How to Make a First Aid Kit for Your Pet

If your dog or cat is sick or injured the steps you take until you can get your pet to a vet may sometimes mean the difference between life and death. That’s why you should make and keep a Pet First Aid Kit in your home along with some basic first aid instructions.

Below is a list of what you’ll need. We suggest keeping it all in a waterproof box such as a plastic toolbox or a fishing tackle box.

 

Include:

• Rolls of 2- and 3-inch gauze
• Gauze pads in a variety of sizes
• Adhesive for bandages
• Non-stick bandages
• Self-clinging wrap/bandage
• Antibiotic salve
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Alcohol and alcohol wipes
• Tweezers
• Scissors
• Antiseptic towelettes
• Baby-dose syringe or eye dropper
• Diphenhydramine-containing antihistamine—only given at your vet’s recommendation
• Eye wash or sterile water
• Eyedropper
• Cotton balls and swabs
• Latex gloves

 

Other items to keep on hand:

• Paper towels
• Bath towels
• Blanket(s)
• Plastic garbage bags

 

Also include the following contact info in your kit:

• Fort Street Veterinarian: 402-884-3383
• For after hours, the Animal Emergency Clinic: 402-339-6232
• The National Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-426-4435)
• The HomeAgain® Emergency Medical Hotline, 1-888-HOMEAGAIN (1-888-466-3242)

 

Always remember that an injured pet or a very frightened pet can be unstable. Even the most loving animal will bite and scratch. So…

• Be calm with your pet if they’re hurt or traumatized and speak in a confidant but soothing voice.
• If necessary, muzzle your pet to protect both of you.

 

Important Resources:

• FREE Pet First Aid Mobile App from the American Red Cross: Download to Your Phone
• Pets and Disaster Safety Checklist from the American Red Cross
• Cat and Dog First Aid Instruction Manuals sold by the American Red Cross
• Cat First Aid, an American Red Cross book sold on Amazon
• Dog First Aid, an American Red Cross book sold on Amazon