Did you know April is Pet First Aid Awareness Month?

A well-stocked first aid kit can help you tend to your pets until medical help can be reached. You can easily put together a well-stocked pet first aid kit using a waterproof container that opens and closes easily. The following is a checklist you can use to stock up on emergency supplies.

• Veterinarian’s contact information - Have numbers for both your family veterinarian and an after-hours emergency veterinarian readily available.
• Scissors - Use these to cut hair and bandages.
• Tweezers- These are used for removing objects from skin or paws.
• Eyedropper - This is used to dispense liquid medication or to clean superficial wounds.
• Gloves - Use gloves to help protect you and keep the wound sanitary.
• Gauze pads - These pads are used for cleaning injuries.
• Gauze rolls - Use the rolls to wrap around wounds or as a safety muzzle.
• Soft muzzle - These are used to prevent your pet from biting you or chewing on an injury while in pain.
• E-collar - These collars are available in a variety of sizes (both opaque and clear). They are cone-shaped protectors that attach to your pet’s collar and prevent your pet from accessing a wound or injury. They can be found at pet stores and veterinary clinics.
• Alcohol prep pads - You use these pads to sterilize items such as scissors or tweezers.
• Cold pack - Use a cold pack to reduce swelling or pain.
• Digital thermometer - The thermometer is used to help you determine if your pet has a fever. Do not use a mercury thermometer because it can shatter.
• Hydrogen peroxide - Use peroxide to clean wounds.
• Rags or rubber tubing - Both of these items can be used to make a tourniquet.
• Blanket or towel - Use one of these to wrap an injured pet, carry an injured pet or to provide warmth.
  

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