Despite the number of accidents our dogs have had, we don’t have an emergency pet first aid kit. Well, that has changed, thanks to PetSmart, who have us a jump start by sending us a cool container and inspiring me to complete our first aid kit.
When I started putting together our emergency pet first aid kit, I didn’t bother following the list, because I know what needs to go in there… but then I realized that I so didn’t and I’d already recycled all the lovely instructions PetSmart sent to me – yeah, Fur Mom Confession? I don’t read instructions that are more than two paragraphs. The one and only reason I kind of miss my ex-husband.
Pet Finder shared a great list and I got to work…
- Batteries
- A Flashlight
- Cotton balls and swabs
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Sterile gauze pads and bandages
- First aid tape
- Antibacterial ointment
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Rubbing alcohol
- Antiseptic wipes
- A muzzle
- A leash
- A splint
- Styptic powder to stop bleeding
- Pepto Bismol
- Prescription medications (for you and your pets)
- Sterile latex gloves
- Eye wash
- A book on human and pet first aid
- Mineral oil
- Buffered aspirin
- Benadryl
- A blanket
- A large bottle of water
- Self-activating hot pack
- Self-activating ice pack
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Copies of veterinary documents
- Thermometer
I recently discovered an amazing article by Carol Bryant who writes Fidose of Reality; she shared some things that we may not have thought to add to our pet first aid kit – it’s brilliant and I’ll be heading back to the store.
You may never crack open your emergency pet first aid kit, but it’s nice to have. We don’t have natural disasters where I live (knock on wood). We barely even have a snow day unless I take it (as a vacation day). But Rodrigo was bitten by a coyote and a dog fight sent him to the vet earlier this year. Both Sydney and Rodrigo were stung by bees when they dug up a hive. And Blue’s day is coming. Now that we have all of our supplies in one place, it’s comforting to know that we’re prepared for whatever our dogs toss our way.
Use the above list to create your own emergency pet first aid kit. You can pick up a container at a local store, hobby store, or Target (pronounced Tar-gey). Or you can save yourself some time and invest in one of the following…
- Lixit First Aid Kit for Dogs and Pets
- Pet First Aid Kit, Large – 50 Pieces
The post PetSmart Encourages Us to Create an Emergency Pet First Aid Kit appeared first on Keep the Tail Wagging, An Online Magazine for Dog Lovers.
Please visit my web site at Pet Portraits by Deena and see the many portraits I have painted. 10% of proceeds goes to support CorgiAid.