Animal First Aid Kits Can Save Lives!

Posted by Indy's Mom

Well, I thought it would be a good idea to stay busy while my little boy is in the hospital, so I thought this would be a good time to remind pet owners everywhere about the importance of having pet first aid supplies on hand.

• Phone number for the ASPCA Poison Control Center - (888)426-4435
• Hydrogen Peroxide - consult a vet or the ASPCA Poison Control Center to find out how much to give your pet - this varies depending on your pet's species, weight, health, and what the pet has ingested
• Phone number & directions to nearest emergecy animal clinic. Click here and enter your zip code to find the one nearest you.
• Scissors - to cut medical tape, gauze and to clip hair around wounds
• Biocaine Lotion - for treatment of wounds, abrasions, minor burns and hot spots
• Gauze Pads - to clean, cover and cushion injuries
• Alcohol Prep Pads - to clean scissors, tweezers, and hands. (Do not use on wounds)
• Cold Pack - use to reduce swelling or pain. Do not leave animal when in use to avoid digestion
• Vet Wrap - a flexible bandage used to wrap and stabilize injuries. Adheres to itself, no clips or tape needed. (Caution: do not wrap so tightly that circulation is cut off)
• Povidone-Iodine Ointment - provides antiseptic action in the prevention of infection in burns, lacerations and abrasions
• Gloves - to protect hands and prevent contamination of open wounds, burns and abrasions
• Opticlear (A gentle eye wash)- Read and follow individual package directions provided on bottle
• Iodine Prep Solution - antiseptic solution for cleansing wounds or burns (Caution: Follow directions on label)
• Emergency Blanket - prevents shock by preserving animal's body heat. Can also be used to protect a car if the animal is vomiting or bleeding
• Gauze Rolls - to cover and protect injured areas. Gauze Roll can also be used to fashion a temporary muzzle. (Even the most loving animal may bite if they have been injured or are sick)
• Triple Antibiotic ointment - inhibits bacterial growth in cuts and abrasions. Promotes wound healing (Caution: read and follow directions on label)
• Tweezers - to gently remove foreign objects from skin and paws
• Styptic powder - stops bleeding from torn toenails

You can even buy some pre-packaged pet first aid kits - www.medipet.com, www.first-aid-product.com, and www.outdoorsafety.net all sell pet first aid kits.

Some over the counter medications can be given to animals, but PLEASE check with your veterinarian first!

• Milk of magnesia - for stomach upset and certain types of poison ingestion Pepto Bismol - for stomach upset and some types of poison ingestion; do not give to cats
• Kaopectate - OK for cats and dogs
• Benadryl - for bug bites and stings
• Gentle pet sedative such as Rescue Remedy, available at health food and some pet supply stores. Safe for both humans and pets.
• canned soft pet food - can help reduce the effect of a poison substance
• Mild grease-cutting dishwashing liquid such as Dawn - to clean contaminated skin or sticky substances
• Muzzle - an injured or scared animal may try to bite
• Nylon leash
• Pet crate or carrier - a safe, calming place for your pet and a safe way to transport your pet
• Tick scoop - handy little device for removing ticks
• Penlight - to see how the pupils respond to light; in normal animals, pupils decrease in size when exposed to light
• Pepto Bismol - tablets are easier to give to a pet, especially hidden in canned food or peanut butter, check with your vet as to dosage
• Immodium AD - check with your vet as to dosage, can be given for diarrhea

Well, I'm tired now...off to see if I can get some zzzzz'z...