Animal Emergency & Specialty Center - Poulsbo (AESC)
The first thing you need for a first aid kit is a suitable container. A fishing tackle box works well. Label the outside with a permanent marker. In an emergency, someone else might have to locate and use this kit.
Affix a card to the inside with the following information:
Your name, address, and telephone number
Name and phone number of someone to contact in an emergency who will take care of your pets in case you are not available.
Your pet’s names and any information about medications, allergies, or significant medical conditions they may have.
Name and phone number of your family veterinarian and the veterinary emergency hospital in case your family veterinarian is not available.
Also attach a card with a list of common medications, their general dosages, and the specific dose for each of your pets. This may include Benadryl, aspirin, hydrogen peroxide for inducing vomiting, Pepto Bismol, Kaopectate, Immodium, and mineral oil. List the actual dosages for your pets’ weight. We recommend that you consult your family veterinarian to obtain the correct information.
NEVER give Tylenol (especially to a cat), Ibuprofen (Nuprin, Motrin, Advil, etc.) to your pets. Consult a veterinarian before administering any anti-inflammatory drug to your pet.
It is also a good idea to keep copies of your pets’ vaccination records, including a copy of the Rabies Certificate, in the First Aid Kit. Also include information regarding the type of heartworm preventative being used and what day of the month it is given. Copies of the information should be kept in each car. Don’t forget to post an emergency alert on your door to tell firefighters how many pets are in the house. Placing a microchip in each of your pets will help keep them safe in case they get lost. Make sure you keep the microchip information up to date if you move or change your telephone number.
Things to Put in Your First Aid Kit
Cotton gauze bandage wrap – 1.5 in width, 3 in width
VetWrap – 2 in width, 4 in width
Ace bandage
Cotton 4×4 gauze pads
White medical tape – 1 in width
Regular bandaids
Cotton swabs or Q-tips
Benadryl
Ascriptin (dogs only) – buffered aspirin
Pepto Bismol tablets (dogs only) – it contains aspirin
New Skin liquid bandage (useful for abrasions on pads)
Iodine tablets – to treat stream water if you can’t boil it.
Oral syringes – for administering liquid medications or drying ear solution
Needle and thread
Safety pins In several sizes
Razor blade – paper wrapped for protection
Matches
Tweezers or hemostats – useful for tick and sliver removal
Small blunt scissors
Rectal thermometer
Antibiotic ointment (such as Bacitracin, Betadine or Triple Antibiotic Ointment)
Topical steroid (such as Hydrocortisone Cream)
Eye rinsing solution (simple eye wash)
Hydrogen peroxide 3% – for inducing vomiting and minor wound care
Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing) – small bottle
Alcohol or antiseptic wipes – in small individual packets
Small jar of Vaseline
Most supplies can be purchased over the counter at your local drug store. Several dog-supply catalogs and internet suppliers offer medical first aid kits for pets as well.
If your dog is severely allergic to bee stings, consider asking your veterinarian about stocking your first aid kit with medications that might be needed for that sort of special emergency. If you go to areas where your dog may encounter a poisonous snake, you might want to prepare for that possibility as well.
Be sure to clearly label all medications and supplies with their name and expiration date. Be sure to replace medications that may have exceeded their recommended expiration date. Go through the kit at least once a year, replacing expired medications, replenishing supplies, etc. A good time to do this is right before you go on vacation so your kit will be current when you travel.
