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As a pet owner you should be prepared for emergencies, hopefully they won’t happen. Being prepared ahead of time can help with the initial panic that could set in.
The 1st thing that you need to do is should an emergency arise you need to contact your vet right away. Of course emergency situations don’t always happen when your vet is open. So its important to know which vet clinics have extended hours and are open 24 hrs.
Remember first-aid is not a substitute for veterinary care, but may save its life till you reach your vet.
If you take our pets to the cottage or live outside of the city or town it is even more important that you have a first-aid kit.
There are first-aid kits available at your local pet store and online. You can also make your own first-aid kit.
If you are making your own first-aid kit you should store all the items in a plastic storage container or tackle box.
You should check your first-aid kit every 6 months to see if any items have expired.
Here is the list of items you should have
- Absorbent gauze pads
- Adhesive tape
- Blanket
- Cotton balls or swabs
- Flashlight
- Gauze rolls
- Ice pack
- Leash
- Muzzle (don’t use this if your pet is vomiting, choking, or in respiratory distress)
- Non-latex disposable gloves
- Plastic eyedropper or syringe
- Petroleum jelly
- Pet carrier
- Rectal thermometer (your pet’s temperature should not rise above 103°F or fall below 100°F)
- Scissors
- Self-cling bandage
- Sterile non-stick gauze pads for bandages
- Sterile saline solution
- Splints and tongue depressors
- Tweezers
- Towels
Emergency Numbers
- Your vets number
- Vet clinic that is open 24 hrs and clinic with extended hours
- Poison control number
Medical History
This will quickly help with discussions with the vet to know the following.
- Vaccination status
- Medical history of past illnesses
- Current illnesses
Pet emergency medications
Keeping some medications in your Pet’s First Aid Kit can be helpful in emergency situations, but it is important to consult with your veterinarian regarding the appropriate dosing and whether these medications are safe or indicated for your pet:
- Benadryl (Diphenhydramine)- your veterinarian must tell you the correct dose before administering this medication
- Glucose paste or corn syrup (for diabetic dogs or small breed puppies with low blood sugar)- speak with your veterinarian before administering glucose paste or corn syrup to your pet
- Non-prescription antibiotic ointment
- Antiseptic wipes, lotion, powder or spray
- Valium (for pets that have seizures)- your veterinarian must tell you the correct dose before administering this medication
- Hydrogen peroxide (3%) (helpful to induce vomiting)- please speak with your veterinarian or local poison control center before inducing vomiting or treating an animal for poison or a swallowed object
