Preparing for Animal Emergencies: The First Aid Kit
My-Dog.info > Dog Health
Hopefully your pet will never have cause for emergency medical
treatment but it is important for all pet owners to be prepared
"just in case".
Here are some ways you can be prepared for potential
emergency situations:
1. Know what is normal for your pet and monitor your
pet’s health on a regular basis to check for and identify
any deviations from the norm.
2. Keep your veterinarian's phone number and the number of the
emergency clinic in your area in a location that all family
members can access easily.
3. Assemble a pet first aid kit suitable for home and travel.
Be sure to learn how to use the individual components.
4. Learn how to handle and transport a sick or injured pet.
5. Learn basic facts about conditions that might affect your
pet. For example, if you have a pregnant pet expecting a litter
at home, learn about normal birth versus difficult birth
[dystocia].
6. Do not administer any home remedies without first checking
with your veterinary health care team. Some common
over-the-counter drugs such as aspirin (ASA) and acetaminophen
can be toxic to pets.
7. Don’t panic.
How to assemble a basic first aid kit:
A first aid kit for a large dog will differ from a cat kit in
the sizes of the bandages and other items, but the basic
components are the same. Your veterinary healthcare team may have
a sample kit to show you, or a kit list they recommend so be sure
to check with them first.
Your pharmacy and veterinarian have all of the supplies you
will need. Select a storage container that allows you to organize
your supplies neatly. A fisherman's tackle box or tool organizer
will do. Keep the kit out of reach of children and check it
regularly for expired or depleted supplies.
Contents:
* Muzzle
* Protective gloves
* Digital / rectal thermometer
* Rubbing alcohol
* Lubricating jelly
* Hydrogen peroxide (3% strength)
* Antibacterial soap
* Sterile rinse solution (saline, used as wound flush or eyewash)
* Clean syringes (1 cc and 5 cc)
* Pen light
* Blanket for pet transport
* Q-tipsŪ
* Adhesive tape
* Gauze squares
* Gauze roll
* Stretchy bandage
* No-stick sterile wound dressing
* Cotton roll
* Splinting item (e.g., a coffee stir stick or tongue depressor
for small pets)
* Bandage scissors
* Tweezers
* First Aid ointment or cream
* Corn syrup
Reprinted with permission from www.animalhealthcare.ca
|
Save big on quality brand name pet meds and other pet supplies!
Pet Shed is the premier source for discount pet supplies on the Internet. Heartgard heartworm, Frontline Plus flea control, Advantage flea control, Revolution flea & heartworm, and many other pet medications.
| 
