Protecting Your Pet in an Emergency

We all love our furry friends and work hard to keep them from harm, but would we be prepared in an emergency situation? Most people have first aid kits in their home, office and cars for themselves and their family members. But not every pet owner has an essential first aid kit for their pets. North Shore Animal League America would like to help you assemble your own pet first aid kit so that you can be ready if an emergency occurs. You can buy kits that are pre-assembled or assemble your own and keep them in different locations so that you are prepared at all times in all places. We recommend keeping one kit at home and one kit in the car and wherever else your pet spends time: the office, a relative or friend's home, etc. Here is what every basic first aid kit should contain.

** Please make sure to always read directions and warnings before applying any medications to your pet. **

Pet First Aid Kit Essentials:

• Phone number and addresses: Veterinarian, Emergency Vet, Poison Control;
• A basic pet first aid book;
• Photocopies of your pet's paperwork: Important medical records, vaccinations, etc;
• Medical Gloves: To protect hands and prevent contamination;
• Scissors: To cut gauze or the animal's hair;
• Bottled water;
• A mild antibacterial soap: To clean skin and wounds;
• Paper towels;
• Gauze Pads: For wounds;
• Gauze Rolls: For wounds and can also be used as a temporary muzzle;
• Alcohol Prep Pads: To sterilize equipment - NOT for use on wounds;
• Self-adhesive bandages: Flexible bandage used to wrap and stabilize injuries. (Do not wrap too tightly);
• A large cloth towel: To wrap animal in;
• Iodine Ointment: For burns, cuts and abrasions;
• Eyewash: Like contact lens solution or water in a squeeze bottle to gently but thoroughly flush out wounds and eyes;
• Triple Antibiotic Ointment: For cuts and abrasions (never for eyes);
• Cotton swabs
• Tweezers: For the removal of foreign objects from skin and paws; and Special tick tweezers: For the proper removal of ticks.
  
  

  Related Information Want more free health and fitness tips for your pet? North Shore Animal League America's on-site vets and trainers offer free advice and training tips. Sign up for E-tails, our e-newsletter and get the latest delivered right to your inbox!