What should a pet owner’s first aid kit contain?
Short Answer: Our pets are both our friends and family, and the last thing we want is to see them get hurt. But being the energetic and inquisitive creatures that they are, there is always the possibility of them getting hurt, and having a dedicated pet first aid kit can make all the difference. A well-stocked pet first aid kit should be able to quickly and confidently respond to any medical emergency our animal companion might encounter.
As such, a pet owner’s first aid kit must include:
● Basic medical supplies
● Cleaning and disinfecting agents
● Medication
● Comfort and emergency items
Must-Have Items in a Pet First Aid Kit
Much like humans, our pets can also face sudden injuries and health issues occasionally, and a fully stocked and well-prepared first aid kit can help with an immediate response until you can get your animal friend to a vet. As such, the must-haves of a pet first aid kit are:
Basic Medical Supplies
● Gauze pads and rolls
● Adhesive tapes/self-adhesive bandages
● Cotton balls and swabs
Cleaning and disinfecting agents
● Antiseptic wipes or solutions
● Disposable Gloves
● Saline solution
Medication
● Hydrogen peroxide (3%)
● Flea and tick treatment
● Worming tablets
Comfort and emergency items
● Blanket or towel
● Digital thermometer
● Pet nail clipper
● Tick removal tool
● Muzzle or soft restraint
● Instant cold packs
● Tweezers
● Scissors with blunt ends
At the same time, we also recommend that you carry with you your pet’s medical records, photographs, and some treats. These will come in handy if you are bringing your pet to a new vet, if your pet has gotten lost, or to calm them down during stressful situations. Furthermore, it is essential to note that additional items may need to be included, depending on the type of pet animal (e.g., dog, cat, bird).
How to Treat Common Pet Emergencies
When a pet is in an emergency, it not only causes them pain but also fear and confusion. Therefore, to protect you, your pet, and anyone else around you, you must:
● Avoid any attempt to hug your injured pet.
● Keep your face away from your pet’s face.
● Apply a towel or soft muzzle if the pet threatens to bite.
● If possible, ask the people around you to help move your pet.
The above-mentioned steps will apply to any sort of pet emergency. However, keep in mind that if your pet is suffering from any breathing difficulties, applying the muzzle or a soft towel may not be the most appropriate course of action.
Severe bleeding
● Apply a sterile gauze over the wound and apply direct pressure for about 3-5 minutes.
● Add extra gauze layers if the blood soaks through.
● Elevate the injured area from the rest of the body if it is safe and possible.
● Take your pet to the closest veterinary clinic or hospital.
Choking/Airway obstructions
● If possible to do without injury, open your pet's mouth and look for signs of any foreign object.
● If the object is visible, try and remove it slowly using your fingers or tweezers. Do not do any blind sweeps across the mouth cavity.
● If your pet is not breathing, perform CPR and give rescue breaths.
● If trained, apply the Heimlich manoeuvre, applying the appropriate pressure based on the size of the pet.
Heatstroke
● Look out for signs of heatstroke. Some of the key indicators are heavy panting/rapid breathing, excessive drooling, drowsiness, confusion, and dry or sticky gums.
● If your pet is under direct sunlight, take them to a shaded or indoor area to begin the cooling process.
● If you are close to a fan or AC, use the direct airflow to help cool them down.
● Place towels wetted with room temperature water on your pet’s neck, armpits, and groyne areas. Repeat this process for several minutes.
● Offer slow sips of water; do not force them to drink large quantities.
● Use a thermometer to measure the change in temperature.
Suspected poisoning
● Check the product label for instructions on how to address the exposure to the product. (E.g., if the label instructs you to wash the skin with soap and water, then make sure to wash only the skin. Make sure it does not go into their eyes, nose, or mouth.)
● Contact a vet to receive instructions on any other treatment that can be done (if ingested, the proper way to use hydrogen peroxide), and take your pet to the nearest hospital.
Fractures/Sprains
● Gently lay your pet on a flat surface.
● If there is a risk of biting, cover the face with a muzzle.
● Firmly secure and limit the movement of the injured limb
● Apply a cold pack wrapped in cloth over the injured area.
● Apply a splint, but do not do it tightly.
● While transporting the pet to the vet, keep them confined to a small area to reduce the risk of additional injury.
Snake bites
● Keep your pet still and calm. If there is a risk of bites, cover their face with a muzzle.
● Remove any collars or attachments close to the bite area to reduce the risk of swelling.
● Do not cut, suck, or ice blood from the bite area.
● Immediately take your pet to a veterinary hospital for a dose of antivenom.
How Pet First Aid Kits Differ from Human Kits
At first glance, pet first aid kits can look similar to human first aid kits. But take a closer look, and you will notice some significant differences. Some of the key differentiators include:
● Pet-specific medications – certain human medications do not have any effect on pet maladies or can be toxic to them. For example, a standard paracetamol dose for human adults is 500 mg - 1 g. However, a 150 mg/kg dose of paracetamol is deadly for dogs.
● Specialised tools for animals – Instruments such as blunt-end scissors, rectal thermometers, and tick and flea combs, while common in pet first aid kits, are not featured in any human first aid kit.
● Bandages and dressings designed for fur – Pet first aid kits contain larger and longer gauze pads and self-adhesive bandages that do not stick to fur.
Best Kits Available for Pet Owners
As any pet parent would tell you, they would do everything possible to keep their fur babies safe. To do so, you need the best of the best, and that is what SURVIVAL offers. Our pet first aid kits are crafted in collaboration with veterinarians and have everything you need. From treats to tools, you can keep having your adventures knowing that we have got your back.
Related Questions
Q: Can I use my human first aid kit for my pet?
No, you should not use human first aid kit items on your pet. Certain human medications (paracetamol, ibuprofen, and aspirin) are toxic to pets, and human adhesive bandages can stick to your pet's fur. Pet first aid kits contain supplies and medications that are specifically created to address pet-related emergencies.
Q: How often should I update my pet first aid kit?
Similar to human first aid kits, regular inspection of your pet's first aid kit is important as well. Make sure to do a routine inspection of the kits every 6-12 months and replace any used or expired items.
Conclusion
Your pet is a part of your family and will trust you for safety and care, especially during an emergency. Having a well-stocked and ready-to-use pet first aid kit will give you the peace of mind to calmly respond to any emergency and give your pet the best chance at recovery.
That’s where SURVIVAL pet first aid kits come into play. We’ve partnered with veterinarians to design a kit that can be trusted by pet owners all over the world. Our kits are the ultimate sidekick for your walks with your four-legged pals, ensuring you have everything you need at a paw’s reach.