Things You'll Need:
- Duct tape, saran wrap, bubble wrap, towel, blanket, muzzle or fabric length
- Hot and cold packs
- Hemostats/blunt tipped tweezers,needle nose pliers, blunt scissors, electric clippers
- Doggie tranquilizers (if you cannot settle your pet enough to transport him
- sterile gauze pads & stretch & nonstretch gauze, elastic bandage, medical tape,antiseptic liquid soap
- rectal thermometer, eyedropper or syringe without needle
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Step 1
In the event of an emergency, the first thing you will need is information, so have it handy. Make up a card to put into your pet's medicine chest with all of your veterinarian's contact information-name, address, phone, office hours, after hours name. Include information on each of your pets - weight, shot records, and any medical problems they have. Next place all of your contact information there, also, in case something happens when someone is baby, pet or house sitting for you.
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Step 2
Find a large enough box to hold all the listed items - an under the bed storage box with a tight lid is a good choice because it's out of the way yet close enough to get to quickly. (This is also a good place for people's emergency kits.)
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Step 3
Know what everything in your chest is used for. Sometimes when pets are hurt and frightened, they get snappish and you have to restrain them. You can use the muzzle, bubble wrap, duct tape (always put gauze or thin fabric next to your pet's skin) the towel, or the blanket for that. The duct tape can help to immobilize your pet on a firm surface. You can also use a large towel or blanket as a makeshift stretcher - if you have two people to carry the pet. Use the blunt scissors to cut tape and gauze. Bubble wrap and tape (never directly on skin or fur) can serve to make a makeshift splint as well.
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Step 4
Use the clippers to very carefully trim hair around wounds. You can also use the blunt scissors for getting a little closer. Use antiseptic liquid soap (Betadine is also great) to gently clean wounds. Don't put too much soap or you will have to be too aggressive getting it out. Use a little soap and plenty of water instead.
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Step 5
Use hemostats or blunt tipped tweezers or needle nosed pliers to remove foreign objects such as splinters, stingers, glass, etc. If the object is large or really deep, take the animal to the vet as you may have trouble with controlling the bleeding and pain.
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Step 6
Use cold or hot packs to ease discomfort. Cold packs are good to numb the pain of a sprain or strain. Hot packs are good for swelling - like an infected teat. Use the thermometer to determine fever--high fever is as dangerous to animals as it is to humans. Know the temp when you call the vet.
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Step 7
Use the bandages, gauze and tape to deep wounds clean or to staunch bleeding en route to the vet. If the wound is small and not bleeding, clean and bandage it as you would a person's wound. Check for fever and foreign objects. If you notice any swelling or fever or redness around the wound, go to the vet.
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Step 8
Use common sense when treating an animal. If there is a break, a deep cut, a profusely bleeding wound, fever, vomiting, or loose bowels, call the vet at once. If your pet cannot get around or just something seems really wrong, don't hesitate to call the vet. The pound of prevention ditty still rings true.
