How to Prepare an Emergency First Aid Kit For Your Pets

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By jhkcpa
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Prepare an Emergency First Aid Kit For Your Pets

Most of us realize the need and benefits that come from having a medical emergency first aid kit in the home. In fact many people keep first aid supplies and kits in their cars, RV’s, Boats and even multiple locations around the home such as one in the kitchen, another in a bath and a third kit in the garage in case of a medical emergency. Unfortunately, most people do not think of preparing or purchasing a ready made medical emergency first aid kit for their pets. Pet emergency kits should be prepared or purchased for the home and for the car when traveling. A pet medical emergency first aid kit is different than a pet emergency “disaster” kit where you keep the basics for your pets’ survival, particularly food and water in the event of a natural disaster such as a hurricane, tornado, flood or fire. I have a link in the resources section to an article relating to an emergency disaster kit for your pets.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Antibiotic ointment
Antiseptic cleansing wipes
Oral syringe
4” tweezers
Latex exam gloves
Insect sting relief pads
Eye wash
Cotton tipped applicators
Bottle of hydrogen peroxide
2”X2” Gauze dressing pads
2” Gauze roll bandage
First aid tape
Digital thermometer
Flea and tick prevention
Isopropyl alcohol
Pet first aid reference book

Step 1

The first step is to contact your veterinarian about what may be needed to meet your pets’ first aid needs. The list of items in the “Things You’ll Need” section can be used as a starting point for discussion purposes. Add any additional items to the list your veterinarian suggests would be beneficial for your individual pet.
Step 2

The next step is to gather the items listed in the “Things You’ll Need” section along with any additions your veterinarian added. The medical emergency first aid kit will become part of a general emergency kit for events such as a hurricane, earthquake, flood, fire or other natural disaster.
Step 3

The third step is to properly store the items in your kit. The items should be placed in sealable containers to protect them from moisture and pest. Store the containers in a cool, dry area.
Step 4

The fourth step is to maintain the freshness of the items in your kit. Verify the freshness of any medications and other items noting the expiration or “use by” dates on the products packaging. This should be done several times per year. Rotate the items as needed to maintain freshness.

Comments

missnye said

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on 12/1/2009 good article.

lauraknowshow said

on 11/29/2009 Great! I never think about these things till last minute and then say 'oh, next time'. Now that I know what I need, I'll be able to do it. Thanks!