As a pet parent, it’s important to have basic first aid supplies for your pets in your household. Carefully putting together a well-provisioned first aid kit will make you more equipped to deal with a medical emergency if one confronts you for your dog, cat or other pet. Have this kit in the house and fully stocked with supplies at all times, next to the first aid kit for your family. Many of the items in a family first aid kit can be used for pets, too.
- A list of phone numbers and your pet’s medical records(including medications and vaccination history). You should know these numbers before you need them. If you do not know the number of the emergency clinic in your area, ask your veterinarian. If you do not have your pet’s complete medical history, bring all of their prescriptions with you. You can also get access to all of your pet’s medical records by downloading the Vitus Vet app.
- Gauze for wrapping wounds or muzzling your injured pet, if necessary.
- Nonstick bandages, towels, or strips of clean cloth to control bleeding or protect wounds.
- Adhesive tape for bandages for securing the gauze wrap or bandage. Do not use human adhesive bandages such as Band-Aids®.
- Milk of magnesia or activated charcoal to absorb poison. Always contact your veterinarian or local poison control center before inducing vomiting or treating an animal for poison.
- Hydrogen peroxide (3%) to induce vomiting. Always contact your veterinarian or local poison control center before inducing vomiting or treating an animal for poison.
- Digital Fever Thermometer to check your pet’s temperature. Do not insert a thermometer in your pet’s mouth – the temperature must be taken rectally. You will need a “fever” thermometer because the temperature scale of regular thermometers doesn’t go high enough for pets.
- Eye dropper to give oral treatments or flush wounds.
- Muzzle to cover your pet’s head. If your pet is vomiting, do not muzzle it! In an emergency a rope, necktie, soft cloth, nylon stocking or small towel may be used.
- Leash to transport your pet, if your pet is capable of walking without further injury.
- Stretcher to stabilize the injured animal and prevent further injury during transport. In an emergency a door, board, blanket or floor mat may be used.
You should print out a copy of this checklist to use as a shopping list, and keep a copy on your refrigerator or next to your pet first aid kit for quick reference in emergencies.
Always remember that any first aid administered to your pet should be followed by immediate veterinary care. First aid care is not a substitute for veterinary care, but it may save your pet’s life until it receives veterinary treatment. Rocky Gorge Animal Hospital is proud to offer 24/7/365 veterinary care to ensure you have access to care whenever you need it.
Your pets are your cherished companions, that’s why it’s important to have a plan in place should an unexpected emergency occur. For more information about emergency care, check out our top 5 tips to save your pet in an emergency. If you have any other questions about emergency plans or services, feel free to contact us here at Rocky Gorge Animal Hospital.