HOW TO MAKE A PET FIRST AID KIT

A pet first aid kit is not only important in the event of a natural disaster, but also important when you are away from the comfort of your home. Just like you have your first aid kit at home; it is equally important to have a pet first aid kit. Don’t be caught off guard when an accident happens when it is least expected.

Sometimes, an accident may happen when camping, having your road trip across the country, or when a natural disaster strikes. A pet first aid kit is the first step of being ready in the occurrence of an accident. With a little education, pet parents can perform on the spot first aid before getting help from a vet.

What should be included in a pet first aid kit?

If you care about your pet’s health, a pet first aid kit is a must. The kit should be in a durable and waterproof container that is easy to grab in case of an emergency. Fit everything in one container to help you carry everything you need without forgetting anything.

We have many pre-made tools, but building your own is the better option since you will not forget anything important. If you do not have the time to build one, you can buy a pre-made one and add whatever is missing.

Your pet aid kit should have information, equipment, medication, and nutrition. Keep in mind that anything that works for humans will not work on your pet. NEVER give your pet human drugs or prescriptions without checking with your vet.

What’s in a pet first aid kit?

It is essential to know what should be in your pet’s first aid kit and what exactly it does. Here are things that should always be included in your first aid kit.

1.Information

A pet’s first aid manual– In an occurrence of an accident, it is easy to panic and get a little confused. Having a detailed manual to a familiar or unfamiliar ailment in your hand will help you face the situation boldly and confidently. Most guides have step by step instructions on how to use most items in the kit.

Emergency Contact Information-Your first aid kit should always have your vet’s contact information as well as directions to the clinic.

2.Equipment

Tick remover tool — You should remove the tick on your animal as soon as you see it. Dogs too get Lyme disease. With specialized tweezers, you can remove the whole tick, including the head that breaks and stays in if not removed properly.

Guaze (Pad and Rolls) — Guaze in a pet first aid kit is used to cover cuts to stop bleeding.
Muzzle– When a dog is hurt or injured; they can show their real animal instincts. A muzzle is worn on the hands to prevent the dog from biting you when you are dressing their injury.

Non-stick Bandages — When covering wounds or wrapping sprained limbs, it is advisable to use non-stick bandages that will not stick on their fur.

Disinfectant — It is advisable to have non-sting disinfectant like betadine. However, you are not recommended to rub alcohol on open wounds.

Digital Thermometer — A digital thermometer will help to take the dog’s temperature. Human thermometers cannot be used since they don’t have a temperature scale.

Dog Boots — They are used to protect your dog’s foot in case of an injury

Medical Stapler– It is used to close large open wounds quickly and cleanly.

3.Medication

Wound Spray –Wound spray is perfect for treating burns, wounds, and other irritations.

Antihistamine — Dogs too have allergies that come from bug bites, stings, foods, or even certain plants. Just like humans, they can take an antihistamine to reduce itching and swelling. The dosage depends on the dog’s size and usually makes them drowsy.

Hydrogen Peroxide — It can be used to induce vomiting in case of accidental poisoning. Always talk to your vet before inducing vomiting because not all circumstances are safe for your pet.

Skin and Paw Balm — This should be applied on cracked paws which are quite painful. It helps to heal minor rashes scrapes cuts and scrapes.

Activated Charcoal — It is used to absorb the ingested poison.

Pain Killers — They are essential in reducing the levels of pain. Most importantly, do not use over the counter medicine for your pet. Always consult your vet to prescribe the best for your dog to reduce chances of bleeding ulcers, kidney damage, or even death.

Eyewash — This will help to flush out any dirt, insects, or foreign objects in your pet’s eyes. It offers relief from the burning and stinging sensation caused by the foreign object.

4.Nutrition

Electrolyte Replacement — Offering water to your pet is not the fastest way to help your pet recover from dehydration and exhaustion. It is not advisable to give human electrolyte since they have too much sugar.

Collapsible Bowl — This will help you serve food and water.

Dogs and Emergency Situations

Dogs do not speak and therefore, takes longer to diagnose a health issue. It advised to immediately receive your dog to the vet when you notice anything out of the normal.

To provide your vet with accurate information, here are some of the three pet emergencies.

1.Ingestion Issues

I know you probably know that not all foods fit for human consumption are safe for your fur friend. Have you heard about how chocolate is bad for your dog and can kill your cat too? The theobromine in it makes the chocolate dangerous.

You should not also give your dog food that has artificial sweeteners, raisins, grapes, and nuts. You should never give your cat raw potatoes, raw tomatoes, or vegetables like onions since they are deadly to felines.

Also, your pet can accidentally ingest toxins like insecticides, rat poison, or even household cleaners. This is why you need always to have your pet first aid kit if you care about your pet’s health.

2.Trauma

Your dog might get hit by a car or attacked by other dogs, and this is one of the reasons to make it into a pet’s emergency room. A blunt force trauma may not seem severe because of lack of bleeding, but you need to take your dog for a check-up for any internal injuries and bleeding.

Cuts, bites, or scrapes may cause tissue damage that makes your pet susceptible to infections.

3.Respiratory Distress

Respiratory distress may be brought by viral or bacterial infections, allergic reactions to insect bites, reaction to the medicine, heart failure, or even chocking from food substances. Take your pet immediately to a vet when you notice heavy breathing to evaluate immediately.

Is your dog in need of emergency care?

Your dog may need immediate medical attention after severe trauma caused by an accident or a fall. You should not take any moment for granted, especially after choking, heatstroke, insect bite or sting, poisoning or any other life-threatening situation. Here are some emergency signs you should look for.

• Pale gums
• Raid and heavy breathing
• Weak or a fast pulse
• Change in body temperature –High or to low
• Difficulty in standing
• Paralysis
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness
• Heavy bleeding

Injured pets are severely aggressive, and you should first protect yourself from injury. Approach your dog calmly and address them by their name. If they are aggressive, call for help. If they are passive, gently place them on a stretcher.

When you are comfortable and safe transporting your pet, take them to an emergency pet care facility. You can call the facility so that they can expect you before your arrival.

Your pet’s health is important, and you should be able to attend to emergencies right after they occur. This is why having a pet first aid kit is essential to offer first aid before consulting your vet. Always make sure to check expiry dates of any medicine in your kit before giving them. Replace medicine that expires in three month. And, always keep your pet first aid kit out of reach of children.