As a pet owner, you need to make sure to have basic first aid supplies for your pets in your household. Carefully putting together a well-provisioned first aid kit will make you more ready to deal with a medical emergency if one confronts you for your dog, cat or other pet. Have this kit in the house and fully stocked with supplies at all times, next to the first aid kit for your family. Many of the items in a family first aid kit can be used for pets, too.
Phone numbers and your pet's medical record (including medications and vaccination history)
Veterinarian:
Emergency veterinary clinic:
Animal Poison Control Center:
888-4ANI-HELP (888-426-4435)
(there may be a fee for this call)
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You need to know these numbers before you need them.
If you do not know the number of the emergency clinic in your area, ask your veterinarian or go to the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society Web site for a searchable list of emergency clinics by state.
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| Gauze |
For wrapping wounds or muzzling the injured animal |
| Nonstick bandages, towels, or strips of clean cloth |
To control bleeding or protect wounds |
Adhesive tape for bandages
*do NOT use human adhesive bandages (eg, Band-Aids®) on pets |
For securing the gauze wrap or bandage |
Milk of magnesia
Activated charcoal
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To absorb poison
Always contact your veterinarian or local poison control center before inducing vomiting or treating an animal for poison |
| Hydrogen peroxide (3%) |
To induce vomiting
Always contact your veterinarian or local poison control center before inducing vomiting or treating an animal for poison |
Digital Thermometer
—you will need a "fever" thermometer because the temperature scale of regular thermometers doesn't go high enough for pets |
To check your pet's temperature. Do not insert a thermometer in your pet's mouth—the temperature must be taken rectally. |
| Eye dropper (or large syringe without needle) |
To give oral treatments or flush wounds |
| Muzzle (in an emergency a rope, necktie, soft cloth, nylon stocking, small towel may be used) |
To cover your pet's head.
If your pet is vomiting, do not muzzle it! |
| Leash |
To transport your pet (if your pet is capable of walking without further injury) |
| Stretcher (in an emergency a door, board, blanket or floor mat may be used) |
To stabilize the injured animal and prevent further injury during transport |
= AVMA/SAVMA Members Only
