- 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 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 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, rubbing 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 item.
• 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, list of meds- Keep them 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 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 often to replace any items that may have expired. Keep the first aid kit out of reach of kids and pets!
Pawsitively Pets-- April 7