DIY Pet First Aid Kit | Family Economics

Wednesday, March 07, 2012

DIY Pet First Aid Kit | Family Economics

Spring is in the air, which means our four legged friends will be venturing outdoors more. As pet owners we need to be prepared for those pet emergencies. Get prepared now by creating a DIY pet first aid kit with the below suggested kit supply list. Be sure to store it in an accessible location and remember to take it along on camping and road trips.

First step is to get a container that locks or closes securely, such as a fishing tackle box, clear container with snap on lid or toolbox that you can store in an easy-to-access location.

Second step is to obtain the following items to place in your Pet First Aid Kit:

•   Veterinarian’s contact information
•   The local pet after-hours hospital/clinic
•   Vaccination history
•   Medication history
•   Gauze
•   Strips of cloth, towels or non-stick bandage tape to use for securing the gauze wrap
•   Two pair of gloves – one disposable and one leather pair (protects hands from scratches and bites)
•   Eyedropper or large syringe to use in giving medications or clean wounds
•   Cotton balls and cotton swabs to use in cleaning of wounds
•   Plastic wrap to seal and wrap cuts and wounds
•   Self-adhering flexible bandage
•   Splinting materials such as a ruler, chopsticks or paint stick
•   Blunt tipped scissors or safety razor for removing fur around wounds
•   Tweezers or needle nose pliers for removal of stingers and splinters
•   Special tweezers for tick removal – designed to remove the imbedded head of a tick
•   Hot and cold packs
•   Digital Thermometer
•   Petroleum Jelly
•   Antibiotic ointment
•   Antiseptic solution
•   Hydrogen peroxide (3%)
•   Sterile saline eyewash for flushing out wounds
•   A first aid manual for pets

Do you have a pet emergency kit? What is in it?

3 Comments so far

On Sunday, September 23, 2012, Cairn Terrier Lover wrote

This is a great list thank you. Another item is flour. If you are trimming nails or they get a small boo boo flour stops the bleeding quickly!!!!

On Wednesday, March 07, 2012, Dr. Kate, DVM wrote

Just had two things to mention. Another really handy thing to keep in your kit is a simple slip lead leash. These are the leashes you will see your veterinarian use. They are a simple rope or lead with a D ring on one end. It fits any size dog (or cat, in a pinch!) and can also be used to secure splints or be fashioned into a muzzle as needed. Regarding the hydrogen peroxide. Be very careful when using hydrogen peroxide on pets. Pet's skin does not heal well when in contact with hydrogen peroxide. If you feel you must, a single application will probably not cause harm but repeated use can cause the wound to not heal and can actually worsen the wound, in some cases leading to gangrene. My preference for an open would that needs to be cleaned is lots of clean water and perhaps a mild hand soap. And a quick trip to the vet for evaluation!

On Wednesday, March 07, 2012, Kellie & Riley in DC wrote

This is so timely! Thanks so much. We have a new dog in our house, he's now 7 months old and our outings are becoming longer - today did six mile walk! He also loves the dog park, so this kit will be made and kept in the car with us as well as an extra one to have around the house. Thanks for this great info!

Thank You

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