FIRST AID KIT:
A basic first aid kit should include:
• Phone numbers of nearby emergency veterinary hospitals
• Phone number for the Pet Poison Hotline: (800)213-6680 and Animal Poison control Center (888)426-4435 (charges do apply)
• Bandage material including: non-adherent dressings, gauze, cotton, zonas tape, and Elasticon
• Splint that is an appropriate size for your pet
• Bandage scissors – these are scissors with a blunt side
• Sterile flush for eyes and wounds
• Benadryl (diphenhydramine) for allergic reactions. The dose is one to two milligrams per pound of body weight every eight hours.
• For dogs Kaopectate or Pepto Bismol – do not use in cats. For dogs and cats diarsynl and propectalin are effective
• Hydrogen peroxide – to induce vomiting. Hydrogen Peroxide to wounds should be limited
• Tweezers
• Chlorhexidine scrub or similar gentle scrub/cleanser
• Digital thermometer – place lubricating jelly on the thermometer prior to inserting into rectum. Normal temperature for pets is 99.5F to 102.5F
• Antibiotic ointment (such as Neosporin)
• Exam gloves
• Moist wipes
• Rubber bulb syringe
EMERGENCY KIT:
Emergency kits differ from first aid kits in that they contain items for your pets that will allow them to live in the event of relocation. These kits should include:
• 2 week supply of food (dry and/or canned). If you have canned food, be sure to include a can opener.
• 2 week supply of water (gallon jugs or smaller bottles depending on pet size).
• Bowls for food and water.
• Bedding (blankets or small beds).
• Cat litter and small litter pan.
• Extra leash and harness and/or collar with identification.
• Pet carrier(s).
• Flashlight
• List of boarding facilities and veterinary hospitals that are nearby. Also include a list of facilities and hospitals that are further away in case of needing to relocate.
• Pets paperwork, vaccine documentation and pertinent medical records
• 2 week supply of medication that your pet normally receives (for example: Insulin).
Microchip your pet! This is an affordable and permanent form of identification that can help reunite you with your pet.
For more information on preparing your family and pets for an emergency, check out these websites:
ASPCA: www.aspca.org
RED CROSS: www.redcross.org
READY AMERICA: www.ready.gov