A pet first aid kit allows you to quickly render aid to your pet when they have a minor wound, injury, allergic reaction, or illness. You can also use it to provide emergency care to your pet that will stabilize them until you can reach an animal emergency clinic in Humble, TX. Your first aid kit should be well-stocked, customized to your pet’s breed, size, and age, and kept in a place that is easy to reach. Here are some things you should include in a pet first aid kit for a cat, dog, bird, or small animal.
What to Include in an Emergency First Aid Kit for Your Pet
Regardless of what type of pet you have, your first aid kit should include contact information for your veterinarian, the closest veterinary hospital, and animal poison control. You should also include copies of your pet’s medical history, vaccination records, and licensing and microchip information. It should also include a travel carrier, blanket, and food and water bowls. The supplies you need to have in your kit include:
- Gauze and bandages
- Vet wrap or self-adhering bandages
- Medical tape
- Cotton balls and swabs
- Styptic powder
- Sterile saline solution
- Alcohol-free antiseptic wipes
- Antibiotic ointment or spray
- 3% hydrogen peroxide solution
- Milk of magnesia or activated charcoal
- Benadryl
- Tweezers
- Oral syringes or eyedroppers
- Blunt-ended scissors
- Penlight
- Disposable gloves
If you have a bird or small animal, your kit should include an instant cold pack, a heating pad or hot water bottle, hemostats, a cage or carrier cover, liquid vitamin C, and a magnifying glass. For cats or dogs, include a collar, leash, harness, soft muzzle, and their favorite treats.
How to Administer Emergency First Aid to Your Pet
First, check your pet’s airway for signs of obstruction. Check their ears, eyes, nose, and mouth for signs of distress, blockages, injuries, or symptoms. If your pet is bleeding, use sterile gauze or clean towels to stop the bleeding. For minor wounds, clean them with wound wash and apply antibiotic ointment. For major wounds, keep applying pressure on the way to the emergency animal hospital. If your pet has a major injury or wound, stabilize them for transport using a harness, blanket, or board.
Warning Signs That Your Pet Needs to Go to an Animal Hospital
If your pet exhibits any of these warning signs, take them to the closest animal hospital immediately:
- Trouble breathing or signs of respiratory distress
- Excessive panting, drooling, or thirst
- Refusal to eat or drink
- Inability to urinate or defecate
- Blood in the urine or stool
- Excessive or uncontrollable vomiting or diarrhea
- Injuries or wounds
- Bleeding
- Swelling or inflammation
- Abscesses, pus, or signs of infection
- Blue gums, tongue, or lips
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
- Confusion or disorientation
- Signs of pain or discomfort
- Injuries due to an animal fight or attack
- Injuries from a car accident or abuse
- Fractures or broken bones
- Paralysis or inability to walk
- A bloated or swollen abdomen
At Animal Emergency Clinic North East, we offer 24/7 emergency pet services in Humble, TX. We specialize in pet emergency care, laboratory and diagnostic services, electrocardiogram monitoring, radiology, oxygen therapy, medical and intensive care services, and surgical services. We will act quickly to triage your pet and get them the care they need. Come in right away for emergency pet care, or call us now to let us know you’re on your way.