The most important thing to do during a pet emergency is to stay calm. The next important thing is to be ready.
When your pet needs help fast, having a first-aid kit ready and easy to find is crucial. But what should you put in it? Here are 10 important items to keep in your pet’s first-aid kit.
Emergency Contact Card
On a contact card, write down important phone numbers, such as your vet, the closest 24-hour emergency vet hospital, and the Pet Poison Helpline (1-855-764-7661). It’s smart to save these numbers on your phone, too.
Have a portable sticker or card with info about your pets and emergency vet contacts. Stick the sticker by your doors for emergencies and keep the card in your wallet or share it with a pet sitter.
Also, include a full copy of your pets’ medical records in your first-aid kit. If you need to take your pet to the emergency room, having these records ready will help the vet.
General Bandage Supplies
Bandages are really important in a pet first-aid kit. Usually, the bandage you put on your pet’s wound is just temporary until you can see the vet. But it’s crucial because it supports the wound and keeps it clean. Make sure the bandage fits snugly but not too tight.
Here’s what you need in your pet’s first-aid kit for bandages:
- A self-adhering bandage wrap (also called a crepe bandage)
- Gauze pads and roll
- Tape
- Blunt-tipped scissors
- Tweezers
- Gloves (rubber or latex)
Wound Care
To reduce the chance of infection, you can use special wipes, sprays, or ointments that are safe for pets on your pet’s wound. These products clean the area before you put on a bandage. Always ask your vet before putting anything on your dog’s wound at home.
Pet Thermometer
Checking your pet’s temperature at home can give you an idea of how sick it is and help your vet figure out what’s wrong with it. The easiest and cheapest way to do this is to use a special digital thermometer made for pets. Just follow the instructions carefully to take your pet’s temperature safely.
You can use an underarm thermometer if you want a less intrusive, fancier option. This type of thermometer goes under your pet’s front leg to take their temperature. It might cost more, but it’s a more comfortable option for your pet.
Eye Wash and Lubrication
If something gets in your pet’s eye, they might scratch or rub it, which can make things worse. Eye injuries in pets can be serious, so it’s best to talk to your vet before trying any home treatment.
If your vet says to rinse your pet’s eye, you should have a pet-safe eye rinse ready. It’s an important item to have in your pet first-aid kit.
After rinsing the eye, your vet might suggest using a special gel to protect and soothe the eye. This gel can also keep the eye moist. Your vet might recommend using it even after you visit them, depending on how bad your pet’s eye injury is.
Nail Trimmers and Styptic Powder
Having a pair of pet nail trimmers in your pet’s first-aid kit is smart because pets breaking their nails is a common problem. Nail clippers can help trim a dangling nail while you decide if your pet needs to see a vet.
Styptic powder is handy for stopping mild bleeding, especially if a nail has been broken or cut too close to the quick.
Needleless Syringe
A needleless syringe is useful to have in a pet first-aid kit. You can use it to give oral fluids to a dehydrated pet or to clean a wound. If your pet needs liquid medication, your vet might suggest using an oral syringe to give it.
Keep your syringe sealed and clean until you need to use it.
