First Aid

As we all know accidents happen! Most minor injuries can be treated at home with the aid of a few key items. It’s a great idea to have a first aid kit for your pooch. Here is a list of items you should have in your kit:

  • Phone numbers: your veterinarian, the nearest emergency-veterinary clinic (along with directions!) and a poison-control center or hotline
  • Paperwork for your pet (in a waterproof container or bag): proof of rabies-vaccination status, copies of other important medical records and a current photo of your pet (in case he gets lost)
  • Nylon leash
  • Vet Wrap (bandage that stretches and sticks to itself but not to fur)
  • Muzzle or strips of cloth to prevent biting (don’t use this if your pet is vomiting, choking, coughing or otherwise having difficulty breathing)
  • Absorbent gauze pads
  • Adhesive tape
  • Antiseptic wipes, lotion, powder or spray
  • Cotton balls or swabs
  • Gauze rolls
  • Hydrogen peroxide (to induce vomiting—do this only when directed by a veterinarian or a poison-control expert)
  • Ice pack
  • Petroleum jelly (to lubricate the thermometer)
  • Rectal thermometer (your pet’s temperature should not rise above 103°F or fall below 100°F)
  • Scissors (with blunt ends)
  • Sterile saline solution (sold at pharmacies)
  • Tweezers
  • Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®), if approved by a veterinarian for allergic reactions. A veterinarian must tell you the correct dosage for your pet’s size.
  • Expired credit card or sample credit card (from direct-mail credit-card offers) to scrape away insect stingers
  • Nail clippers
  • Polysporin
  • Penlight or flashlight
  • Plastic eyedropper or syringe
  • Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl) to clean the thermometer
  • Tongue depressors

Check the supplies in your pet’s first-aid kit occasionally and replace any items that have expired.

Your pet deserves to be pampered

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