PET FIRST AID KIT

As a pet owner, you need to make sure to have basic first aid supplies for your pets in your household.  Carefully putting together a well-provisioned first aid kit will make you more ready to deal with a medical emergency if one confronts you for your dog, cat or other pet. Have this kit in the house and fully stocked with supplies at all times, next to the first aid kit for your family. Many of the items in a family first aid kit can be used for pets too.

 

Animal Emergency Center of Decatur

PET FIRST AID SUPPLIES CHECKLIST
Phone numbers and your pet's medical record (including medications and vaccination history)

Veterinarian:

Animal Emergency Center of Decatur:  404/371-9774

Animal Poison Control Center:   888/426-4435 (There may be a fee for this call.)

 You need to know these numbers before you actually need them.  If Animal Emergency Center of Decatur is not in your area, go to  Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society for a searchable list of emergency clinics by state.
Gauze For wrapping wounds or muzzling the injured animal.
Non-stick bandages, towels, or strips of clean cloth To control bleeding or protect wounds
Adhesive tape for bandages

Do NOT use human adhesive bandages (e.g. Band-Aids®) on pets

 For securing the gauze wrap or bandage
Milk of magnesia

Activated charcoal

 To absorb poison

Always contact your veterinarian, or after hours - AECD 404-371-9774, or your local poison control center before inducing vomiting or treating an animal for poison
Hydrogen peroxide (3%) To induce vomiting

Always contact your veterinarian, or after hours - AECD 404-371-9774, or your local poison control center before inducing vomiting or treating an animal for poison
Digital Thermometer

You will need a "fever" thermometer because the temperature scale of regular thermometers doesn't go high enough for pets

 To check your pet's temperature.  Do not insert a thermometer in your pet's mouth - the temperature must be taken rectally.
Eye dropper (or large syringe without needle) To give oral treatments or flush wounds
Muzzle (in an emergency a rope, necktie, soft cloth, nylon stocking, small towel - may be used). To cover your pet's head.

If your pet is vomiting, do not muzzle it!
Leash To transport your pet (if your pet is capable of walking without further injury)
Stretcher (in an emergency a door, board, blanket, or floor mat may be used) To stabilize the injured animal and prevent further injury during transport

Always remember that any first aid administered to your pet should be followed by immediate veterinary care. 

First aid care is not a substitute for veterinary care, but it may save your pet's life

until it receives veterinary treatment.

 

 

New for 2010, Animal Emergency Center of Decatur is hosting bi-monthly Pet First Aid / CPR Certification Classes. The classes are presented by "Matters of the Heart CPR" instructor, Megan Hise.  MOH CPR Training Center is an approved American Safety & Health Institute (ASHI).  For further information on MOH CPR and for class registration go to:     http://www.mattersoftheheartcpr.com/PFA.html  or contact Megan at 404-633-4284.