Petmergency Preparedness

April is Pet First Aid Awareness month!

It seems it's only after disaster strikes that we prepare for and take precautions to avoid disasters. It's usually after the earthquake that supplies like bottled water, canned food, emergency flashlights and candles are purchased and stored in the pantry awaiting the next "Big One".

Will you be prepared to care for yourself? Will you be prepared to care for your pet? Are you prepared to care for your pet in the event of a medical emergency? How about if your pet gets a minor cut?

Bundle these items together and tuck them away in an accessible space, or if you have your own emergency/first aid kit, mix these items in with yours -we're all family.

Gauze and Pet Wrap of different sizes

Activated charcoal for toxicity

Digital Thermometer

Lube or Petroleum Jelly

A Syringe

A muzzle the correct size for your pet.

Antiseptic Wipes

Hydrogen Peroxide

An Ice Pack

Non-latex Gloves

A pair of Scissors

Sterile Saline Solution

Benedryl

Nail Clippers

Styptic Powder

Needle Nose Pliers

Towels

Rubbing Alcohol

Antibiotic Ointment

Ear Cleaning Solution

A Carrier or Pillow Case for transport

A few Freeze Dried Meals

At least a Gallon of Water

The last thing we think about when our pets are going through a medical emergency is where their medical record is located. A First Aid Kit or Disaster Kit is a great place to keep your pet's medical record. It's also a good idea to keep your veterinarian office's phone number on hand as well as the nearest 24 hour pet hospital. A list of local shelters can also come in handy in case your pet gets lost. Pet Poison Control's phone number is 1(800) 426-4435 in case your pet ingests anything toxic. Put that number in your phone now!

We hope that our pets are never faced with a medical emergency or even a minor cut. Take action now to ease the stress of emergency situations before they happen. Your pet will thank you.

Check out the American Red Cross for more pet first aid tips!