Basic Pet First-Aid Kit

Every pet owner should have a first aid kit readily available for our four legged friends, because an emergency could strike at any time. You may want to have more than one kit available to you (i.e. a smaller version for your car and a waterproof bag for outdoor use). A pet first aid kit should contain:

Gauze - Rolls, standard 4"X4" and non-stick.

Vet wrap or self-clinging bandage - may be used to secure gauze or splint.

Hypoallergenic adhesive tape - may be used to secure bandages and splints.

Betadine solution - topical antiseptic that does not cause burning/stinging sensation; used as pre-surgical disinfectant.

Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl) - may be applied topically to the skin as body cooling agent (aids with heat stroke or fever).

Sterile saline solution - may be used to flush eyes and wounds, or keep tissue moist.

Epsom salts/Massengil douche powder - each serve as topical antiseptics and may be used as a poultice to help clean and draw out infection when diluted at a rate of 1 teaspoon per 2 cups of water.

3% hydrogen peroxide - may be used to induce vomiting when given orally at a rate of 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight- may be repeated every 15-20 minutes up to 3 times. ALWAYS first check with your veterinarian or poison control center to see if vomiting should be induced.

Topical antibiotic ointment or Calendula gel- made from marigold petals - promotes healing by producing tissue granulation and inhibition of bacterial growth (also comes in a tincture form).

K-Y jelly or another sterile water-soluble lubricant.

Rectal thermometers - normal non-aggravated cat and dog body temperature typically ranges from 101.5 - 102.5 ° Fahrenheit. By assessing your pet's ambient body temperature you, are better able to discern a baseline for your pet's immediate state of health. Leave thermometer in place rectally for approximately one minute.

Latex gloves

Tweezers (preferably flat-edged as opposed to rounded tip) - may be used to remove splinters/insect stingers from skin or pads of feet.

Hemostat/needle-nose pliers - may aid the removal of foreign objects from the skin or pads of feet.

Syringes - various sizes (3cc, 6cc, 12cc, 20cc, 35cc, and 65cc). Important for measurement (i.e. 1 cc = 1 ml, there are 5 ml's in 1 teaspoon); may be used to administer liquid medications, food and water orally.

Scissors - should be able to cut bandage material.

Grooming clippers - may be used to shave hair around hot spot or wounds as well as serving basic grooming needs.

Splint supplies - tongue depressors, sticks, etc.

Clean cloth - May be used to secure splint.

Quick-Stop or other styptic powder or pencil - helps blood clot. Useful if you cut the quick on a pet's toenail or if a nail is injured or broken and bleeding.

Thermal blanket - your pet will need to be kept warm should he/she go into shock; a regular blanket may be used if no other is available.

Towel - may be used in wrapping up a cat or small dog that needs to be immobilized or restrained.

Muzzle - animals that are in pain or disoriented, that are ordinarily non-aggressive, may act out of character. Best to be used with an unfamiliar animal. Could be made from gauze roll in time of need.

Nylon leash - may be useful when leading an animal from one place to another; also may be used to secure mouth closed as a temporary muzzle if something more traditional is not available. Your pet should have his/her own color (the breakaway type or collars that have elastic in them for expandability are recommended for cats), with identification tag and a safe carrier where applicable for transportation in the car; these help to protect you and your pet. It is also a good idea to have a copy of your pet's veterinary records readily available and have a working knowledge of any relevant medical problems, medication, and/or allergies.

Pen light - may be used to see if your pet has papillary response to light - pupils should decrease in size when exposed to light.

Nutri-cal or sugar paste - Should your pet suffer a hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) episode or as a given as a dietary supplement when your pet is not eating. Baby food of the pureed meat variety is also something good to have in stock should an animal stop eating and need to be supplemented - may be used with a syringe and given orally.

PDG (a powered protein supplement made by Wysong) mixes in nicely with baby food for oral administration.

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) - Use to help with allergic reaction. Give to cats and small dogs, less than 30 pounds, 10 mg orally; medium dogs 30-50 pounds, 25 mg orally; and large dogs greater than 50 pounds, 50 mg orally. Repeat dose every 6 hours or as directed by your veterinarian. You should first consult with a veterinarian before administering this product, and be mindful to not administer to an animal that is not conscious or is vomiting.

Acidophilus - live bacteria that promote healthy gastro-intestinal function - comes in capsules and powder form; useful when on antibiotics (for maximum results, give 1 hour after antibiotic is given) to prevent possible stomach upset and/or diarrhea, during diet changes, and to help soothe an upset stomach.

Activated charcoal powder - may be given orally to help absorb ingested toxins. You should always first check with a veterinarian or poison control center to be sure that this product is appropriate for the toxin(s) ingested.

Emergency first aid phone numbers - emergency veterinary clinic in your area, local veterinarian, and National Animal Poison Control Center (1-800-548-2423 or 1-900-680-0000).

It is very important that we familiarize ourselves with what is normal behavior from our pets.  Changes in attitude, energy level, appetite, urination and defecation are some of the only ways our pets are able to alert us that they are not feeling well.  If you are very alert to subtle changes in your pet's behavior, you will be able to pick up on a medical problem sooner rather than later, and possibly help save your pet's life.

Resources:

Mammato, Bobbie. 1997. Pet First Aid. The American National Red Cross and the Humane Society of the United States, Mosby-Year book, Inc., St. Louis, MO.

Van Wijk, Y. 1994. Herbal First Aid for Pets and Other Animals. Blackwoods Herbs.