Pet First Aid Kit

[ramanth]

Cincy'sMom and I attended a Pet First Aid Class in February. After Kia's butt 'exploded' , 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.

[Cinder & Smoke]

Another very handy thing is something to use as a Stretcher or Litter -
sized to carry your largest Pet.

One thing that I once used to carry a dog overcome by smoke in a house
fire was the owner's Fireplace LOG Carrier.

I dumped out the logs sitting in/on it, rolled Fido onto it -
and managed to carry a rather large (50-60#) dog outside to fresh air.
(A *sniff* of Oxygen from the Medics, and Fido was fine!)

Best type is one made from Canvas -
with either sew-in handle loops or short wooden handles.

Roll or place the dog in the center,
gather up the two side handles, and - presto - instant Dawg Stretcher.

If it's a BIG Dawg - Two People can each carry one handle from opposite
sides. Lot less tiring than trying to cradle a heavy dog in you arms.

Good item to carry in you car trunk - you KNOW where it is,
and handy if you're out in the boonies when a Pet gets injured.



From www.Sheridentent.com


from www.Reddingcanvas.bigstep.com


from www.valuebuy.net

You get the idea - check at a local Fireplace Shop or Home Center.

And hope you never have to use it!

[ramanth]

Oh! Thanks Phred! I'll look into that.

[*LabLoverKEB*]

I have a first aid kit for Sadie, and I will be adding al the things that you put on your list! Have a few questions:

What are these things, and what do they do?

Epsom salts

Non-adherent sterile pads. These pads make excellent dressings and can be purchased in most pharmacies.

Glucose paste or corn syrup

Thanks! I just don't want to have these things, and don't know how to use them!

[ramanth]

Originally posted by *LabLoverKEB*
I have a first aid kit for Sadie, and I will be adding al the things that you put on your list! Have a few questions:

What are these things, and what do they do?

Epsom salts

13 Wonderful Ways to use Epsom Salts

Soak Sprains and Bruises: Epsom Salt will reduce the swelling of sprains and bruises. Add 2 cups Epsom Salt to a warm bath, and soak.

Splinter Remover: Soak in Epsom Salt, it will draw out the splinter.

Non-adherent sterile pads. These pads make excellent dressings and can be purchased in most pharmacies.

This is a pad that is non sticky. You'd put it on your pet to cover a bad cut, gash, puncture wound, ect.

Here's a picture: http://shop.store.yahoo.com/mednet-s...edadnondr.html

Glucose paste or corn syrup

Good for diabetic pets! You rub the paste or syrup on their gums when they are experiencing low blood sugar levels.

Hope that helps!