Just like humans, pets are also prone to accidents and diseases. Whether you’ve been with your pet for a long time or not, preparing for emergencies is a must. Besides, emergencies aren’t based on the age of your pet, and they happen anytime.

Sometimes, even if your pet looks healthy, it can suddenly feel sick. When that happens, you should have an emergency kit on standby, so you can take all the necessary precautions.

In this article, we’ll give you a list of all the basic first aid supplies for your pet.

1. Basics of first aid kit

One of the essentials when preparing a first aid kit is a sturdy container or a plastic box. Label the box, and ensure all the things that make up the kit are properly placed inside. Aside from that, everything should also be labelled accordingly.

In addition, make sure to place the first aid kit in the most accessible part of the house. You should also inform other people in the house where to find it.

2. Contact details and pet records

Aside from the emergency kit, you should also have a list of contact information that can help in an emergency. It should include poison control services, animal health solutions, and your pet’s vet. Place the list where you can have access anytime, and also have a copy near the emergency kit.

Meanwhile, aside from the emergency contact numbers, you should also gather all of your pet’s documents, such as medical records, vaccine charts, and pet licences.

3. Bandages and gauze

Pets can also suffer from cuts and wounds, so make sure there are gauze and bandages in your emergency kit. These can help absorb blood, and stop the bleeding if the cut is too deep. Also, don’t forget to include medical tape to secure the gauze if the bandages aren’t enough to cover the wound.

But aside from wounds, these things can also help when your pet encounters sprains or muscle spasms.

4. Antiseptic wipes and solution

But before covering the wound, you should disinfect it first. This is an important step when treating wounds to avoid infection. Whether the wound is just a scratch or a deep one, it should still be disinfected.

If it’s your first time buying antiseptic wipes or solutions, consult with the veterinarian first, and ask if they recommend a mind disinfectant that doesn’t sting, like alcohol. Aside from wipes and solutions, there are also discoveries including the powdered styptic that can be used to disinfect small, deep wounds.

5. Essential tools

Tools, such as scissors and tweezers should also be included in the emergency kit. If you have a furry friend, immediate access to scissors can be helpful, so that you can work around the wounded area. If the fur is too long, you might not see where the wound is.

Meanwhile, if your pet has a shattered piece of glass or wood splinter stuck in them, or some ticks, you can use tweezers to remove them immediately. Make sure to disinfect these tools afterwards, so that you can use them right away the next time.

6. Thermometer

If your pet looks a bit down or tired, the thermometer may come in handy to monitor its health. You should have a thermometer specifically designed for animals. You can look it up online if you don’t have it yet.

In terms of using the thermometer, you should be aware of the normal body temperature of your bet, so that you can tell whether it’s sick or not.

7. Hydrogen peroxide

Although there have been controversies in the case of using hydrogen peroxide when treating wounds, it can still be used in other ways. Did you know that when swallowed, it can induce vomiting? So, this can help in case your pet is poisoned.

Unfortunately, some poisons can’t be solved through vomiting. So, instead of taking immediate action, it’s better to consult with your veterinarian first, even on the phone, if giving hydrogen peroxide is a good idea.

8. Disposable gloves

Aside from protecting your pet wearing disposable gloves can also protect you from acquiring bacteria while administering first aid. As not an expert in the field, you may not be aware that some ingredients from animal first aid may be harmful to humans.

9. Soft muzzle 

When facing a stressful situation, pets can be so agitated that may result in biting. So before you administer first aid, safely restrain your pet, so that you can treat them well. But if you don’t have a muzzle, a soft cloth would also suffice.

10. Medication

If your pet takes some medication, secure some of its medication in the first aid kit. However, regularly check the expiration date, and replace it once used.

Final Thoughts

It’s never too late to invest in a first aid kit for your pet. Just like the medications, you should also check the expiration date of other products in your kit. You can also consult with your veterinarian about the products they would recommend.