How to Make a Basic First Aid Kit for Pets and Making Your Home Safe for Pets

Accidents can’t always be prevented whether it happens to humans or pets. By being prepared you can help keep small problems from turning into big ones by having a “pet” first-aid kit on hand. You can buy first-aid kits at pet stores or you can stock your own. Here’s what it should include. Also some helpful tips on how to make your home safe for pets.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Vet telephone number
• The phone number of the weekend vet
• Vet first aid manual
• Scissors with rounded tips
• Tweezers
• Eyewash
• Gauze rolls or pads
• Adhesive tape
• Absorbent cotton
• Q-tips
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Antibiotic ointment
• Antihistamine liquid
• Rectal thermometer
• Syringe without the needle; use to give oral medications

1. If you have dropped any of your medication on the floor whether it be prescription or over the counter, pick it up. Some human medications are deadly to pets. Many household products are toxic to pets, such as pesticides and antifreeze. Clean these spills up quickly to prevent pet from licking up the toxic products. Also keep pets at a safe distance when using certain cleaning products.

2. Snail bait tastes as good as treats to pets. Snail bait is very toxic and should be used with caution. Don’t let pets out into the yard or area where the bait has been placed.

3. Trash cans are so inviting to pets but the trash in the can may cause your pet to develop and unhealthy tummy. Keep trash can lids on tightly or strap them closed or put in a container that won’t be easily tipped over.

4. Puppies and kittens like to chew on things. Electrical cords should be run behind things or under carpet if possible; if not, cover exposed cords with a wide strip of electrical tape. This will make them harder to chew.

5. We keep young children away from the pool and the same should be done for pets. Most pets can swim but they may not be able to get out of the pool. Place a protective fence around the pool if the pool doesn’t have an easy exit.

6. Purchase a plastic container with a lid and assemble all of the products mentioned and place inside. Write the pets name on the lid so everyone will know that the kit is for the pet. Replace any products that expire with fresh products and also replace used products. Make sure to put the kit in the car if taking your pet on long trips.

[judymasse]

on 10/15/2009 Alright, great ideas PonderBlue, thanks!