Do you have an emergency plan?
- A sturdy box - to hold all of the supplies. The box must be easy to carry and pack, and is able to hold the complete kit. And I want it red.
- A muzzle - because even loving, well-trained animals may bite when injured or afraid.
- Tweezers - to remove splinters, or other foreign materials from wounds.
- Scissors - for cutting out things matted in fur or freeing pets from entanglements.
- Saline Solution - to clean out wounds and flush the eyes.
- Thermometer and small jar of Vaseline - to check temperature. The normal temperature for dogs is between 100.0 – 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Tape - 1" white medical tape is easy to tear off and holds well.
- Roll Gauze - is used for bandaging, an aid to stop bleeding, and padding for splints.
- Telfa pads - are non-stick dressings for bandaging a wound.
- Vet Wrap - is used over a telfa pad or roll gauze. It clings to itself and is semi-watertight. Caution: do not wrap this too tight.
- QuikClot or something similar - to stop bleeding (wounds).
- Antiseptic wash or wipes - I need to look for non-stinging preparations such as chlorhexidine or betadine. Rubbing alcohol is not good for open sores or wounds.
- Antibiotic ointment - Look for an over-the-counter "general purpose" antibiotic ointment for light use with minor skin wounds.
- Toenail trimmer and styptic pencil for torn toenails.
- Hydrogen Peroxide and a plastic syringe - Hydrogen peroxide is an emetic which induces vomiting. Only use this emetic when warranted, such as if a veterinarian or poison control center says to immediately administer it. Dogs should receive 5 – 25 cc of hydrogen peroxide (orally) for every 10 pounds of weight. If vomiting does not occur in 15 minutes repeat the dose.
- Small flashlight - can be used to check for any injuries within the mouth or any objects or materials that could be blocking respiration in the upper part of the throat.
- Vet-prescribed pain relief (NSAID) - I need to speak to my vet about obtaining some as-needed pain relievers for the first aid kit.
- Diphenhydramine (aka Benadryl) - used for stings and allergic reactions.
- Cold Packs - can be stowed in an emergency kit and will change temperature when broken or shaken. Can be used to cool down skin after a burn or in case of heatstroke. Remember: always use a cloth between the pack and skin and check frequently for redness or irritation.
- Emergency Heat Blanket - should be used if an animal’s temperature is decreasing due to shock or exposure.
- Sterile Latex Gloves
- Cotton balls and swabs
- A list of phone numbers - which includes my regular vet, the emergency vet, animal control, and animal poison control numbers.
- Pet First Aid book*
How about you? Do you feel the need to make your own pet first aid kit now too? Can you think of anything I have missed?
* I have a really nice Pet First Aid book (pictured above) that I got about 8 years ago. The American Red Cross taught a Pet First Aid class and the book was included in the price of the course. It was a great class. If you ever get a chance to take Pet First Aid class, do it! It was worth the money. I've contacted the American Red Cross several times over the past 5 years hoping to retake the class, but they have stopped offering it at our local chapter. If anyone knows of a Pet First Aid class offered within a 2-3 hour radius of Jacksonville, please let me know! Thanks, and stay safe. -- K
P.S. Just after I posted, I was sent a related link about Dog Emergency & Disaster Preparedness. Check it out!
P.S. Just after I posted, I was sent a related link about Dog Emergency & Disaster Preparedness. Check it out!
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