My Bestfriend

Our pets are not immune to accidents. Every pet owner should have a first aid kit which contains all the necessary medications and tools for immediate treatment in case of an emergency. Gathering the necessary items ahead of time could help save your pet’s life in an emergency. The kit must be placed in an accessible area in the house (or car when traveling).

Shaun Olmstead, a responsible pet ownership advocate, lists down all the necessary item that should be included in a pet first aid kit. Prepare a durable, waterproof (or at least water-resistant) container that opens and closes easily yet securely. It should be large enough to hold the items enumerated below.

1. Bandage material, such as gauze pads, cotton gauze, adhesive tape and masking tape. Be sure to pack a pair of scissors, plus tweezers or forceps.
2. Diarrhea medication, but seek your veterinarian’s approval before use.
3. Eyedroppers for dispensing liquid medication or for cleaning superficial wounds.
4. Syrup of ipecac to induce vomiting in the event your pet is poisoned. If your pet is poisoned, consult your veterinarian before inducing vomiting.
5. Activated charcoal (available at any health food stores). This remedy is good for poisoning or diarrhea and controls flatulence resulting from any stomach or intestinal upset.
6. Blankets in the kit to keep your pet warm in extreme conditions.
7. Include the phone numbers of your pet’s regular veterinarian and of a nearby emergency veterinary hospital.

When traveling, call ahead to your destination to see if there are any particular dangers, such as snakes, poisonous plants or extreme heat, that you will need to consider when packing your pet’s first aid kit.

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