Pet First Aid Kit

You may not think that you pet will get hurt, but you just never know. And, you certainly don't know what he could get into.

With cats and dogs, you just can't watch them, all the time.

• There are snakes and spiders that could harm your pet.
• Various plants and foods, that you may not be aware of.
• Broken glass, nails, or any sharp objects.

You beloved family member can get seriously hurt in the everyday world, so that's why it's important to always have a few items on hand.

You do want to consider the following safety tips when taking into consideration the welfare of any pet:

• Always approach a sick or injured animal slowly and cautiously.
• Watch the animals body movements as well as the sounds your pet makes, warning you- even a pet who has never shown signs of aggression, can become so when in pain or frightened.
• Do not make quick, jerky, or loud movements, as they may further scare your animal.
• When necessary, use towels or blankets to subdue smaller pets.
• Keep the phone number and address of your veterinarian in a convenient, easy to remember and get to, location.
• Have the phone number and address of an after-hours veterinary clinic on hand just in case your pet emergency is when you normal vet is closed. If possible, try to call ahead to let them know you'll be coming.

If you don't want to go out and purchase a pre-made pet first aid kit, you can always make your own. Making your own first aid kit for you pet will allow you to personalize the kit for your pet.

For example, some pets may have an allergy that requires a shot, so you may want to have an extra shot on hand.

Be sure to include some of the following items:

• Thermometer.
• Tweezers.
• Sterile lubrication.
• Leash.
• Gauze bandages of various sizes.
• Vinyl gloves.
• Conforming gauze roll bandage.
• Trauma pad.
• Cohesive bandage wrap.
• Burn relief gel pack.
• Insect sting relief pads.
• Antiseptic cleansing wipes.
• Eye wash.
• Hydrogen peroxide.
• Cotton tipped applicators.
• First aid tape.
• Antibiotic ointment.
• Scissors.
• Syringes.
• Heat pad.
• Cool pack.
• Elizabethan collar.

Remember that although there are many human medicines that are pet friendly, you always want to check with you vet before self-medicating you pet.

• Asprin: anti- inflammatory
• Benadryl (Children's)- Antihistamine
• Betadine solution (povidone-iodine): Topical antiseptic
• Charcoal: Binds stomach poisons
• Chlorhexidine solution (Nolvasan): Topical antiseptic
• Dramamine: Motion sickness
• Hydrogen Peroxide (3%): Induce vomitting
• Kaopectate: Persistent diarrhea
• Milk of Magnesia: Antacid, laxative
• Mineral oil: Lubricant, laxative
• Pepto- Bismol: Diarrhea
• Robitussin: Expectorant
• Robitussin DM (or Benylin Expextorant): Cough suppressant
• Tylenol: Fever reducer, analgesic

I stress, that you call you veterinarian, or an after- hours veterinary practice for proper dosage and instructions. You do not want to overdose your dog.