- PET HEALTH HIGHLIGHTS -
April is National Pet First Aid Awareness Month
If you own a pet , you should own a pet first aid kit - it ' s as simple as that . Whether you are camping , driving across the country , on vacation , in the midst of a weather emergency , or just in the backyard , being prepared with basic supplies ensures that you will be more ready to deal with a medical emergency , should one occur with your dog , cat , or other pet . While you can purchase a pre-made one , assembling a kit yourself can actually be more economical and better stocked .
Be sure to include these essentials :
• Antibiotic ointment - Prevents infection from small cuts or scratches , and can even help alleviate pain .
• Basic first aid supplies - Have a supply of absorbent gauze pads , adhesive tape , antiseptic wipes , rub bing alcohol , eye droppers , splints , tongue depressers , styptic powder , lotions , cotton balls , and swabs .
• Blanket or towel - Wrapping a pet in a soft blanket calms them down so you can access or treat injury .
• Bottled water - It ' s always important to keep your pet hydrated on hikes , trips , long car rides , etc .
• Favorite toy - Many dogs and cats derive a lot of comfort from playing or snuggling with a particular toy or blankie . Pack it or a duplicate in your first aid kit in case your pet is traumatized and needs soothing .
• Flashlights ( and extra batteries ) - Always helpful for extra light to pull out splinters , etc .
• Food or treats - Keep a three day stash in case you run out or don ’ t have access to your normal supply in a crisis . Keep an emergency treat supply to help distract your dog in an emergency .
• Hydrogen peroxide - Induces vomiting - use only if recommended by veterinarian or poison-control expert .
• Ice pack - To reduce swelling and pain or discomfort until you get your pet to the veterinarian .
• Leash , collar or harness - Very useful if you happen upon a lost or stray animal , or if your dog happens to break its leash , collar , or harness while you are on the road .
• Medical records , vaccination history , and list of medications - Keep these records in a waterproof container or plastic bag .
• Medications - Keep a backup supply of any prescribed or useful medications in your first aid kit . Helpful when you are traveling , or possibly lose your pet ' s medication . Include a few motion sickness and diarrhea pills , as well as Benedryl ( vet-approved , of course ), and any approved sedatives for traveling . If your dog has low blood sugar or is diabetic , you may want to stash some glucose paste or corn syrup , too .
• Nail clippers - Broken nails can turn into a painful situation - get them trimmed quickly to avoid snagging .
• Pet carrier - Always useful to keep one of these in your car for a variety of reasons .
• Pet first aid book - Pick up a copy of Dog First Aid from the Red Cross as a helpful reference book .
• Petroleum jelly - Lubrication for rectal thermometer . ( Your pet will appreciate your thoughtfulness .)
• Phone numbers - Current Veterinarian / Emergency Vet / Animal Poison Control Center - 1-888-426-4435 .
• Photo of your pet - Always have a current one in case he / she gets lost .
• Rectal thermometer - Your vet may need you to take your pet ' s temp to see if it is an emergency . Normal temperature range for a dog is 101 - 102.5 degrees fahrenheit . A cat ' s is 100 - 102.5 .
• Rubber gloves - You will be glad you packed these if your pet gets injured or has an attack of diarrhea .
• Scissors - Keep a pair of these with a blunt edge handy for any number of emergencies .
• Self-cling bandage - This type of bandage stretches and sticks to itself , but thankfully , not to fur .
• Sterile saline solution - Can be used to flush foreign objects from eyes or debris from cuts .
• Tweezers - For removing foreign objects such as splinters , or even ticks .
• Wipes - Great for cleaning up messy bathroom situations , or cleaning blood or dirt out of a wound .
Common Sense Tips : If you do find yourself in an emergency situation , you ' ll want to have all these items easily accessible , in one place , and be aware that you may not have the luxury of electricity , Internet , or phone service . With that in mind , it ' s best to put all these supplies in a storage container or backback that can easily be picked up and brought with you . Always take the first aid kit with you when you travel , or familiarize your petsitter with its contents if you are leaving your pets at home . Check the supplies in your pet ' s first aid kit from time to time to replace any items that may have 6 expired . Keep the first aid kit out of reach of kids and pets ! Pawsitively Pets -- April 9