DIY Pet First Aid Kit

Having a good First Aid Kit is the first step towards becoming a great Pet First Aid-er! If you lead an active life-style with your pet, or even if you don't, small injuries are part of life. Knowing what to do to help your pet while awaiting veterinary attention could help save their life!

Small injuries and accidents are part of owning a pet. Being prepared and knowing what to do in an accident or emergency could help save your pets life.

Supplies:

- Cohesive bandage such as Vet Wrap: A cohesive bandage sticks to itself but not to your pets fur. There is nothing worse than trying to remove sticky bandage from an already painful leg!

- Conforming bandage: Conforming bandages are the squishy cotton like bandages used to help apply pressure and padding to bandages.

- Packet of Gauze swabs: Swabs can be used to clean wounds or apply pressure.

- Iodine 1% antiseptic solution: Iodine solution can be used to clean dirty wounds and helps to prevent infection.

- Antiseptic wipes: Antiseptic wipes should not be used in wounds, as they really sting! But are good for cleaning your hands quickly in an emergency.

- Saline solution: Saline solution can be used to flush eyes, mouths and wounds safely.

- Non-adherent wound dressing such as Melolin: Non-adherent wound dressing pads can be used to protect wounds under a larger bandage.

- Paper Tape: Can be used sparingly to secure a bandage.

- Quality scissors: Notice I say quality, because the last thing you want to be doing in an emergency is trying to cut a bandage with blunt scissors!

- Tweezers: Can be very useful, to help remove splinters, shards of glass or even a bee stinger!

- Thermal blanket: Can be used if your pet is hypothermic (cold).

- 2 pairs of gloves: Helps protect you and your pet from infection.

- Small torch: Because inevitably it will be pitch black when your pet runs over broken glass!

- Muzzle and spare lead: Although we all trust our dogs, in an extremely painful situation even the nicest dog may lash out, with out even knowing what they are doing. It is also handy to have a spare leash in case more than one dog is involved, or you just can't find yours.

- And perhaps most important, the emergency contact details for Veterinarians in your area. Particularly if you are travelling it is worthwhile having a list of after hours Veterinarians on the go just in case.

Some optional extras include extra blankets, a pillow case for wildlife, extra bandage materials and something to clot torn nails such as a small container of corn starch or a bar of soap.  

Stay tuned this week for additional posts including First Aid for birds, how to do CPR and Basic First Aid tips. I will activate links to each as I publish them.

If you would refer to simply buy a First Aid Kit for your pet ask at your local veterinary clinic or check out online stores, such as St Johns Ambulance in Australia.

I hope this blog series helps keep you and your pets safe, if you have any questions, comments or perhaps a suggestions of other useful items in your First Aid Kit please let me know!