In her newest column, pet trainer for Le Chic Pet, Melissa Grant, teaches pet owners how to be prepared in case of a pet emergency, and simple things that comprise pet first aid kits.
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If something happened to your best friend would you be equipped to deal with it? Let’s go over a list of things needed in case of emergency for your pet. This list is what every pet owner should have in a well-stocked pet first aid kit.
- The name and address of your veterinarian and the closest all hours veterinarian. There are times when you’ll need to speak to the closest person available to get direction or to let them know you’re on the way.
- Gauze rolls
- Vet wrap
- Cotton rolls, for large areas or head wounds
- Antibiotic cream
- Non-stick gauze pads
- Sanitary napkins, to soak up blood
- Sealed Sterile solution – to rinse out wounds and burns (will need to be replaced if opened)
- Surgical scrubs, to clean out wounds such as Hibiclens or Betadine. Do not use hydrogen peroxide which can degrade tissue or alcohol which can sting. Cats cannot metabolize either.
- Sterile eyewash
- Surgical glue. There is a right and wrong way to use this. Ask your vet how to not trap bacteria in surrounding tissues
- Black tea bags. Contains tannic acid which helps clot blood
- Plastic cards, such as old library or gift cards. These are the perfect size to flick out bee stingers or cushion pad injuries.
- Small Flashlight. Helpful in viewing inside the mouth.
- Instant Cold packs
- Plastic baggies
- Latex gloves
- Honey packets for hypoglycemic or diabetic pets
- Smart Water – helps replace electrolytes when a pet is stressed due to injury
- Butterfly bandages -t o help close larger wounds
- A cone or muzzle to protect yourself from a pet that is in pain and to protect the injury from the pet biting or licking a wound
The rest needs to be okayed by a veterinarian first, but these things can be helpful to have if a vet tells you how to use them.
- Liquid gel cap antihistamine and a safety-pin. The pin is to puncture the gel cap. It is then squirted directly onto the tongue. It is the fastest way to administer a dose during anaphylactic shock. Dosage is important
- Hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting. Not to be used on cats. Dosage is important
- Activated charcoal to absorb poisons
- Baking soda to absorb topical caustic solutions
- Squirt bottle or turkey baster to administer hydrogen peroxide
Be sure to go through your kit periodically to check expiration dates and batteries lifespan. Another good thing to do would be to take a pet first aid class. Due to the training I received, I am more confident in using the contents of my first aid kit. The sooner your pet receives first aid the faster they will recuperate.
