When traveling with your pet, bringing along a pet first aid kit will enable you to provide basic care to your pet. Likewise, this basic first aid kit can also be used for minor injuries that happen at home. Keep the supplies stocked at all times and regularly check expiration dates to maintain the most current supplies.
Remember that injured and stressed pets, even our own beloved companions, can bite when trying to handle them to assess or treat wounds. Always protect yourself and others who may be present; it won’t be helpful if you also become injured along with your pet. Place your pet first aid kit near your own medical kit or in a common area so it can be quickly located.
Although most supplies can already be found around your home, there are commercial pet first aid kits available.
Supplies
- Your pet’s medical history including vaccinations, diagnoses, & medications.
- Primary veterinarian contact phone number
- Emergency veterinarian contact phone number
- Check ahead for local ER vets where you will be staying when traveling.
- Animal Poison Control 1-888-426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline 1-855-765-7661
- Pocket Guide or Basic First Aid Instructions
- Leash
- Tweezers
- Small scissors
- Oral syringe or turkey baster with measuring lines
- Gauze pads & roll
- Cotton balls/swabs
- White adhesive medical tape
- Stretch bandage
- Alcohol wipes
- Antiseptic spray or powder
- Styptic powder
- Saline solution
- Dish soap (preferably Dawn to cut grease)
- OTC triple antibiotic ointment
- Artificial tears
- Clean towel or washcloth
- Flashlight
- Ice pack
- Disposable gloves
- Thermometer & lubricant (such as KY Jelly)
- Soft muzzle – do not use if your pet is vomiting!
- A makeshift muzzle can be made from soft leashes or shirt sleeves.
- Loop the makeshift muzzle around the dog’s muzzle and knot it above the nose, then loop the ends under the ears and tie at the back of the neck.
Call your vet before using the following items:
- Plain diphenhydramine (Benadryl) with no other additives
- 3% Hydrogen Peroxide – do not use on wounds
Cautions:
-Abstain from using hydrogen peroxide on wounds – this can harm healthy tissue.
-Avoid trying to restrain or place anything in the mouths of pets having apparent seizures – provide soft cushioning around them and protect them from falling off surfaces while calling your vet.
-Do not place food or water in the mouths of unconscious animals or animals who are actively seizing or vomiting.
-Do not administer any medications without first consulting your vet.
Finally, always remember that any first aid administered to your pet should be followed by immediate veterinary care. First aid care is not a substitute for veterinary care, but it may save your pet’s life until it receives veterinary treatment.