Having a first aid kit and knowing how to use it can help with emergencies and injuries during an accident. You should have one in a plastic tote at your house, as well as a smaller one in the car. There are ready-made kits, but it might be more economical to put one together yourself.
Your kit should include:
Basics
- Pet first aid book, contact local Red Cross.
- Important numbers: veterinarian, nearest emergency veterinary clinic (and know how to get there), poison-control center
- Paperwork (in a waterproof container or bag): proof of rabies vaccination status, copies of other important medical records, current photo of your pet in case he gets lost
- Animal CPR mask, made out of top of 2-liter bottler and sharp edge covered with duck tape.
Other Supplies
- Muzzle or strips of cloth to prevent biting (as long as pet is not vomiting, choking, coughing, or otherwise having difficulty breathing)
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Nail clippers and metal nail file
- Styptic powder or cornstarch (sold at veterinary hospitals and pet supply stores and your local pharmacy)
- Penlight
- Leash and Collar
- Eye dropper or oral syringe
- Cotton swabs and Cotton balls
- Clean towels – cloth and paper
- Rectal thermometer
- Petroleum Jelly or lubricant (without spermicide to lubricate thermometer)
- Disposable gloves
- Needle-nose pliers
- Bitter Apple or other product to discourage licking
- Pet carrier
- Towel or blanket to use as a stretcher, another to keep your dog warm during transport (foil blanket)
- A pillowcase to confine your cat for treatment
Medicines
- Over-the-counter antibiotic ointment, such as Betadine, for cuts and abrasions.
- Eye wash solution
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) if approved by a veterinarian for allergic reactions.
- Cortisone spray or cream, such as Itch Stop
- Ear cleaning solution
- Hydrogen peroxide (used to induce vomiting in dogs) DO NOT induce vomiting after ingestion of caustic substances, contact Poison Control if not sure it is a caustic substance.
- Activated charcoal to absorb ingested poisons (consult your veterinarian before using)
Nutritional Support
- Rehydrating solution such as Gatorade or Pedialyte
- Glucose paste or corn syrup (for diabetic dogs or those with low blood sugar)
Bandaging
- Square gauze of various sizes – some should be in sterile packaging
- Non-stick gauze pads
- First aid tape – both paper (easily comes off of skin) and adhesive types
- Vet Wrap (available at pet stores)
