Just like humans, pets should also carry first aid kits specifically tailored to their species. These should include items which address any medical emergencies which arise.
An accurate pet-safe thermometer is an invaluable addition to any first aid kit, helping ensure that your canine remains warm during cold weather and also helping ensure they don’t become overheated.
Make a List
Create your own first aid kit when traveling with your canine is an essential step, particularly on hiking and camping trips. Being prepared can mean the difference between life and death for your pet – which may require prompt treatment in case something arises while hiking or camping. While you might be tempted to buy pre-made kits from pet stores, creating your own tailored specifically to your canine can save you both time and money in terms of familiarizing with all its items inside as well as customizing it to their lifestyle and needs.
Start by compiling a list of supplies needed for an emergency first aid kit for your pet. This will allow you to ensure everything necessary is included and double check that no items have expired or been used up. Store it all in an easily identifiable waterproof container like one with brightly colored labels so that when needed it will be easily located by any family members or pets who might require access.
Be sure to include medications your dog takes regularly when creating his/her first aid kit, such as flea and tick treatments, prescription or over-the-counter meds and any necessary charts so you can easily keep track of his dosages.
Your pet first aid kit must also include a medical guide. This resource can come in handy when administering medication correctly and understanding symptoms to look out for. There are many specific pet guides on the market as well as more general first-aid books with detailed information on injuries and illnesses.
Make sure your pet’s emergency first aid kit contains copies of its medical documents and vaccination records, along with contact info for vets or emergency services in case it needs attention during a trip. Incorporating copies of its microchip information could increase its chance of reuniting your lost pup with you more easily if they get separated during travel.
Check with Your Vet
Just like their human counterparts, dogs and other pets may experience illnesses or injuries when away from home. While human first aid kits contain useful supplies that could aid recovery faster and more thoroughly for each species of pet, specialized pet medical kits offer better assistance when helping your animal recover faster.
An essential first aid kit for pet care should include basic items like bandages, ointments and gauze; along with items specific to animal care. Stabilization tools will be needed if an injury prevents your pet from moving on its own; such as splints for broken limbs and blankets two people can hold together. A thermometer should also be kept handy.
Due to dehydration’s danger for both people and animals, having access to water bottles in any emergency situation for your pet is critical. Also consider stockpiling several days’ worth of food and water should you need to evacuate due to natural disaster. Lastly, ensure you have an alternate collar/leash available just in case the original one gets lost or damaged in any way.
Disposable gloves are an invaluable addition to your pet’s first aid kit, protecting your hands from germs while cleaning wounds or restraint your pet. Scissors will come in handy when cutting away objects trapped under your pet’s skin while medical tape helps secure dressings. Be sure to include a slip leash in this emergency first aid kit too, to keep them from wandering off too easily!
If your pet requires specific diet, prescription medication or ongoing therapies, or ongoing therapies it would be prudent to include an extra supply in their emergency kit with their expiration dates clearly noted. You should also include copies of their medical records. If they’re microchipped be sure it’s registered with an appropriate database should they become lost or separated from family.
Stock Up
Assembling all the essential supplies will prepare you to address any injuries your pet might incur on an outing, no matter where that may take place. Depending on where your adventure takes you, certain items specific to it might also need to be brought along; for example, hiking/camping trips require different level of preparedness than beach holidays with your pup.
Your first aid kit should contain tweezers for use in clearing away debris or foreign objects from wounds, bandage scissors and medical tape, which may be beneficial in securing dressings as well as cutting through leashes or ropes if your pet becomes caught somewhere, and even bandage cutters if they get stuck somewhere.
If you are taking your pet somewhere new where the vet may not know them well, it’s wise to bring along copies of their medical records. This can help them gain an accurate history on them as well as confirm if they are microchipped or registered with any databases. In addition, keep current photos handy so you can quickly identify them if they become lost.
An emergency towel or blanket will come in handy for drying and warming a pet who has become sick or injured, serving both as stretcher or wrap. A digital thermometer with quick reading capabilities should also be included as should a small tube of water-based lubricating jelly, which will keep bandages and supplies in place.
A splint may be essential if your pet becomes injured or trapped and cannot be moved by itself, and cannot be moved by you alone. A simple nylon slip-leash or fabric strip could serve as the basis of a splint. Furthermore, muzzling should also be considered since your pet could bite in order to defend themselves or you.
Pack It Up
An essential tool for pet owners of all kinds, no matter their location or frequency of travel is a first aid kit for pets. Constructing one doesn’t have to be complex – you likely already have many of the items needed at home or garage! Once assembled, your first aid kit will give you confidence when traveling with your furry companion!
Make sure your pet is up-to-date on its vaccinations. If traveling to a new destination, speak with your veterinarian about what additional vaccines or health precautions might be needed based on this new location.
At the core of any first aid kit should be bandages, gauze pads and rolls, cotton swabs, instant cold pack, thermometer and hydrogen peroxide. You may also wish to consider including plastic gloves, scissors, mild pet sedatives and an emergency contact list of the nearest animal hospital or vet clinic where you’ll be visiting.
Another important addition to any kit for outdoor or hiking excursions with your pet should be a water bottle; pets can quickly become dehydrated in hot climates. You should also include a soft muzzle as even sweet-natured pets can bite when injured and stressed out; additionally, having a towel available that can clean wounds or act as a sleeping spot may come in handy as well.
Finally, make sure your pet is microchipped and that their information is current on the microchip database. This will increase your chances of finding them should they get lost during your travels.
Not to be forgotten is including some treats in your pet’s travel bag! Treats will help them remain relaxed and entertained on their journey, plus serve as rewards if your pup or kitty follows directions and remains on a leash – particularly helpful if your animal suffers from anxiety during long car rides or needs to spend extended amounts of time inside a carrier during an activity.