As much as you believe your four-legged partner is safe, it does not take away the need to stay prepared for the worst disasters. And the best way to ensure your promptness is by curating a first-aid kit for your pet buddy.
First-aid is perhaps the most important part of pet care, and yet sometimes people forget to keep one handy. But it is never too late.
Here is a list of items that must be a part of the first-aid kit to take care of your pet in case of emergencies.
Medical and Vaccination Records
Your pet’s medical history is perhaps the most important part of the first-aid kit. During an unfortunate situation, an emergency vet near you will be able to use these records to provide accurate medical attention. This is especially important in cases when you are not around, and your pet is under someone else’s care. They may not have any information about your pet’s medical history.
Furthermore, you must add emergency contacts to these records, which should include yours and your regular vet’s number. Also, add the contact details of emergency pet services. If you are thinking – What is the emergency veterinarian near me? Vet hospital in my area? Who are the 24 hour veterinarians near me to take my pet? There are online veterinarian directories like GreatVet which can help you in this.
Scissors, Rubber Gloves, Gauze, and Tape
This set of items should undoubtedly be a part of your little friend’s first-aid kit. They come handy in emergency situations that you would have never faced before.
The gauze helps a lot in controlling the bleeding and can also act as a brace in case of suspected fractures. Where the tape can be used to hold the gauze in place, the scissors can be used to cut these items or clothes needed for wrapping. Though it may not sound important to keep rubber gloves handy, they are essential for any medical emergency to maintain hygiene around the wound.
Hydrogen Peroxide
As much as hydrogen peroxide works wonders for cleaning small wounds, it also comes handy if your dog has ingested something toxic, as this will induce vomiting. Please note that the amount of dose and the methodology should be confirmed with your vet before you attempt it.
Hence, it is better to learn the step-by-step procedure from your vet beforehand. This is imperative as you do not want to depend on the instructions given online, considering you may not have internet service at the time of emergency.
Antibiotic Ointment
Pets have a normal tendency to scratch themselves every time something irritates their skin. This is bound to leave cuts and scratches, which are important to be tended to. Applying antibiotic ointment on small wounds will prevent infection and relieve pain. It is perhaps the first thing you should purchase for your pet’s first-aid kit.
Remember, even a small cut can lead to major health problems for your furry partner. Apply the antibiotic ointment on a regular basis before it becomes infected.
Wet Wipes
Even though they do not sound like “emergency” per se, but your pet will thank you for keeping this around in case of emergency bathroom situations. They also work wonders for cleaning muddy paws before you bring your pet back inside the car. These come handy even during medical emergencies such as cleaning the dirt or blood off their body.
Dirt, fecal matter and blood harbor unimaginable dangers for your four-legged partner. So be sure to keep their immediate environment free of infestations to avoid infection.
Towel
It is a known fact that when your pet is hurt, they are going to be in shock or may panic. The best way to calm them down is to wrap them up in a soft towel. This will prevent them from scratching or biting you.
The towel can also be useful to lay them on it for them to rest or prevent them from getting poked by sharp rocks and stones on the ground.
Extra Collar, Leash, Harness, and Muzzle
Speaking of controlling your pet when they are in pain, some other ways that come handy are keeping an extra collar and leash for your dog, or a harness for your cat. Even though the chances of using the extra one are small, it is better to keep them in case you lose the original one. It is quite possible you misplace them in emergency situations.
Muzzle, on the other hand, is important to control dogs from biting when they are agitated. Remember – do not muzzle your pet if he is vomiting!
Digital Thermometer
Wondering why your pet hasn’t eaten for the past 24 hours? Or is your pet lethargic for no apparent reason? Or do you see any other sign of fever? A digital thermometer will go a long way to help you determine their body temperature.
It is important that you learn how to use it. Unlike us, we do not insert it in their mouth. Instead, the temperature must be taken rectally.
Syringe without Needle
If your pet must be given syrup for their treatment, chances are they are not going to be very welcoming. There are moments when they shut their jaws tight. Trying to force the medicine in during such a situation will only be messy. The required amount of medicine won’t go in and a lot of it will spill on both you and your pet.
A syringe without needle is a lifesaver in such cases, as you can slyly insert them in your pet’s mouth and spray the medicine before your pet even knows it.
Medications
It is best to keep a backup supply of prescribed medications in your first-aid kit. It will come handy when you’re traveling or even when you lose or can’t find the one you’re already using. You can include medicines for stomach issues, flu, flea, mites, and ticks amongst several other needs.
Make sure you keep their Date of Expiry in check.
But before adding them to your first-aid kit, it is important that you consult your vet.
Get started now, and your pet will thank you later!