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.