Pet First Aid – Keeping A Kit At Home
Thinking of all the what-if’s regarding your pet’s health and safety can be a little all-consuming. But, if you are prepared to deal with an emergency, a positive outcome is possible especially if you are prepared to act quickly. Knowing the difference between a mild health issue and a veritable pet emergency can be confusing, or unsettling, but if at-home care is required, your pet will be in good hands: yours.
Together, let’s review the basics of pet first aid, and what you should have in your kit.
Pet First Aid
A major facet of responsible pet ownership includes pet first aid. You may not ever have to help your pet through the harrowing experience of choking, seizure, or resuscitation, yet having the skills at your fingertips is empowering. Knowing how to handle wounds, injuries, trauma, and poisoning emergencies will set you apart, and may save your pet’s life someday.
The Basic Kit
We recommend that your pet first-aid kit be kept in a cool, dry, and accessible location that remains the same throughout the years. Rotate the products over time to ensure maximum freshness and effectiveness, and re-stock items that have been used. You may end up dealing with an injury, illness, or toxic poisoning so having the necessary supplies for each is advised.
Keep these basic items in your kit at all times:
- Gloves
- Disinfectant
- Sterile saline solution
- Gauze and scissors
- Antibacterial spray (make sure to check the alcohol content)
- Cotton balls
- Q-tips
- Antihemorrhagic
- Eye and ear wash
- Rectal thermometer
- Muzzle
- Kennel and leash
- Large blanket or towel
- Penlight
Keep our number in the kit, too; as well as the number for Animal Poison Control Center at 855-764-7661 (charges may apply).
Helpful Links
In our modern age, it’s useful to have informative apps on your phone or tablet to assist you in learning about or administering pet first aid. We recommend pet poison help, toxicity references, and the American Red Cross’ pet first aid app.
Knowing the basics of pet first aid is not only a worthwhile endeavor, but the ability to give your pet a good shot at treatment is critical to his or her health – or even survival.
If you have any questions about pet first aid, or are concerned that your pet may be in crisis, please don’t hesitate to call us.