Pet First Aid Awareness

Are you prepared if your pet gets suddenly sick or injured? Many dangers can present themselves in the changing seasons, and we want to remind pet parents to keep supplies on hand in case their animal experiences a sudden illness, injury, or poisoning. It’s easy to put together your own pet first aid kit. Hopefully, you will never need to use it, but if something happens you’ll be prepared.

Pet First Aid suggested supply list:

• Absorbent gauze pads
• Adhesive tape
• Alcohol wipes
• Artificial tear gel
• Cotton balls or cotton-tipped swabs
• Disposable gloves
• Extra towels and blankets
• Hydrogen peroxide (3%) for inducing vomiting (always contact your veterinarian or local poison control centre before inducing vomiting)
• Ice pack
• Muzzle for dogs who could bite while in pain or distress
• Saline solution for washing wounds
• Sterile eyewash
• Antibiotic ointment
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Tick remover
• Digital thermometer and water-based lubricant (must take a pet’s temperature rectally)
• Your pet’s vaccination records and medications
• Phone number, clinic name, address of your veterinarian, and local veterinary emergency clinics

A first aid kit is not a replacement for going to your vet but can help improve the outcome in an emergency. Another way to prepare for emergencies is to know the basics of CPR for pets. While the general idea is very similar to human CPR, there are a few differences. The Red Cross has step-by-step instructions to help you save your dog or cat’s life.