Pet First Aid Kits

Yesterday, we had a minor first aid emergency. It wasn't one of us humans, but rather when we were trimming the Grumpy Princess's nails, we trimmed a little too far. Within two minutes it looked like a murder scene in my kitchen. I wish I could say I was exaggerating on this one, but her little nail was like Old Faithful. She bled for over an hour, and pretty much all the tricks we had didn't work. We have a pet first aid kit, but it was in the car (since they travel with us so much). Since many of the items in a pet first aid kit are the same as a human first aid kit, I just figured we could always use our supplies if needed.

Have you checked your first aid supplies recently? If you need to take care of a gushing wound for yourself - or your pet - do you understand how much gauze and other supplies you would go through in just five minutes waiting for an ambulance to arrive? Or while trying to make the trip to the ER? I was amazed at what we went through just for this small wound on a dog! You really need to have a separate emergency kit for your pet - and place it where you can easily get to it. I wasted precious time digging though our kit because for some reason, DH had put the gauze in a different kit than the tape and other supplies were. (Don't ask... and yes, it's been fixed now)


Here's a rundown on the supplies you should have in your pet's first aid kit:

*antibiotic ointment and wound disinfectant
*antidiarrheal medicine (example: Kaopectate - but ask your vet first)
*bandage tape (several rolls - it can be hard to put on a moving pet!)
*copy of your dog’s license, physical description, recent photo and microchip id number if they have one
*copy of your dog’s medical and vaccine records
*cotton balls
*cotton swabs
*elastic bandage
*eye wash solution
*hydro cortisone ointment
*hydrogen peroxide
*tourniquet cloth (can be used as a muzzle in dire emergency)
*rectal baby thermometer
*Pedialyte (it really works for quickly rehydrating a pet)
*rounded-tip scissors
*sterile gauze pads; multiple sizes and preferably at least a dozen
*tweezers
*Stop quick/Styptic Pencil
*vinyl exam gloves
*instant cold pack
*hand sanitizer (this is more for you)
*two towels or blankets (one for keeping your dog warm and one to use for transporting your dog)
*vet and 24-hour vet contact information, plus poison control hotline number inside a waterproof bag

And if you live in an area prone to snakes, consider adding a snake bit kit. Just speak with your vet on your next visit, or give them a call. Here's a link to a Holistic Snake Kit, but I have no experience with trying it, so use this at your own risk.

You can use a small separate CLEAR Rubbermaid tote, and be sure to label it. I like the ones that have the handles built into the lid, so you can easily grab it and take it with you if you are traveling, or need to evacuate for a hurricane or other natural disaster. If you have larger dogs - over 50 pounds - double up on items such as the cotton balls and gauze.

I still need to restock a few things, but I'll share pictures when the new kit is all done.