Pet First Aid Kit, provided by Pet Poison Helpline®.
Dog and Cat Pet First Aid Kit contents:
- Hydrogen peroxide 3% (within the expiration date)
- An oral dosing syringe or turkey baster (for administering hydrogen peroxide)
- Teaspoon/tablespoon set (to calculate the appropriate amount of hydrogen peroxide to give)
- Liquid hand dish washing detergent (i.e., Dawn, Palmolive)
- Rubber gloves Triple antibiotic ointment with NO other combination ingredients—NOT for use in CATS!)
- Vitamin E oil
- Diphenhydramine tablets 25 mg (with NO other combination ingredients)
- Ophthalmic saline solution or artificial tears
- Can of tuna packed in water or tasty canned pet food
- Sweet electrolyte-containing beverage
- Corn syrup
- Vegetable oil
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), recommends you should also consider including these items:
- Gauze
- Nonstick bandages (or towels/cloth strips)
- Adhesive tape for bandages (Do not use human adhesive bandages.)
- Milk of Magnesia
- Digital thermometer
Having an extra leash in your kit is also a good idea, and make sure that you always have the phone numbers for your veterinarian and the local emergency veterinary clinic handy. Pet sitters, its important you also have this information from your clients.
Remember, before you attempt anything with your new pet first aid kit, it is always important to speak with a poison control specialist before you try any therapies at home. You will never want to administer the hydrogen peroxide to a pet without checking with a veterinary professional first. In some situations, it is not appropriate to induce vomiting at home. You should also never administer over-the-counter human medications to pets without first speaking to a toxicologist or veterinary professional. One helpful resource is the Pet Poison Helpline: 1 (800) 213-6680 or www.petpoisonhelpline.com.
According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), 25 percent more pets would survive if just one pet first aid technique were applied prior to getting emergency veterinary care.
After you’ve administered first aid, it is still extremely important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible. Many emergencies cannot be managed—even in the initial period—with simple pet first aid procedures. Call your veterinarian (or, if pet sitting, the client’s veterinarian), an emergency veterinary center or poison control immediately—and remember, above all, to STAY CALM.
Critter Sitter 