Cincy'sMom and I attended a Pet First Aid Class in February. After Kia's butt 'exploded' :eek: , someone asked if we could post what should be in a Pet First Aid Kit. Granted, some of these items would be in a normal First Aid Kit, but I'll list everything the books suggests, as well as what the instructor added. :)
Latex gloves.
Gauze sponges (available at most pharmacies). A variety of sizes, both large and small, are best to keep on hand.
Roll gauze, 2 - inch width.
Roll bandages, such as gauze wrap that stretches and clings. These are available at pharmacies, pet stores, and through pet catalogs.
Material to make a splint. This can include pieces of wood, newspaper and sticks.
Adhesive tape, hypo-allergenic.
Non-adherent sterile pads. These pads make excellent dressings and can be purchased in most pharmacies.
Small scissors.
Grooming clippers (available in pet stores and pet catalogs) or a safety razor
Nylon leash (at least one).
Towel
Muzzle. A cage muzzle is ideal, but a soft collapsible one may be more convenient to carry. Get one you already know fits your pet. If you do not want to purchase one, at least have plenty of roll guaze available to use as a make-shift muzzle.
Compact thermal blanket. These may be purchased in some pharmacies; they are also frequently found in sporting good stores and catalogs. If you cannot get a thermal blanket, have a regular blanket available.
Pediactric rectal thermometer (may be digital).
Water-based sterile lubricant (washes off easily).
Three percent hydrogen peroxide (this will have an expiration date).
Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl).
Over-the-counter topical anitbiotic ointment.
Epsom salts.
Baby dose syringe or eye dropper (non-glass). These are available at pharmacies or in the baby section of most grocery stores.
Sterile eye lubricant.
Sterile saline eye wash.
Diphenhydramine, appropriate dosage for your pet's size, if approved by your veterinarian (se Doses: Diphenhydramine, page 25). This will have an expiration date).
Glucose paste or corn syrup.
Styptic powder or pencil. Pharmacies carry styptic pencils for use when people cut themselves shaving. Veterinary styptic products are sold at veterinary hospitals, pet supply stores and through catalogs.
Expired credit card to scrape away stingers.
A list of emergancy telephone numbers including your pet's veterinarian, an after-hours emergancy veterinary hospital and the National Animal Poison Control Center (1-800-548-2423 or 1-900-680-0000; see page 71).
Petroleum jelly.
Penlight.
Clean Cloth.
Needle-nose pliers.
What the teacher added:
Dry/canned dog food
Drinking water
medications
First Aid Book
Copy of pet's medical history
Tongue depressors
1x2x10 boards for splints
Collapsable food and water bowls
Tweezers
Manual can opener
Flashlight
Plastic baggie
Current photo of pet
Instant heat/cold packs
Cotton swabs
Some might seem a bit much, but she said that if you keep these items in a tote in your house, it can be handy in an emergancy where you might have to evacuate your home.
:)
