As a pet parent, you know that the best way to protect your pet is to be prepared. When it comes to emergencies and minor injuries, having a first aid kit ready can make all the difference between life and death for your furry family member. And while some veterinarians may not recommend certain medications (such as ibuprofen) for dogs or cats unless they’re prescribed by a vet, there are some things you should definitely have on hand in case of an emergency:
a tick remover
A tick remover is a device used to remove ticks from your pet's skin. It can be a simple tweezer or forceps, or it may be part of an all-in-one tool that includes other items like scissors and a scalpel blade.
Ticks are vectors for disease transmission, so it's important to remove them promptly if they attach themselves to your dog or cat (or even you). To do this safely, use the right tool--and make sure not to touch any exposed blood vessels when removing the tick because they contain infectious materials such as bacteria and viruses.
If at all possible, try not to remove ticks yourself; instead, take your pet to see his regular veterinarian immediately so he can deal with them properly while minimizing the risk of infection transmission. But if you're faced with this situation at home and don't have access right away (or just want peace of mind), here's what we recommend:
gauze pads and tape
Gauze pads and tape are used for cleaning wounds, as well as holding gauze in place. They're important for helping to keep your pet's wound clean and protected.
- Use sterile gauze pads with no added chemicals or dyes, which can irritate your pet's skin or cause an allergic reaction.
- Choose a roll of adhesive tape (or "bandage wrap") that's designed specifically for pets--it won't cause further irritation on top of what already exists in the area being bandaged up!
tweezers
Tweezers are an essential tool for removing ticks, splinters, thorns, and other small objects from your pet's skin. They're also useful for removing fur from a pet's coat when it gets matted or tangled. You can use gauze and tape to wrap up an injured pet's leg or paw if you don't have any bandages on hand--just make sure that the gauze isn't too tight so as not to cut off circulation (or blood flow).
pain relievers such as ibuprofen
- Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.
- It's used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation in dogs and cats.
- Ibuprofen is available over the counter at most pharmacies or online through pet medication sites. You can also get it from your veterinarian if you prefer to buy it directly from them instead of getting it yourself through another retailer.
- The recommended dose for ibuprofen depends on the weight of your pet: 20 mg/kg 2-3 times daily for cats; 10 mg/kg 1-2 times daily for dogs under 10 lbs; 25 mg/kg 1 time daily for dogs between 10-30 lbs; 50 mg/kg 2 times daily for dogs between 30-50 lbs; 75 mg/kg 3 times daily for dogs between 50 -100 lbs; 100mg 4 times daily for dogs over 100 lbs.
- Do not give ibuprofen directly onto wounds because this could cause burns! Instead, dip cotton balls into water mixed with a crushed tablet form of ibuprofen (eutectic mixture) then apply gently around the damaged area until the bleeding stops.
- The dosage will depend on how much pain your pet is experiencing so be sure not to give too much medicine because doing so could cause serious side effects such as stomach bleeding which could lead to death if left untreated
topical antibiotic ointment
Topical antibiotic ointment
If your pet has an open wound, this is a must-have. The ointment will prevent infection and promote healing. To use, apply it daily to the affected area and cover it with gauze or bandage as needed. For best results, follow up with a visit to the vet within 24 hours of application so they can check on how well the treatment is working.
As with any medication, there are some side effects associated with topical antibiotic ointment: if you notice any redness or swelling at all around your pet's eyes after applying it there then stop using it immediately!
anti-diarrheal medication
If your pet is experiencing diarrhea, it's important to know the cause of their discomfort. Diarrhea can be life-threatening if left unchecked and untreated. The following are some possible causes of diarrhea:
- Bacteria or virus infection
- Parasite infestation (worms)
- Stress
- Food allergies or intolerances
- Eating something toxic like plant material or chemicals from carpeting/flooring/carpet padding (known as "bumblefoot")
- Blockage in the intestines due to ingestion of excess fiber (this is common among cats who eat too much grass)
- Tumors on any part of the digestive tract including pancreas, stomach & small intestine; this last one is especially dangerous because it usually doesn't show symptoms until too late!
sterile saline eye wash solution with a bulb syringe, just in case one of your pets gets something in their eye while on a walk. Never apply any kind of ointment or liquid medication to an eye without consulting with a vet first!
Sterile saline eye wash solution with a bulb syringe, just in case one of your pets gets something in their eye while on a walk. Never apply any kind of ointment or liquid medication to an eye without consulting with a vet first!
An assortment of liquid and food-based laxatives, some non-food items your pet should never eat (like chocolate), and a blanket to place over your pet in case it is cold
Conclusion
Remember, your pet's first aid kit is only as good as the supplies it contains. As with any other type of emergency kit, it's important to keep your pet's first aid kit well stocked at all times and ready for use. You never know when an accident might happen!
