Pet First Aid Kit

If you own a pet, make sure you have a first aid kit at home. Consider taking a pet first aid/CPR class so that you feel more comfortable providing care in an emergency.

Here are several items pet owners should have in a first aid kit:

• Your pet's vaccination records, especially including rabies vaccination records
   
• A kennel or a pet carrier and a nylon leash for the safe transport and confinement of your pet
   
• A muzzle—if the pet might bite. A nylon leash or a pair of nylons may replace a conventional muzzle
  Assess the pet first before putting on a muzzle, to ensure the pet is not at risk for vomiting, choking, or respiratory distress.
   
• Large towel/blanket—to assist in moving an injured, sick pet or to avoid a possible bite from scared or injured pet
   
• Artificial tears, ophthalmic saline solution and sterile saline solution
   
• Alcohol wipes
   
• Bandage material: absorbent gauze pads, adhesive tape, gauze rolls, sterile non-stick gauze pads, splints and tongue depressors
   
• Corn syrup/table syrup (~1/8 cup in case of hypoglycemia)
   
• Diphenhydramine (e.g., Benadryl®) 25 mg tablets or liquid 12.5 mg/tsp (5mL) concentration (with NO other combination ingredients)—for allergic reactions or insect stings
   
• Ear-cleaning solution
   
• Food—A can of tuna packed in water or tasty canned pet food
   
• Hydrogen peroxide 3% (within the expiration date) -- to induce vomiting Dogs only
  Never administer hydrogen peroxide to any pet without checking with a veterinary professional first, as sometimes it's not appropriate to induce vomiting at home. Do not give to cats or brachycephalic dogs. Always check to see if inducing vomiting is indicated or safe for the possible ingestion or health status of the dog or species.
   
• Ice pack—instant, one time use, with small hand towel to wrap around pack
   
• Liquid hand dish washing detergent (e.g., Dawn) without a bleach additive—for cleaning potentially toxic substances off of pets, such as flea meds meant for dogs that may have been applied to a cat
   
• Nail clippers
   
• Oral dosing syringe, bulb syringe or turkey baster (for administering hydrogen peroxide or medication)
   
• Penlight or flashlight
   
• Rectal thermometer and lubricant
   
• Rubber gloves and/or Latex-free exam gloves
   
• Scissors with blunt ends
   
• Styptic powder or pencil—to stop bleeding, such as when cutting toenails
   
• Tablespoon/teaspoon set—to calculate the appropriate amount of hydrogen peroxide to give
  Again, never administer hydrogen peroxide to any pet without checking with a veterinary professional first, as sometimes it's not appropriate to induce vomiting at home.
   
• Triple antibiotic ointment Dogs only 
  No other combination ingredients—do not use on cats!
   
• Tweezers
   
• Vegetable oil to assist in removal of sticky substances

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. 

Do not rely on home remedies or internet searches. In the case of toxins, it is imperative to use the proper treatment protocol, which includes:

1. Knowing if the product ingested was poisonous to begin with,
2. What the true antidote is, and
3. If emesis (inducing vomiting) is warranted or medically indicated. It may not be!

Use of these items without veterinary advice can have unintended and sad results. And never administer any over-the-counter human medications to animals without speaking to your veterinarian first.

Information courtesy of Pet Poison Helpline.