstick Telfa pads are a good choice because
they are sterile and come in convenient individually wrapped
packages. If your pet receives injuries that result in open
wounds, Telfa pads are a good choice. Don't forget the adhesive
tape. Pets will often try to remove bandages or gauze pads, so
you will want to secure the bandages in place with tape.
Vet-wrap is a good choice, although in the case of an emergency,
masking tape will work if these are not available.
2. Keep a bottle of hydrogen peroxide and anti-bacterial
ointment cream in your pet first aid kit. A topical antibiotic
ointment such as Neosporin will work. Pets often suffer from
scrapes and open wounds. Having a tube of anti-bacterial
ointment can help prevent infection. Also, many anti-bacterial
creams also contain mild pain relievers. The anti-bacterial
ointment should be applied on clean open wounds. Anti-bacterial
ointments prevent contamination, and help seal wounds so that
they are not exposed to air or further abrasion.
3. A bottle of eyewash or eye drops. Many pet emergencies have
to do with eye injuries. Make sure to have a bottle of eyewash
in order to spray away debris or dirt particles that may
exacerbate eye injuries.
4. A rectal or ear thermometer. A good thermometer can help you
gauge the seriousness of your pet's injury.
5. Pain reliever. Dogs and cats should not be administered
ibuprofen. They can be given very small dosages of aspirin.
6. Activated charcoal. Giving your pet natural activated
charcoal may help prevent poisoning. If your pet is suffering
from stomach or intestinal discomfort, activated charcoal also
helps control diarrhea and flatulence. 7. Keep a pair of
scissors, tweezers, and forceps in your first aid kit.
Preferably, the scissors should have a blunt end. These are best
for cutting bandages, fabric, or matted hair.
8. A blanket, to keep your pet warm and comfortable, and to help
prevent shock.
9. A list of important phone numbers. Included on the list
should be: the number of your veterinarian, a poison control
hotline, and the number of the nearest emergency veterinary
clinic.
10. A first aid book that describes how to administer CPR to
your pet and which outlines procedures for a number of emergency
scenarios.
About the author:
FirstAidGuru is a comprehensive resource on first aid supplies and a
great basic first aid
resource.
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