First Aid Kit – Pets

It is always best to be prepared. TEARS Vets advised the following items to compile your own Pet First Aid Kit for home, travel & hiking needs.

Always have your vet or an emergency vet’s number on hand, you don’t need too many things, with this basic list, most first aid scenarios can be handled.

Basics:
Use small bandages for cats / dogs under 15kg or 50/75mm to 100mm for pets over 15kg
1 Pair small scissors / Hiking Knife
2 Pairs of Latex Gloves
1 Small Tweezer
Clean water to flush wounds if required (You do not need saline or a disinfectant per se, but if prefer, normal saline will suffice).
Silbecor Ointment (Non-stinging, Broad Spectrum Antibiotic Cream that can be applied on any wound)

Bandages
1 x Micropore Roll – 25mm
10-20 x Gauze Swabs (10cm x 10cm)
2 x Conforming Bandages – 50mm / 75 mm
(part of these can be used to “muzzle” the patient if in pain and wants to reactive bite while needing to stabilize a wound or fracture)
1 x Cohesive Bandage – 50 mm / 75 mm
1 x Adhesive Bandage – 50mm / 75mm
1 x Soffban (Cotton wool like) 75mm
Plastic bag – To wrap foot in to protect bandage
Eye Flush
Antihistamine / Cortisone tablets for bee sting (Ask your vet for the correct dose for your pet before hand)
Pain medication for your dog / cat as prescribed by your regular veterinarian
1 x 20mls Syringe to use to flush with
1 x Foil Heat Blanket

Tips:

For splinting, sticks can be used if required
Do not remove any penetrating objects from the stomach or chest
One can use a Shirt / blanket to carry the animal if in severe pain between 2 people
Dessert Spoon amount of washing powder (non-caustic)

Don’t focus on cleaning wounds too well, it may cause excessive bleeding and pain. Rather perform a quick rinse with clean water on hand, lather wounds with Silbecor, apply gauze then closed the wounds with bandage. The aim should be first to stop excessive bleeding and second to protect wound and prevent further damage / pain.

Here’s some good ‘How to’ know videos:

Below some existing videos on “how to” to help you handle some first aid situations

How to muzzle a dog / First Aid

For cats – use a blanket / towel / T-shirt to “burrito the cat” to prevent being bitten

Small dogs or cats can be restrained using a blanket or towel over their head.  Place your hands firmly around their neck and once the animal is restrained, wrap the towel around the neck.  If possible, try to have the nose and the eyes visible though some animals relax more if their eyes remain covered.  Cats should always be transported in a box, basket or carry bag ensuring that they have plenty of ventilation.

Pet First Aid: How to bandage your pet’s paw in case of emergency