Pet First Aid Kit

With the beginning of severe weather season just around the corner, it is important to think of what your household would do in case of an emergency.  One thing that typically gets missed is a first aid kit for your pets.  A pet first aid kit varies greatly from your typical human first aid kit so it's important to have a separate kit just for your furry family members.  

Here is a list of supplies recommended by the American Veterinary Medical Association:

• Important paperwork--always bring a copy of your pet's medical records with telephone numbers for their veterinarian
• Digital thermometer--to take your pet's temperature rectally
• Muzzle--to prevent bites from a painful animal, even one who does not normally bite.  
• Spare leash and collar--just in case
• Clean towels--for cleaning wounds or carrying animals
• Gauze roll--for wrapping wound 
• Non-stick bandages--for covering wounds
• Self-adhesive non-stick tape
• Adhesive tape--for securing bandages
• Eye dropper--to give oral medications or flush wounds
• Milk of Magnesia or activated charcoal--to absorb poison (only give under the direction of your vet or poison control)
• 3% Hydrogen peroxide--to induce vomiting (contact your vet or poison control first)
• Saline solution--for irrigating wounds

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Even with a first aid kit, it is important to remember to administer first aid cautiously.  You should never assume that a normally docile pet will not bite you when they are injured or ill.  If you believe your pet may have ingested something toxic or poisonous, you can contact the Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 (a consultation fee will apply).  If that is not feasible, you should immediately  call or visit your pet's veterinarian.

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