When the beloved furry or feathered members of the family get sick, it is essential to have a pet first aid kit on hand.
Most items found in this kit are the same as those found in a human first aid kit, which should be present in every household.
This is a basic checklist of items to include in your pet’s first aid kit:
➤ Important contact numbers: (veterinarian, Department of Agriculture, Humane Society, animal control, police)
➤ A copy of your pet’s medical records (including medications and vaccination history)
➤ Latex gloves to protect against contamination of self or pet wounds, or for cleaning up pet excreta
➤ Digital fever thermometer to take your pet’s temperature. Know the normal ranges
for your cat (100.5-102.5F) or dog (100.2-103.8F) and take a rectal (not an oral) temperature with the use of KY Jelly or another lubricant
➤ Muzzle (gauze, rope, necktie, nylon stocking, commercial muzzle) to prevent bites (do not muzzle vomiting pets)
➤ Spare leash and collar to help restrain animals which become fearful, aggressive, or unpredictable after injury/ climatic emergencies
➤ Gauze roll for wrapping wounds or to use as a muzzle
➤ Clean towels to help restrain cats, cleaning, or to use as padding
➤ Non-stick bandages or strips of clean cloth to protect wounds or control bleeding
➤ Self-adhering, non-stick tape for bandages
➤ Adhesive tape for securing bandages (do not use human adhesive bandages such as Band Aids on pets)
➤ Scissors to cut tape and other bandage material
➤ Eye dropper (or large syringe without needle) to flush wounds or administer oral medications
➤ KY Jelly (or generic version) to protect wounds and eyes
➤ Milk of magnesia or activated charcoal to absorb toxins/ poisons (always contact your veterinarian before inducing vomiting or treating an animal for poison)
➤ Hydrogen peroxide (3%) to induce vomiting (always contact your veterinarian before inducing vomiting or treating an animal for poison)
➤ Saline solution or water for flushing/cleaning wounds
➤ Dish soap or Betadine
Scrub solution for removing toxins from the skin and fur. Remember to rinse thoroughly with water and dry your pet afterwards
➤ Medications (both prescription and routine preventative medications)
➤ Pet carrier
Always remember that any first aid administered to your pet should be followed by immediate veterinary care. First aid care is not a substitute for veterinary care, but it may save your pet’s life until it receives veterinary treatment.
Source: Cayman Islands Veterinary Medical Association.