DIY First Aid Kit for Your Pet

Take some time and create your own first aid kit for your pet. If they could thank you, they would!

Chances are, your family knows exactly which cabinet to turn to at the sight of a runny nose, a splinter, blood, or tummy ache. But when your pet is in need of more than a scratch behind the ears, are you ready? Proper preparation is the best tool to arm yourself with in case of a pet emergency. A pet first aid kit is a smart, personalized, easily created resource that will prepare you to think quickly and logically. It is also something you can pack with you when you take your pet with you on a road trip!

Below, the Animal Medical Center in New York shares what should be readily available now to aid in quick thinking for the future. Put everything in one bag or box

It's a good idea to put everything related to your pet's health issues in one, easily accessible bag. A clear, plastic tote is a smart option; you can place emergency numbers on the inside facing out for quick retrieval, and the flexible bag makes storage easier than a rigid box.

Numbers To Keep Handy

The most vital emergencies are the ones where you'll need outside assistance. Make sure that essential emergency numbers are the easiest to find. If you don't already have an emergency card number, write the following on an index card (and add to your cell phone):

• Animal Poison Control Contact Info 
• Your regular veterinarian (or the nearest vet if you are traveling) 
• Local Veterinary Emergency Animal Hospital Information 
• Emergency Pet Taxis (for urban areas...many taxis don't allow animals) 
• Pet's health records in case your vet is not available (keep in waterproof bag if possible)
• Your pet sitter or boarding facility 
• Your pet's microchip number

Certain Things You Can Do Yourself

Many minor injuries can be self-treated with proper knowledge and equipment. These supplies can be used to help in a pinch until you can get to a veterinarian. For example, if your pet has a laceration, a temporary bandage can help control bleeding until you get to your vet. 

• Tweezers: For splinter or foreign object removal 
• Nail trimmer: Ask your local pet supply store for the style of trimmer right for your pet 
• Scissors: Handy for hair clumps and foreign object tangles. Take special care not to cut the skin – this can be accidentally done 
• Betadine Sponges: For cleaning of cuts and wounds, to be used with an antibacterial cleanser 
• Sterile Vaseline for eyes: If you're bathing your pet, this will prevent soap and water from getting in their eyes 
• Saline Solution: Regular human contact lens saline solution can be used to flush out dirt, sand, or other irritant - just gently squeeze the contents directly into the eye 
• Peroxide: To only be used to induce vomiting when Animal Poison Control says to do so.. the solution needs to be diluted and amount given varies based on the pet. You should call Animal Poison Control when your dog or cat has consumed something from the "no" list. Not to be used for cleaning wounds! 
• Eyedropper
• Triple antibiotic ointment: To place directly on a cut 
• Sterile tephla pads (no stick): Sticky bandages and fur don't mix. Wrap the wound with the non adherent pads before placing on the bandage 
• Bandages
• A book on basic pet first aid can help you if you are not thinking clearly because of the panic of the situation!

Remember, proper immediate first-aid is only the first step in the treatment of a pet injury or emergency. While your intervention may prevent serious harm, you must always seek veterinary care as soon as possible to assure the best outcome for your companion.

   SOURCE:  Meg Cassidy, petplace.com