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Pet First Aid - First Aid Kits for Dogs and Cats
Just as humans are susceptible to accidents, so are our pet dogs and cats. You should be prepared to lend assistance to your pet in the event it is injured. Some injuries are minor and you will be able to care for the dog or cat yourself. Other injuries can be more severe and require an emergency trip to your Veterianarian. In the case of more serious injuries to your pet you may need to apply emergency first aid before transporting them to the Vet Clinic.
When your cat or dog is injured you don't always have time to run around looking for and gathering up needed supplies. Having a Pet First Aid Kit just makes good sense. Everything you need in one place so you can quickly care for your pet.
Rule #1 of pet first aid
Treat your dog or cat ONLY if you can do so safely. Pets can tend to act differently when they are injured or stressed. Take the animal to the Vet if there is the potential of your being injured while trying to treat the cat or dog.
Cats can be particularly difficult. Even the most gentle, loving feline can turn into a frenzied whirlwind of claws and teeth when it is injured and feels threatened.
If you are alone with an injured cat that needs first aid it is recommended you use some sort of restraint such as a blanket or towel or one of the cat restraint bags available from pet supply stores.
When in doubt or in the case of more severe injuries, stabilize the animal as best you can and transport to your Vet rather than risking injury to yourself and having the cat or dog become even more stressed.
Dogs tend to be somewhat easier to handle when they are injured or ill, but never assume that your best pal won't nip or bite if it is injured. Your best intentions to help may not be perceived as such by a pooch in distress.
A leash, muzzle and blanket or large towel are must haves in your first aid kit for use in safely treating an injured dog.
Take a few deep breaths before you begin to administer first aid to your pet. Animals will pick up on your anxiety so try to approach things in a calm, collected manner.
- 3% Hydrogen Peroxide - Dilute to clean wounds. Can be given to induce vomiting in the event of poisoning. Consult with your vet for proper use as Hydrogen Peroxide is not recommended for all cases of poisoning.
- Saline eyewash
- Fresh bottled water
- 25 mg Benadryl tablets for allergic reactions. Consult with your vet on the proper dosage for your pet.
- Betadine/Povodine Solution: Dilute with water to make a flush and cleanser for wounds.
Your pet first aid kit will be worthless if you don't know what to do in the event your pet is injured or ill. The First Aid Companion for Dogs and Cats is a comprehensive guide to caring for your dog or cat. Read it BEFORE you need it!
- Muzzle - An emergency muzzle can be made from tape, a necktie, silk stocking, cloth strip or any material that's handy - even a shoelace will work for smaller animals.
- Bandages and Bandaging Material:
- Gauze squares
- 2" gauze bandaging material
- Vetwrap or equivalent to use over the gauze material to keep the gauze in place.
- Clean rags to use as pressure bandages. Sanitary pads also work well.
- 2" white tape or duct tape
- Cloth strips
- Scissors
- Safety Pins
- Wood dowel or ruler, etc for tourniquet
- Wire cutters
- Pliers
- Tweezers
- Rectal thermometer
- Nylon rope
- Syringes (no needles) 12cc, 3cc, 1cc for flushing wounds, administering medication or giving hydrogen peroxide
Essentials for your pet first aid kit
