Us humans usually have some sort of “first aid” kit or drawer, for those unfortunate events to ourselves and kids. But what about our pets? Sometimes our fur babies get into their own trouble, and having a pet first aid kit readily available is essential to do an emergency fix up before getting them into the car for a trip to the Vet.
Here are some things we recommend be in your pet first aid kit:
- Phone numbers of Veterinary Clinics with 24 Hour emergency care and the Pet Poison Helpline or better yet, add your regular vet and the Poison Helpline into your Cellphone for easy accessibility.
- Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/
- Even though some situations are true emergencies and we are running on adrenaline, giving your veterinary clinic a quick phone call then makes their team better prepared for your pet’s arrival.
- Gauze, Vet Wrap, Scissors, and Tape
- For the lacerations and bleeding cuts, a quick and fast bandage for pressure to help lessen or stop bleeding.
- Baby Thermometer and a cheat sheet on how to check vitals (Gum color, respiration rate, temperature, capillary refill time)
- If you find your pet down and out, a quick vital check and phone to the veterinarian can give them an idea of how serious your pets condition is.
- Corn Syrup (Especially if you have a diabetic pet)
- For hypoglycemic episodes (low blood sugar) rubbing the corn syrup on the pet’s gums helps bring the sugar levels back up in the blood.
- Tweezers
- For when you find a nasty tick or bug and are feeling brave you can pluck it off and place in a bag for your veterinarian to identify (or just bring them to us, we can do it for you!)
- For thorns and slivers in the paws that can be safely plucked out
- Penlight/Flashlight
- To help identify cuts, bruises, bugs, slivers, ect. in the dark fur or paws
- Elizabethan collar (Cone of shame) – fitted for your pet’s size
- For those times when your pet won’t stop licking a certain area excessively and to protect further damage before a Veterinarian can take a look
- Blanket/towel
- To wrap your pet in on the way to the Vet if they are in shock
- To use as a sling under your pet’s belly if they cannot walk on their own and are a larger pet
- Muzzle and leash
- Sometimes when our pets are in pain, they may bite if we touch the area on them that is giving them grief. Placing a muzzle on before picking them up will protect you and them.
- A leash that is readily available to quickly place on them or on a strange pet that you may have found
The list of things could go on and on depending on your pet’s special needs and age. But even having a start of a Pet first aid kit can and will help you and your pet in the future.
At Cypress View Vet, we are a 24-hour emergency clinic, which means that if an emergency happens after hours, we are always here for you and your pet.