First Aid Kits for Pets

It’s June at last! We’ve had a bit of warm weather, many of the flowers are blooming late this year, but they are blooming – rhodies, honeysuckles and dandelions. With the beautiful flowering bushes, trees and plants come the wonderful, helpful bees.

With the bees come our dogs and cats with spring fever – puppies, kittens and adult pets jumping to catch the flitting, buzzing bees in their mouth. Dogs chasing the squirrels or rabbits and running headlong into… blackberry and rose bushes (Ouch!), or playing a game of chase with each other and tearing through that long grass that contains a stand of – oh, oh… nettles.

Most of us have a first aid kit or a handy place for first aid supplies for the people in our families, but do we have what we need for first aid for our pets also? Whether your pet is an adorable little puppy like Pixie-Belle, our client’s newest Tibetan Mastiff – “little” being a relative term in this case
– or your pet is an elderly cat like Kris’ Sarah,
it’s a good idea to be prepared.

Today’s topic was a great suggestion made by one of our clients.

Topic: First Aid Kits for Dogs and Cats

Dr. Frank: Although some of the items in your first aid kit or cabinet for your pets will be the same as you may have in your people first aid kit, some of the things will be uniquely for animals, both to treat something and to help transport a distressed or injured animal if necessary.

The ASPCA recommends the following for your pet first aid kit:

  • Bottle of Hydrogen Peroxide, 3% USP – to induce vomiting
  • Syringe or turkey baster to administer peroxide
  • Saline eye solution
  • Artifical tear gel (to lubricate eyes after flushing)
  • Mild grease-cutting dishwashing liquid (for bathing an animal after skin contamination)
  • Forceps (to remove stingers)
  • Muzzle (to protect against fear- or excitement-induced biting)
  • A can of your pet’s favorite wet food (with can opener if necessary)
  • Pet Carrier (store this where it can be easily retrieved if needed – not behind boxes in a garage)

In addition to those items above, I would also add:

  • Your nearest recommended Emergency clinic’s telephone #
  • Neosporin or other triple antibiotic ointment
  • Rectal Thermometer
  • Bandage materials and scissors (non-stick wound pads such as Telfa®, and Vetrap™, Co-Flex®, or gauze for wrapping)
  • Leash
  • Blanket (for wrapping/carrying)

Store all your pet first aid supplies together, either in a box or cabinet. Label the box (particularly if it’s not clear plastic) and make sure all family members know where the supplies are.