Being prepared for everyday accidents can mean reducing the extent of treatment required or even saving your pet’s life.
A basic first aid kit should be made up of:
- Your vet’s telephone number, including emergency and after hours numbers
- Pet First Aid manual
- Rectal thermometer and lubricant
- Sterile gauze (to cover wounds and prevent further infection)
- Bandages (soft conforming bandages are best)
- Scissors
- Adhesive tape
- Cotton wool
- Sterile saline solution (to flush debris out of wounds)
Other items that may be useful in your first aid kit include splint material (such as a smooth piece of wood, or a splint available from your veterinarian), a leather lead (to make a noose to approach a frightened or aggressive animal), strong material if a tourniquet is needed and a blanket to keep the animal warm or use as a stretcher.
