HEAD: Are you prepared if your pet gets hurt?
You probably already have a first-aid kit for your human family members, but it’s a good idea to have one put together for your pets as well. In any emergency, it’s important that your pet be microchipped and that the registration for that chip is up to date with your current contact information—injured pets may run off and the sooner they can be identified, the sooner they can be treated.
Information to have on hand includes the name and numbers for your vet, the closest 24-hour emergency vet, the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline (1-888-426-4435), and your pet’s vaccination and medical records. Store these documents in a waterproof container along with helpful first-aid/emergency items such as:
- Spare leash & collar
- Food & water bowls
- 5-7 days’ worth of food and bottled water
- 5-7 days’ worth of your pet’s medications, flea, and heartworm preventative
- Milk of Magnesia
- Anti-itch cream
- Gauze rolls, adhesive tape, bandage scissors
- Cotton balls
- Antiseptic products
- Syringe
- Glucose paste or corn syrup for diabetic animals
- Pen light or flashlight
- Tweezers
- Thermometer
- Blanket
- Styptic pen to stop bleeding
- Toys/treats for distraction
- Animal first-aid book
Remember: even the nicest pets may bite or scratch if they’re injured, and the key is to move slowly, stay calm, and contact a veterinarian as soon as possible. If you’d like to get a copy of your pet’s records for a first-aid kit, or have questions about caring for your pet in an emergency, contact XXXX at 999-999-9999.