As the guardians of our furry friends, protecting them is something we always strive for. However, things happen. Scraps happen. Bites happen. Falls happen. LIFE happens.
Here at CUDDLY, we understand that while we may not be able to protect our animals from every happenstance, we can prepare ourselves to help them when the time comes with our DIY Animal First Aid Kit.
First Aid kits are not only essential in the event of a natural disaster, but help guardians provide immediate care to animals far from medical sites.
Below are items and tools recommended by CUDDLY when assembling your kit to ready yourself for unexpected pet emergencies!
1. Contact Information
The very first thing you should have in your CUDDLY First Aid Kit is the name, number, and address to your pet’s veterinarian. You should also have the number to ASPCA’s Poison Control in the case of any toxic ingestion. Having this information readily available helps you reference the correct contact information as quickly as possible in the case of emergency.
2. Gauze Pads/Cotton Balls
Essential for cleaning, wrapping, and applying pressure to wounds.
3. Adhesive Tape/Vet Wrap
Helps with securing any bandaging.
(Note: Be sure to leave room when securing wound to allow for circulation and avoid abnormal swelling)
4. Disposable Gloves
Provides you with protection from any contaminated fluids and helps lessen the amount of bacteria/contamination from entering your pets wounds
5. Tweezers
Helps with unlodging small foreign objects, such as splinters, foxtails, etc from skin.
6. Digital Thermometer
Helps with checking for abnormally high or low temperatures.
(Note: Temperatures should not be taken orally and must be taken rectally for both canines and felines.)
7. Muzzle
For safety reasons, always have a soft muzzle on hand. Pets in pain or suffering from injuries may act out aggressively when being treated.
(Note: Do not muzzle pets who are experiencing respiratory distress or vomiting. For cats, be sure to use a feline-specific muzzle to ensure the proper fit.)
8. Oral Syringe
For administering fluids orally or flushing out wounds.
9. Styptic Powder
Helps with clotting any bleeding caused by small cuts and scrapes.
10. Isopropyl Alcohol
Cleans wounds and rids of any bacteria.
11. Hydrogen Peroxide (3%)
May be used to induce vomiting in the case of any toxic or foreign ingestion.
(Note: Always contact your veterinarian or local poison control center before inducing vomiting or treating an animal for toxic or foreign ingestion)
12. Saline Eye Solution
Helps with cleaning and flushing eyes of foreign objects, irritants, etc
13. Dawn Dish Soap
Safely cleans wounds, removes grease, dirt, without causing irritation to skin.
Our pets contribute to our health in so many ways and this kit will ensure we keep them happy and strong.
Print the First Aid Kit Checklist below and help save lives!
P.S. You can support a rescue pet in need of first aid by clicking the button below.
