How do you build your own First Aid Kit for those unexpected injuries? Although the contents for a First Aid Kit are somewhat similar, cats and dogs tend to experience different types of injuries largely because their mischievous behaviour is quite different. Here are some tips on how to build your own First Aid Kit to keep close by for those unexpected emergencies.
Creating a First Aid Kit for Your Cat
Most feline-related medical issues should be handled by a veterinarian. However, minor problems can be dealt with at home and some major problems can be stabilized before transport to a veterinarian's office using the following equipment. Place all of these items in one container (a small, plastic toolbox is ideal) and position it someplace easily accessible. Include the name and phone number of your veterinarian, along with the phone number of the nearest animal emergency clinic.
- Roll cotton and cotton balls
- Gauze pads and gauze tape
- Heavy gloves
- Scissors
- Eyewash
- Oral syringes
- Large towel
- Exam gloves
- Surgical tape
- Ice pack
- 3-percent hydrogen peroxide
- Thermometer (preferably digital)
What Should Be in Your Dog First Aid Kit?
At a minimum, your dog first aid kit should contain the following:
- Gauze sponges
- Roll gauze and adhesive tape - vet wrap is best as it sticks to itself but not your dog's skin or fur.
- Custom splints
- Latex gloves to wear while treating wounds
- Dog’s paperwork - including their health record, medications, immunizations, emergency clinic hours and contact information, your veterinarian's hours and contact information, and local and national poison control numbers.
- Iodine swabs
- Generic Benadryl tablets (for allergies) - consult with your vet before using
- Styptic powder or pencil
- Ear syringe
- Eye wash or saline solution
- Small flashlight
This is a condensed list of the essential first aid needs for your dog. Again, it is best to work together with your veterinarian to make sure that you have everything you might need to treat your dog's particular health needs.
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