Building a Pet First-Aid Kit
Did you know that April is Pet First Aid Awareness Month? While you’ll hopefully never need to perform first aid on your beloved pet, we do always advocate being prepared for emergencies. One way to do this is to create a specific pet first aid kit. This is a great thing to have on hand! Here, a Lakeville, MN vet discusses pet first aid kits.
The Basics
One way to get started is to pick up a basic first aid kit, one made for humans. Then, add some extra items, as well as some pet-specific things. You may want to include adhesive tape, antiseptic spray or lotion, cotton swabs, ice packs, cotton balls, sterile saline solution, tweezers, gauze pads, and blunt-end scissors. Hydrogen peroxide is also a good bet, as is rubbing alcohol, a plastic eyedropper, a syringe, and splints. Other things you may want to add include a foil emergency blanket, flashlight, tick puller, ear-cleaning solution, treats, towels, a leash and collar, styptic powder, and, for dog owners, a muzzle.
Information
Seeking immediate veterinary care should be your first move if your pet is ever injured. However, if your furry pal is seriously hurt, you may need to perform first aid before you can safely move them. In an emergency, you won’t want to waste precious time trying to gather CPR information. Buy or print some basic pet first aid brochures, and keep them in the kit. It isn’t a bad idea to download some pet first aid apps as well. You’ll also want to include your pet’s medical records. Last but not least, add copies of important numbers, such as your vet’s number, the nearest emergency clinic, and the ASPCA Poison Control number. (Note: that number is (888) 426-4435. Charges may apply.) Remember to save these numbers to your phone contacts!
Maintenance
Go through your pet’s first aid kit about every six months. Toss and replace anything that is expired or damaged.
Tips
You may want to keep your furry buddy’s first aid kit in a storage tote, along with items you would need to take with you in an emergency. Food, treats, toys, a carrier, blankets, wipes, and collapsible dishes are a few things to include.
Please feel free to contact us, your local Lakeville, MN pet hospital, for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs. We are here to help!
