Pet Poison Safety Kit
Experts suggest having the following items on hand in case of pet poisoning or emergencies. Many of these items will help you provide first aid to your pet if it ingests a toxin—however, always make sure to speak with a poison control specialist and/or your veterinarian first prior to initiating any therapies using these items at home. Use of these items without veterinary advice can have unintended and sad results.
In the case of toxins, it is imperative to use the proper treatment protocol, which includes:
- Knowing if the product ingested was poisonous to begin with,
- What the true antidote is, and
- If emesis (inducing vomiting) is warranted or medically indicated. It may not be!
Do not give your pet any any over-the-counter human medication without speaking to a toxicologist or veterinary professional first. Never give acetaminophen (Tylenol) to any animal.
Here are some things to have on hand:
- Fresh bottle of hydrogen peroxide 3% (USP) Dogs only
Never administer hydrogen peroxide to any dog without checking with a veterinary professional first, as sometimes it’s not appropriate to induce vomiting at home. Do not administer to cats. - Turkey baster or large bulb syringe to administer hydrogen peroxide Dogs only
- Diphenhydramine (e.g., Benadryl®) 25 mg tablets or liquid 12.5 mg/tsp (5mL) concentration with no other combination ingredients
- Can of soft dog or cat food, as appropriate, or can of tuna
- Saline eye solution to flush out eye contaminants
- Artificial tear gel to lubricate eyes after flushing
- Mild grease-cutting dishwashing liquid to wash your pet after skin contamination
- Alcohol wipes
- Bandaging material: absorbent gauze pads, adhesive tape, gauze rolls, sterile non-stick gauze pads, splints and tongue depressors
- Triple antibiotic ointment with no other combination ingredients Dogs only
- Rubber gloves to protect your hands
- Tweezers to remove stingers
- Muzzle (an excited pet may try to bite)
- Pet carrier to contain pet or transport to emergency veterinary care