Ask the parent of any small child about a first aid kit and they’ll likely rattle off a grocery list of items that they keep on hand for those ‘little emergencies’. But ask most pet owners what’s in their pet first aid kit and more than likely you’ll get either a blank look or ‘I haven’t really thought about that.'
Have YOU thought about it?
I know from personal experience that it can literally be lifesaving to be able to quickly grab needed first aid supplies when facing an emergency. As a puppy, one of my dogs pulled the leash out of my husband’s hand and dashed out into the street where he was hit by a fast moving truck. One of his front legs was badly broken and bleeding profusely. Even though we live just blocks from a veterinary emergency hospital, I knew that if I didn’t slow the bleeding he would likely bleed out before we got him there. My training kicked into gear. I had worked for years as a veterinary technician and had recently taken a PetTech CPR and First Aid class as a refresher, so I knew what I needed to do. First, I quickly placed a temporary muzzle (a MUST for every Pet First Aid Kit) on my dog’s snout because “Any pet that is in pain or is moved into pain, can and will bite.” I then applied clean gauze sponges gently over the wounded area and then I took my roll gauze and started firmly wrapping the entire leg above and below the injury site to apply even pressure over the bleeding wound. This didn’t stop the bleeding but it slowed it down enough for the dog to be transported to the vet. I also wrapped my injured pet in a blanket to help with shock and my husband drove us to the emergency vet hospital where we handed our dog over to the professionals. Later when the vet was reviewing the injuries with us, he asked who had wrapped the dog’s leg. I said that I had and he said, ‘if you hadn’t been able to slow down the bleeding, we wouldn’t be here talking about treatment options because the dog probably would not have survived.’ So, not only is it important to have the right supplies on hand, but it is also important to know how to use them. Please consider taking a Pet First Aid course in your area.
So, what items should you have in a good Pet First Aid Kit? The following list will provide you with the basics and you can consult with your vet or other pet care professional about what other things might be useful depending on the size and type of your pet.
Items to include in your PET FIRST AID KIT:
- Scissors - for cutting out things matted in fur and freeing your pet from entanglements.
- Sterile eye wash - make sure it is eye wash, not contact lens solution.
- Tweezers - to remove splinters, or other foreign materials from wounds.
- Tick remover tool - if you are in a tick-infested area, consider one of many tools to easily remove ticks and reduce additional damage or infection during removal.
- Ear wash - speak to your vet about what one would be best for your pet.
- Toenail trimmer and styptic pencil - for torn toenails. Cornstarch also works for torn nails, but not for skin wounds.
- Tape - preferably the 1" white medical tape. Easy to tear off and holds well.
- Roll Gauze - used for bandaging, an aid to stop bleeding, and padding for splints.
- Vet Wrap - this is a conforming bandage wrap used over a telfa pad or roll gauze that comes in many colors and two sizes (2" and 4" - pick one that best fits your pet). It clings to itself and is semi-watertight. It can be purchased at many feed stores (horse section) and some veterinary clinics.
- Telfa pads or gauze sponges
- Bandage Scissors - these scissors have a blunted blade to easily slip between skin and bandage material and not cut the patient's skin.
- Antiseptic wash or wipes - look for non-stinging preparations such as chlorhexidine or betadine. Rubbing alcohol is not good for open sores or wounds.
- Antibiotic ointment - over-the-counter "general purpose" antibiotic ointment for light use with minor skin wounds. Not for eye use.
- Latex or plastic exam gloves - for your protection and your pet's protection - use when the situation is messy.
- A muzzle - or materials to make a muzzle. Even the most well-trained animals may bite when injured or afraid.
- Digital Thermometer
- Water-based lubricating jelly - for use with rectal thermometers.
- Ice and hot packs - cool down skin after a burn or keep an animal warm if hypothermic. Always use a cloth between the pack and skin and check frequently for redness or irritation.
- Extra towels, wash cloths and a blanket - use for washing, keeping warm/cool, and if necessary, a way to transport the injured pet (sling). **I like to use the emergency rescue blankets that fold up to about 2” x 4”
- Diphenhydramine (aka Benadryl) - for stings and allergic reactions - speak with your vet first about proper dosing. **make certain that it does not contain any other ingredients.**
- Syringe or large eye dropper - to flush wounds or administer fluids by mouth.
- Lavendar essential oil- antimicrobial and calming.
- GasX- buys you a little bit more time to get to a vet in the case of bloat.
- A list of phone numbers - your regular vet, the emergency vet, animal control, and animal poison control numbers.
- Picture of you and your pet- important as proof of ownership.
- Feminine Hygiene napkins- for heavy bleeding and ear injuries.
- Hydrogen peroxide- with oral syringe to induce vomiting as directed by your vet.
- Pet First Aid book
- A sturdy box - ideally plastic or metal - to hold all of your supplies and is easy to carry and pack with you will complete your kit. A fanny pack is also great to hold especially if you are out hiking, running or walking with your dog.
