We hate to even think about it... our beloved pet is sick or gets injured and needs immediate help; the animal hospital is miles away, closed, or otherwise unavailable. A hurricane or other disaster is approaching or has occurred and you have been instructed to evacuate.
What do you do?
Most households have first aid kits in cases of emergency for humans - our pets need one too! Below are some helpful items to include in your Pet First Aid and Evacuation Kit (http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/pet_first_aid_kit.html).
Don't panic...there is a lot of information below so don't feel like you have to rush out and get all of the items on this list today...start with the basics, which you probably already have, and when you run across more of the specialty items, grab them and build on your kit.
The Basics
- Pet first-aid book - can be purchased on-line at Amazon.com OR, better yet, look up your local American Red Cross office and take the course!
- Phone numbers: your veterinarian, the nearest emergency-veterinary clinic (along with directions!) and a poison-control center or hotline (such as the ASPCA poison-control center (APCC), which can be reached at 1-800-426-4435), emergency contact other than the people you will be with, list of pet-friendly motels,
- Paperwork for your pet (in a waterproof container or bag): proof of rabies-vaccination status, copies of other important medical records and a current photo of your pet (in case he/she gets lost)
- Leash
- Self-cling bandage (bandage that stretches and sticks to itself but not to fur—available at pet stores and from pet-supply catalogs)
- Muzzle or strips of cloth to prevent biting (don't use this if your pet is vomiting, choking, coughing or otherwise having difficulty breathing)
- Food: Two weeks supply in an airtight container (rotate every three months)
- Usual treats (rotate every three months)
- Water: Two weeks supply of water (store in a dark place, rotate every two months). Estimate a quart a day
- Food and water dishes
- Spoons and can opener
- Toys
- Grooming supplies
- A list of animal shelters in your area, in case you and your pet get separated
- Copies of proof of ownership papers (registration information, adoption papers, proofs of purchase, and microchip/tattoo information to store in the evacuation kit). List each of your animals and their species/breed, age, sex, color, and other distinguishing characteristics
- Pet life preserver if in flood zone
- Absorbent gauze pads
- Adhesive tape
- Antiseptic wipes, lotion, powder or spray
- Blanket (a foil emergency blanket would be best)
- Cotton balls or swabs
- Gauze rolls
- Hydrogen peroxide (to induce vomiting—do this only when directed by a veterinarian or a poison-control expert)
- Ice pack
- Non-latex disposable gloves
- Petroleum jelly (to lubricate the thermometer)
- Rectal thermometer (your pet's temperature should not rise above 103°F or fall below 100°F)
- Scissors (with blunt ends)
- Sterile non-stick gauze pads for bandages
- Sterile saline solution (sold at pharmacies)
- Tweezers
- A pillowcase to confine your cat for treatment
- A pet carrier
Other useful items
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®), if approved by a veterinarian for allergic reactions. A veterinarian must tell you the correct dosage for your pet's size
- Ear-cleaning solution
- Expired credit card or sample credit card (from direct-mail credit-card offers) to scrape away insect stingers
- Glucose paste or corn syrup (for diabetic dogs or those with low blood sugar)
- Nail clippers
- Non-prescription antibiotic ointment
- Penlight or flashlight
- Plastic eyedropper or syringe
- Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl) to clean the thermometer
- Splints and tongue depressors
- Styptic powder or pencil (sold at veterinary hospitals, pet-supply stores, and your local pharmacy)
- Temporary identification tag (to put your local contact information on your pet's collar when you travel)
- Towels
- Needle-nosed pliers
Common-sense advice
In addition to the items listed above, include anything your veterinarian has recommended specifically for your pet, such as medication (two-weeks supply), insulin and syringes.
Check the supplies in your pet's first-aid kit occasionally and replace any items that have expired.
For your family's safety, keep all medical supplies and medications out of the reach of children and pets.
Post by: Allison Otero, owner of AlleyCat's Pet Service
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