It Pays to Be Prepared: How to Pack a Pet First Aid Kit
Every day, your furry friend is confronted with dangers. If not handled promptly, these hazards can result in a life-threatening or fatal condition, which is where pet first aid comes in. Learn which products are needed when preparing your pet’s first aid kit in honor of National Pet First Aid Awareness Month so you can avoid emergencies if your four-legged buddy gets into mischief.
Essential supplies for a pet first aid kit
Many of the supplies you have in your own first aid kit will work for your pet, but you should make a few additions to ensure you have everything you need. When putting together your pet’s first aid kit, stock up on the following essentials:
- Absorbent gauze pads
- Adhesive tape
- Cotton balls or swabs
- Unopened 3% hydrogen peroxide
- Ice pack
- Disposable gloves
- Blunt-ended scissors
- Tweezers
- Antibiotic ointment
- Oral syringe
- Liquid dish soap
- Towels
- Small flashlight
- Alcohol wipes
- Styptic powder
- Saline eye solution
- Artificial tear ointment
Rotate the supplies in your pet’s first aid kit every few months to prevent the items from expiring. For example, if you try to give your pet outdated hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting, it likely will be ineffective. On a side note, never make your pet vomit without first contacting your veterinarian or animal poison control.
How to appropriately store your pet’s first aid kit
If you’re the sort to tuck supplies in bathroom closets, under the kitchen sink, and in random spots around your home, creating an actual kit is a necessity. Buy a waterproof tote with locking closures to ensure your pet cannot get into it. Then, place your completed first aid kit in a spot that is easily accessible. This may be with your pet’s other supplies or your own first aid kit. Keep in mind that a first aid kit does you no good if you don’t remember where it’s kept.
An important part of your pet’s first aid kit is the phone number of your nearest veterinary emergency room. If your pet has problems after normal business hours, you should go to the emergency room. Otherwise, please contact our team.
Reviewed By: Dr. Kevin Wheeler
Dr. Kevin Wheeler is a veterinarian and owner who developed a love for animals while growing up on his family farm in Katy, Texas. He earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine. His professional interests include soft tissue surgery, preventive medicine, internal medicine, and client education. Dr. Wheeler serves the local community from Woodforest to Montgomery, Conroe, and surrounding areas.