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Are you prepared for an emergency situation involving your pet?  We have first aid kits and readily available information for our families, but what about our four legged family members?  So often this is overlooked, being prepared can keep a manageable incident from becoming health threatening.

Those who have faced emergencies can tell you it is essential to get your first aid kit together and get familiar with first aid measures BEFORE you are confronted with an accident, emergency or sudden illness. Many situations require fast and correct action to prevent further injury, infection or death. So assemble a first aid kit now, so that you’ll be ready when your pet needs it.

 
FIRST AID KIT
Keep a first aid safety kit on hand at home and in your car. Take the one from your car with you when you travel with your pet.
Each kit should include the items listed. It might sound like a lot of stuff, but when an accident occurs, these items can help you save the health or life of an animal…or a human.

Your Kit Should Contain The Following:

• name, address and phone number of your veterinarian
• name, address and phone number of the closest emergency hospital and poison control center
• First Aid Guides:  Animal first aid book, such as “The First Aid Companion For Dogs and Cats”, Dog Owner’s Home Veterinary
• Handbook and Cat Owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook.
•  CPR Instructions
• your pets name, age, breed, sex, microchip identification, medication information and any health problems
• a copy of your pets vaccination records
• photo ID

Your Kit Supplies Should Contain:

• scissors
• tweezers (flat slant tip instead of rounded)
• turkey baster or bulb syringe (for flushing wounds or force feeding)
• 10cc syringe without needle (for administering medications)
• eyedropper
• tongue depressor to examine mouth
• rubber gloves
• nail clippers
• comb
• rectal thermometer
• disposable safety razor
• towel
• paper towels
• blanket (used to keep an injured animal from going into shock
• bandana and/or nylon (to use as a muzzle)
• gauze – sterile pads and rolled for bandaging
• dog booties or socks (in case of a wounded pad)
• bandages (including self clinging or vet wrap and waterproof types)
• antibacterial wipes or pads
• hot/cold pack
• hydrogen peroxide
• antibiotic ointment
• rubbing alcohol
• sterile saline eye solution (to flush out eye contaminants and wounds)
• bottle of water
• spare leash

It is always best to be prepared in the event of an emergency or illness. Talk to a member of our Pet Health Care Team at Upper Canada Animal Hospital.  Our staff can help put a list together based on the needs of you and your pet.  We are always here to help.