A well-stocked basic first-aid kit is a necessity in every home. Red cross has provided a suggested list of items, that in an event, may be lifesaving to your beloved pet. Have this kit in the house and fully stocked with supplies at all times, next to the first aid kit for your family. Many of the items in a family first aid kit can be used for pets, too.
The first-aid kit should be kept in and easy to reach place. Make sure that everyone in your family knows where the kit can be found. And make sure that if ever used, the kit is always replenished and put back. The last thing on any pet parent's mind when dealing with an emergency is to finding the first aid kit.
Suggested supplies for your pet's kit along with information on how to use them:
- Kit: A large re-sealable Tupperware container, tackle box, or anything that you see fit to use as your kit.
- Pet Emergency Information: A card with the phone number and a map to your veterinarian’s clinic, the phone number and map to the nearest 24 hour emergency veterinarian clinic, and the phone number to a 24 hour pet poison control center.
- Thermometer and Vaseline: To use the thermometer apply a small amount of Vaseline, and place the thermometer in the pet’s rectum. The normal temperature for dogs is between 100.0 – 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. The normal temperature for cats is between 101.5 – 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Not that the t hermometer should be almost clean when removed. Abnormalities are indicated by blood, diarrhea, or black, tarry stool.
- Hydrogen Peroxide and a plastic syringe: hydrogen peroxide is an emetic which induces vomiting. Only use this emetic when warranted, such as if a veterinarian or poison control center tells you to immediately administer it. Purchase a syringe from a pharmacy or a veterinarian that is the right size for your pets. Dogs and cats should receive 5 – 25 cc’s of hydrogen peroxide (orally) for every 10 pounds of weight. If vomiting does not occur in 15 minutes repeat the dose.
- Muzzle: a muzzle may be needed in an emergency to help restrain your animal if it becomes aggressive due to shock and pain.
- Dogs--Muzzles Speak and move calmly and quietly. Have someone restrain the dog with a leash. Approach dog from the side and behind its head; do not attempt to put muzzle on from the front. Quickly slip a nylon or wire cage muzzle over nose, secure snugly behind ears. If a muzzle is not available, you can make one from a strip of gauze, rag, necktie, belt or rope about 3 feet long. Make a large loop in the center. Quickly slip loop over dog's nose. Bring ends under chin. Tie snugly behind ears.
- Cats--Muzzles Speak and move calmly and quietly. Have someone restrain the cat by holding the scruff of its neck firmly. This does not hurt the cat; it just prevents him/her from moving. Working from behind the cat, quickly slip a nylon muzzle over the cat's face. The muzzle will cover most of his/her face, including the eyes. Secure snugly behind head. If you are alone, scruff the cat with one hand and put the muzzle over the cat's face with the other. Slide both hands along muzzle straps and secure behind the head. If a muzzle is not available, one can be made with a rag or a strip of gauze. Make sure that it is carefully placed around the cat's mouth and securely fastened, as cats can escape from these temporary muzzles.
- Karo Syrup: If hypoglycemia is suspected (a condition that can occur in diabetic pets and in small dogs with low blood sugar), Karo Syrup can be rubbed in the pet’s gums to help increase blood sugar levels. Tip: when karo syrup isn't in sight, you may use honey or maple syrup. This has saved my hypoglycemic animal more than a dozen times when her blood sugar dropped.
- Medical bandages, gauze, or used cloth: in the event of bleeding emergencies, these materials can be used to apply pressure to the bleeding areas. These materials may also be used to stabilize an injured limb. Try to pack the emergency kit with enough materials to suit the size of your pet.
For more information or to order your copy of "Pet First Aid", visit The American Red Cross.
by Local Green Circle, October 2009