For those times that you may have an emergency with your pet it’s a good idea to be prepared, especially if you do not have easy access to emergency veterinary care. Purchasing a book that covers basic emergency treatment suggestions can also be helpful. Knowing some basic first aid information and being prepared for emergencies can help you avoid the feelings of panic that may accompany these situations. First aid care is not a substitute for veterinary care, but it may save your pet’s life until you can get them veterinary care.
Here is a list of emergency supplies to collect: -Electric clippers -Bandaging material- -1″ adhesive tape -2-3″ roll gauze Note: that roll gauze can be used to tie around a dog’s muzzle to prevent them from biting you if they are injured. -2-3″ gauze pads -2-3″ self-stick elastic tape -Telfa Non-Adherent Pads -Surgical soap eg.- chlorhexidine -Rubber gloves or Latex free exam gloves -Nail clippers (incase broken nail) -Styptic powder or pencil—to stop bleeding, such as when cutting toenails
Wound Ointment -Triple antibiotic -Bacitracin, or Neosporin (DO N O T use alcohol or peroxide on wounds)
-Diphenhydramine (e.g., Benadryl®) 25 mg tablets or liquid 12.5 mg/tsp (5mL) concentration (with NO other combination ingredients)—for allergic reactions or insect stings. Should always speak to your pets veterinarian first.
Cats– https://total.vet/benadryl-for-cats/?srsltid=AfmBOorOZqkBl5YNu9jh2vgUiWXZ__HktbgwUIGb8uUq8Ep_TrdAMSuM
-Blunt tipped sharp scissors -Eye wash( Artificial tears, ophthalmic saline solution and sterile saline solution ) -Ear cleaner -Neck cone (can prevent pet’s self trauma of a wound AND help prevent human bites in painful situations) -Cotton swabs -Tweezers -Ice pack—instant, one time use, with small hand towel to wrap around pack -Syringes -Liquid hand dish washing detergent (e.g., Dawn) this can be use to wash off anything toxic -Pet thermometer and lubricant ( Mark pet use only) -Small flashlight -Clean Towels, also Large towel/blanket—to assist in moving an injured, sick pet or to avoid a possible bite from scared or injured pet -Paper towels -Activated charcoal to absorb poison (use only if instructed to do so by your veterinarian or a poison control center.) -Hydrogen peroxide 3% (within the expiration date) — to induce vomiting Dogs only
Never administer hydrogen peroxide to any pet without checking with a veterinary professional first, as sometimes it’s not appropriate to induce vomiting at home. Do not give to cats or brachycephalic dogs. Always check to see if inducing vomiting is indicated or safe for the possible ingestion or health status of the dog or species. EMERGENCY ONLY DO NOT GIVE MORE THAN ONE DOSE UNLESS OTHERWISE INSTRUCTED BY YOUR VETERINARIAN
-A bulb syringe or turkey baster (for administering hydrogen peroxide or medication) -Corn syrup/table syrup (~1/8 cup in case of hypoglycemia)
Here are several items pet owners should include in a first aid kit: Your pet’s vaccination records, especially including rabies vaccination records
A kennel or a pet carrier and a nylon leash for the safe transport and confinement of your pet
-A muzzle—if the pet might bite. (before putting on a muzzle, to ensure the pet is not at risk for vomiting, choking, or respiratory distress.)
-Extra sturdy leashes, harnesses and/or carriers to transport pets safely and ensure that they can’t escape
-Keep current pet photos in case they get lost -A list of any current medications your pet takes, including dosage instructions.
Always Keep Emergency Numbers Handy
-Veterinarian phone number and address =
-Pet Emergency Clinic =
-Pet Poison Hotline – Pet Poison Helpline is available 24/7: (855) 764-7661 Online link https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/
NOTE– Please never administer any over-the-counter human medications to animals without speaking to your veterinarian first.
Pet Vet Corners encourages pet owners to establish a relationship with your local veterinarians before an emergency.
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