How to Create a First Aid Kit for Your Pet
The same way you have a first aid kit for your home, it is equally important to have the same for your furry friend. Emergencies happen; therefore, you must be ready. We also hope that your pet will never have a call for an emergency. But do not be caught unawares. It is critical to have a kit prepared just in case. There may be ready-made kits that can be bought for pets but making your kit or adding to a ready-made one might be the most appropriate way to modify a kind as per your pet’s needs and lifestyle. The following items distributed as information, medication, equipment staples, and nutrition will make a complete first aid kit for your furry friend.
Information
When preparing a first aid kit for your pet, take note of the age groups, species, and pet lifestyle. This is because every pet has got its own needs. A diabetic or a ferret pet kit should comprise Karo or honey syrup in low blood sugar levels. If your furry friends are under medication, ensure that they have a constant supply of the drugs. Moreover, as you create a first aid kit, keep in mind that you must attend a pet first aid class to understand what to do in case of an emergency.
When assembling a first aid kit for your pet, there are essential aspects to take note of the following: For a giant dog, the first aid kit will be different from a cat kit. For instance, bandages. All other items are the same. Your vet will mainly show you how the kit looks or even recommend how you should make one.
For the supplies, the nearby pharmacies and veterinarians will have everything you need. For storage, look for containers where you will store the supplies. For instance, a tool organizer or fisherman tackle box will do.
Here are some ways you can prepare yourself for any emergency call.
- Beware of what is typical for your furry friend. Continually monitor your pet vitals and look for anything that deviates from the norm.
- Save your vet’s number and numbers of the vet clinics around your area and ensure they are kept where the family members can easily access them.
- You should assemble a kit that is favorable and waterproof when traveling and when at home. Also, make sure you know how to use every component of the equipment.
- Train yourself how to transport and handle an injured or a sick pet.
- Beware of all conditions that might affect your pet. For instance, if your furry friend is pregnant, learn about difficult birth and the normal birth process.
- Anytime you want to administer any medication to your cat or dog, consult your vet doctor first because some medicines like acetaminophen and aspirin can be very toxic to pets.
The following is the equipment that needs to be in a first aid kit.
- Sterile eyewash – ensure it is an eyewash and not a contact lens solution.
- Scissors- it is made for cutting anything matted in fur that can hinder your pet from entanglements.
- Ear wash- enquire from your pet what is suitable for your pet.
- Tweezers- in case your pet has a wound, this will be used to any foreign material or splinters.
- Toenail trimmer and styptic pencil
- Tick removal tool- if you stay in a tick-infested area, ensure you keep tools necessary for removing ticks and that reduce any infection or damage during removal.
- Vet wrap comes in many colors and two sizes (it is recommended you pick the best size for your cat or dog). Vet wrap is a conforming bandage used over roll gauze or telfa pad. Do not wrap it so tightly.
- Tapes- buy preferably one white medical tape. It holds well, and when removing it is easy to tear off too.
- Roll Gauze is an item used for bandaging, helps stop bleeding, and padding for splints.
- Quick Clot- this is used to stop bleeding from wounds.
- Antibiotic ointment
- Disinfectant- using betadine (a non-sting ingredient) for wounds is the best option. Rubbing or applying alcohol on open wounds is not recommended.
Medication
- For your furry friends, you can use Activated charcoal, primarily used to help in the case of ingested poisons.
- Hydrogen peroxide- this drug is not recommended for cleaning wounds, but in case of ingested poison, a new 3% of it can be used to sit to induce vomiting if your pet has ingested poison. In other instances, vomiting should not be induced by hydrogen peroxide. Therefore, before administering the method, check with your veterinarian.
In conclusion, ensure the kit is placed far away from children and regularly check for depleted or expired supplies.
