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Putting Together the Best Pet First Aid Kit
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Author, Dorinne Whynott, Owner of Professional Pet Sitting Etc.
Every Scout knows it is best to be prepared, so every home with a pet should have a first aid kit on hand. There’s more to putting together the best first aid kit than just throwing stuff in a container; it takes forethought, research and, of course, care. And, if you’re like most people who get panicky when it comes to emergencies, instructions are as important as the kit itself, if not more so. Here are the steps you should take, and the items you should purchase, to ensure your pet first aid kit is first class!
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To be best prepared, consider taking the American Red Cross’ pet first aid course. Courses are available at American Red Cross locations and teach participants how to be prepared for emergencies that involve a cat or a dog, and how to protect themselves and the animal from further harm, injury or suffering during emergencies. The course teaches prompt, effective first aid actions and care. Cost is typically around $70; well worth it for the peace of mind you’ll get by knowing you can help not only your pet, but others, if the need arises.
As for the first aid kit itself, it should include:
- 3% hydrogen peroxide
- Absorbent compresses (or gauze sponges in a variety of sizes)
- Adhesive tape, hypo-allergenic
- Clean cloth
- Cold compress
- Compact thermal blanket
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl, only use with veterinarian’s guidance)
- Epsom salts (for making saline solutions)
- Glucose paste or corn syrup (if your dog is a diabeticor has low blood sugar)
- Grooming clippers
- Isopropyl rubbing alcohol
- Material to make a splint: household items like newspaper, sticks, and pieces of wood
- Muzzle: you can buy one or make your own with a roll of gauze
- Nail clippers
- Needle-nose pliers
- Non-adherent sterile gauze pads
- Non-latex, powder-free disposable gloves
- Nylon leash
- Pediatric dose syringe
- Petroleum jelly
- Rectal thermometer
- Roll bandages, such as 3-inch gauze wrap that stretches and clings
- Roll gauze: 2-inch width
- Small flashlight
- Small scissors (with a blunt end to prevent cutting skin)
- Small wire cutters
- Sterile eye lubricant
- Sterile saline eye wash
- Styptic powder
- Towel
- Triple antibiotic ointment
- Water-based sterile lubricant (like KY Jelly)
- If your pet has a specific medical need, ask your veterinarian what else you should include in the kit
A list of emergency phone numbers including your veterinarian, an after-hours emergency veterinary hospital and the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-426-4435) should be taped to the inside of the box as well.
All of these items are quite useful, but you need to know how and when to use them. If you opt against the pet first aid course, be certain to include a book or first aid guideline with your kit. The instructions are as important as the kit itself, if not more so.
Once your kit is complete, be sure to keep it in a readily accessible place and out of reach of your pet and your children. Regularly check expiration dates on medicines and supplies in the kit and throw out any outdated items. And finally, you might want to keep your supplies in a waterproof box just to be sure it’s extra-protected, and keep a spare one in your car.
No one likes to think about their precious pet being injured, but as with almost everything in life, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Make sure you are well prepared and ready for action should your pet’s life depend on it.
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About the Owner and Professional Pet Sitting Etc
Dorinne Whynott, is a long time animal professional. She is a successful business owner establishing one of the largest pet sitting companies in New Hampshire since 1990. Click to Read her complete History.
Professional Pet Sitting Etc. is a leading business in the pet care field and continues to grow since 1990. It is an AWARD WINNING business, having been awarded the 2015 Best Pet Sitting , 2015 Best Dog Walker, Business of the Year Awards in 1996, 1997, 2006 and 2010. It boasts 30+ amazing pet sitters on staff, over 3000 clients in 38 cities from Nashua to Concord, NH. Hundreds of satisfied client testimonials can be found on their website and more 5 star reviews on their Facebook page, Google+ page and more. They have sustained an A+ rating with the BBB, A rating with Angie’s List and are unmatched in the Pet Sitting Industry in New Hampshire.
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