Have you ever thought about having a first aid kit for you pet? I must admit I have never had or thought of one. According to the American Animal Hospital Association, one in four pet deaths could have been prevented by the use of appropriate first-aid procedures. Twenty-five percent sounds high, but are you willing to be in that twenty-five percent?
Pet first-aid kits are available for purchase, but you can save a little money and make your own with items you probably already have on hand. Right now you can also take advantage of the back to school after sales and pick-up one of those large plastic pencil boxes for a dollar or less to use as your pet’s first-aid kit container.
Also, having your first-aid in a handy container allows you to pack it up with the rest of you luggage when you travel with your pet(s).
• A list of emergency phone numbers: veterinarian’s office(s) and emergency pet hospital. You can locate one in your area by visiting vetlocator. There is an Animal Poison Hotline at 888-232-8870. Using this hotline costs $35.00 per incident, and can be charged to your credit card.
• Cat first-aid and/or first-aid book(s), which is available through the Redcross.
• Muzzle that fits your pet. This is to keep from getting bit during treatment.
• Blunt-end scissors, nail clippers, tweezers, a syringe, and plenty of sterile bandages.
• Styptic powder to stop toenails from bleeding.
• Sterile eyewash and eye lubricant.
• Sterile water-based lubricant (i.e.: KY Jelly). Believe it or not this helps hold fur away from a wound.
• Penlight
• Container to hold your first-aid kit together.
• Medical or other items for your pet’s specific medical conditions.
About the author:
Teresa Harris is a Lake Norman Residential Real Estate Broker who can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in Lake Norman and surrounding counties. Please visit www.TeresaMHarris.com for your relocation and/or your local needs.
Teresa Harris - Holbrooks Real Estate, Inc. - 704-458-1807 - Teresa@TeresaMHarris.com
Copyright © 2008 By Teresa Harris, All Rights Reserved...*First Aid Kit for Your Pet*
Teresa - geez, I hadn't even thought about that, and we sure have pets! and we even have a extra pencil box. LOL. And I just realized there are groups for pet lovers on activerain... more groups to subscribe to :)
Great idea and information Teresa. I never thought to bring stuff like this when traveling with my dog. Thanks.
This is a good idea! Never thought of it. Good idea.
It sounds like most of the stuff I already have except for the muzzle. I like the fact you are making everyone aware of the need for it. My dogs have cut their pads on walks. So you know what will help if they get sprayed in the eyes by a skunk? My dogs eyes and nose foam up and they are miserable for a while.
Great idea . I had never thought of a first aid kit for pets. Thanks for the post.
Good idea Teresa! Some of the items I have .. but some I don't. KY keeps the fur away? Who'da thought! A guy around the corner just had his big pit mix get all his paws cut up accidently running through glass, so you never know!
Brian: Thanks for coming by! I have to be totally honest too... I never heard about first aid kits either. Great Idea though! Yes, there are several AR groups for people with pets... take care!
Paddy: Thanks for coming by too! We travel with our pets all the time, we pack the food, the treats, the shampoo, the crates, the toys, etc. but never a first aid kit!?!?!?! Take care.
Brittney: Thanks for stopping by! Dittos here too! Take care.
Melody: Thanks for stopping by too! Yes, it's really a lot of things that are normally around the house except for the muzzle. It is good though to have these things together and in one place too. I have no idea about the skunk issue. The only thing that I have heard is bathe in tomato juice but I don't know how you would handle their eyes. Take care!
Gita: Thanks for stopping by too!!! I have to say Dittos here too! Take care.
Sharon: Thanks for your comment! Gee, I bet that pup was really sore for awhile, and I bet that was a bloody mess too!?!?!?! Take care.
Teresa.. This is a great post. I would never have thought of this...wish I did, but I am glad you brought it to my attention. Thank you.
Many years ago I had a dog that just absolutely adored me, so much so that when I was in the process of leaving one day, Sugar jumped through the glass window to try to get to me outside. She wound up impaled on the glass hanging there in the window. I got her to a vet who was not able to save her, but he instructed me on how I could have stopped the bleeding if I would have had a first aid kit for animals. That was 15 years ago. I have ever since.
Now I just need to get an Natural Disaster kit ready for myself. LOL
Teresa, I was a vet tech for 8 years and have lived in Hurricane prone areas for 14 years, so I certainly understand the importance of a first aid kit for pets. Thanks for the post, most people wouldn't think about it. Another idea for acquiring the supplies...I went to my vet and told him I was preparing a kit. He gave me everything I would need, packed it up and sold it to me for cost. It was a great deal.
Where is Denver, NC. I am in Morehead City.
Valerie: Thank you so much for your comments!
Russel: I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Glad to know you have one now. Funny you said that about the Natural Disaster Kit, most of us do even think that far...
Amy: Thanks for your comments and the ideas too. Great idea about going to a vet to get the items. Hope everyone sees this...
Denver is 20 miles NW of Charlotte. Our area is also call Lake Norman.