When your pet is sick or injured, you can’t think about anything else. Having a first aid kit means you won’t scramble to find the tools and equipment you’ll need to treat your pet – so you can just focus on helping them feel better.
1. 3% Hydrogen Peroxide, or Syrup of Ipecac
When your pet eats something toxic, you have to act fast. You may need to induce vomiting with hydrogen peroxide or syrup of ipecac, both found in drug stores. Call your vet first, and only induce vomiting if they give you the go-ahead.
2. Gauze and Adhesive Tape
Gauze can be used to stop bleeding, and you can wrap it around your pet in so many ways to cover almost any wound. Medical adhesive tape secures gauze to gauze, not to your pet’s skin or fur, keeping your furry friend sticky-free.
3. Thermometer
You can use a thermometer to monitor your pet’s temperature when they are sick. If it gets too high, you will need to go to the vet. Healthy dogs and cats will have a rectal temperature of 100-102° F. Taking your pet’s temperature rectally is the most accurate way to do it – make sure the thermometer in your pet first aid kit is never used for any other purpose. Don’t forget to pack a small tube of petroleum jelly.
4. Muzzles
Even the most gentle pet can bite when they are sick or in pain. Include a well-fitted muzzle for each animal in your pet first aid kit. To make emergencies less stressful for your pet, practice putting a muzzle on your pet, using treats and lots of encouragement to condition them to enjoy wearing it.
5. Tick Remover
Tweezers can remove ticks, but you’re better off with a special removal tool like a Tick Stick, specially designed to completely remove the tick without leaving the head embedded in your pet’s skin.
6. Saline Solution
You can use saline solution to rinse an open wound or to clear debris out of your pet’s eyes. A new bottle of regular contact solution will work.
7. Styptic Powder
Styptic powder can quickly stop the bleeding if you accidentally cut your pet’s nail too short. If you can’t find styptic powder, cornstarch will also work.
8. Antibiotic Ointment
To keep minor cuts and scrapes from getting infected, you can use an antibiotic ointment like Neosporin. Neosporin and similar products can be toxic if your pet licks their wound, however. Vetericyn Plus is a safer choice because it will not harm your pet, even ingested.
9. Canned Pumpkin
Canned pumpkin resolves digestive issues such as constipation and diarrhea. Diarrhea can quickly dehydrate your pet, so it’s important to relieve it as quickly as possible. If your pet’s digestive upsets do not clear up in 48 hours, you’ll need to see a vet to find the underlying cause.
10. Phone numbers and other contact information
Pack a list that includes the phone number for your vet’s office, plus the nearest emergency animal hospital if your regular vet is not open on nights and weekends. Also include the number for your local animal control (Montgomery County Animal Control can be reached at (240) 773-5900 and DC Animal Control can be reached at (202) 723-5730) and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435.
Keep Your Pet Safe When You’re Not Around
Make sure your pet sitter knows the location of your pet first aid kid, and knows what to do in case of emergency.
Your dog walker or pet sitter from Ready Pet Go is first aid certified, and always carries a first aid kit, even on walks. Contact us or call 240-221-5335 today to get started.
