As a dog (or cat) parent, you know that emergencies happen all the time. Your pet may hurt herself or experience unforeseen illness. Having a first aid kit during such situations can be a lifesaver.
While there are many first aid kits available in the market, it’s always better to pack your own kit according to your pet’s needs. And if you have already customized your canine’s emergency kit, now is a good time to tick off the essentials from the checklist and make sure they haven’t expired or run out!
Below is a list of necessary pup care items that every dog or cat parent should have in their pet’s emergency kit:
1. Your Pet’s Paperwork – Medical Records, Emergency Contacts, IDs
It’s essential to have a copy of your pet’s paperwork in your dog’s (or cat’s) first aid kit. This includes their medical records, such as vaccinations and surgical history, emergency contact details if you are out of town, and your pet’s identification. The pet ID includes a copy of their tag, a current photo, and your name, address, and phone number. You never know when an unforeseen situation may come up, and it’s best to have your dog’s info in one place.
2. Antibiotic & Other Medications
Make sure to keep hydrogen peroxide in your first aid kit – not just for cleaning minor wounds but also for inducing vomit if your pet has ingested something dangerous. Also, if your pet has any prescribed medication from their veterinarian, those should go in the kit as well. You can get dog medication at our veterinary clinic in New Hamburg for your emergency kit.
3. Collapsible Food Bowls and Pet Treats
Collapsible food bowls for pets are readily available. They won’t take up much space and will be extremely useful when your pet is hungry or wants water. You can also keep small treats handy to cheer up your furry friend if she’s hurt or during treatment.
4. Extra Muzzle and Leash
When animals are in pain, they will struggle and may even bite – yes, even the most well-trained ones can exhibit such behaviors. To avoid any accidents, keep a soft muzzle in your kit to protect yourself, others, and even your pet. It is also a good idea to have an extra leash on hand to help hold down your pet or replace a leash that may have snapped in an accident.
5. Medical Care Box
In an emergency situation where you have to attend to your pet’s wounds, you will need some essentials to help:
- Antiseptic to clean the wound
- Cotton balls to apply medicine to wounds and clean them
- Gauze to wrap up wounds, absorb any discharge, and control bleeding
- Tape to hold the gauze and other first-aid materials in place
- Scissors to cut gauze and tape or anything else at the moment
- Disposable gloves to protect you in case things get messy and also your dog from infection
- Tweezers to pull out any foreign object lodged in your pet
6. Pet Safety Handbook
A small handbook on dealing with pet emergencies is a very good item to add to your emergency kit. You can use it to get a quick reference for any situations that may arise. Being equipped with a basic manual can go a long way in emergencies by saving your pet’s life or comforting them when they’re in pain.
Veterinary Clinic in New Hamburg
While having a first aid kit is extremely helpful, you will need to visit the nearest animal hospital when the situation seems serious or if you’re unsure about what to do. If you’re in the area, you can contact our animal hospital in New Hamburg for any pet-related emergencies, and we will help your furry friend be up and about in no time.
