To be prepared is half the victory. Miguel de Cervantes
Anything can happen- home emergencies, evacuations, traveling with our companion animals. Evacuations include hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, heat waves with loss of power, winter loss of power, wildfire, earthquake, chemical release, train derailment, and so on. It’s a good idea to assemble a basic first aid kit and know how to use it.
PLEASE NOTE: This is not medical advice. I am not a veterinarian. All of these first aid remedies should be checked first with your veterinarian. I am not responsible for the results if you use any of these remedies.
The following information has been gleaned from Pet 1st Aid class.
· Pet Id information- including a photo of you with your companion. · Leash/harness · Muzzle · Roller gauze · 2x2, 4x4 sterile gauze pad · 1” adhesive tape roll · Elastic bandage roll · 2 triangular bandages · Cotton swabs · Tongue depressor · Tweezers · Triple antibiotic ointment · Saline solution (to rinse eyes or wounds)[1] · Rubber gloves · Large irrigation syringe (to irrigate eyes, wounds, administer peroxide) · Medicine dropper · Pepto bismal (for diarrhea)[2] · Benadryl tablets/liquid (for allergic reaction)[3] · Cold pack · Space blanket · Pet CPR barrier · Hand sanitizer · Toilet paper tube or paper towel tube (for splinting) · Activated charcoal (absorbs poison)[4] · Hydrogen peroxide (to induce vomiting)[5] · Ear rinse · Blood stopper · Pillowcase (to hold traumatized cat) · Dawn dish detergent (to clean off skin contaminants) · First aid booklet In addition to a first aid kit, it’s a good idea to know how to perform CPR and check the pulse of your companion animal. Know the phone number of the closest emergency veterinarian wherever you are. Establish a relationship with the local veterinarian and discuss how to help your companion using any of the above items. Make a plan. And download the American Red Cross Pet First Aid app.
If you have to evacuate don’t forget the following items and add others you think will be important for your cat or dog:
· Cat litter box (portable or disposable boxes)
· Cat litter
· Extra collars and tags
· Long leash/tie out
· Crate or carrier-labeled with your name
· Can and dry food- 3-7 days worth
· 7 days water for each animal
· Collapsible food and water dishes
· Medications
· Blankets
· Paper towels
· Pet beds
· Treats & toys
· Copies of medical records & vaccines
· Garbage bags
· Pillowcase
· Dog pee pads
[1] Hold open eye. Carefully rinse out eyes. [2] Dogs. 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight every 6-8 hours. If diarrhea continues, contact your vet. [3] Dogs Ask your vet for the proper dose. In extreme emergencies it’s 1 tablet per 25 pounds body weight. [4] Ask your vet for the proper dose. 1-5 grams per kilogram of weight of the dog. [5] Mix 3% hydrogen peroxide with an equal part water. Administer 1 teaspoon for every 10 pounds of body weight every 10-15 minutes until vomiting occurs. NEVER induce vomiting if the animal swallowed a caustic solution.
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