Science With Your Pet

                  Pet First Aid                  

This list of items that every pet owner should have in a pet first aid kit was drawn up by the Humane Society of the United States . The kit itself can be stored in a small toolbox, out of reach of small children. Since some of the items in your kit will carry expiration dates, check your kit periodically, discarding outdated medications and supplies. Always ask the supervision of an adult when applying first aid to your pet. Serious injuries or illness should be attended by your pet’s vet.

Your pet first aid kit should include the following:

• Latex gloves

• Gauze sponges, several both large and small (available at pharmacies).

• Roll gauze, 2-inch width

• Roll bandages that stretch and cling (available at pharmacies and pet stores)

• Materials to make a splint. This can include pieces of wood, newspaper, and tape.

• Adhesive tape

• Non-adherent sterile pads (available at pharmacies)

• Small scissors

• Grooming clippers (available at pet stores) or safety razor

• Nylon leash

• Towel

• Muzzle. This will help you control your scared pet.

• Compact thermal blanket (available at sporting good stores)

• Pediatric rectal thermometer (may be digital)

• Water-based sterile lubricant (available at pharmacies)

• Three percent hydrogen peroxide (this will have an expiration date)

• Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol

• Over-the-counter topical antibiotic ointment

• Epsom salts

• Baby dost syringe or plastic eye dropper (available at pharmacies)

• Sterile eye lubricant

• Sterile saline eye wash

• Glucose paste or corn syrup

• Styptic powder or pencil (available at pharmacies or pet stores)

• Expired credit card to scrape away stingers

• A list of emergency phone numbers including your regular vet, an after-hours emergency vet hospital, and the National Animal Poison Control Center (1-800-548-2423 or 1-900-680-0000)

• Petroleum jelly

• Penlight

• Clean cloth

• Needle-nose pliers