Essentials in a First-Aid Kit
You can put together or own first-aid kit or purchase one from a pet store.
You can put together or own first-aid kit or purchase one from a pet store. First-aid kits can vary in their number of items. Your veterinarian may suggest items in addition to these:
- Gauze roll to wrap wounds or use as a muzzle
- Adhesive tape for bandages
- Non stick bandages such as Telfa pads (Soft, nonwoven backing conforms around wound and seals on all four sides.; provides protection from external environment)
- Towels and cloth
- Hydrogen Peroxide (3 percent)
- Milk of Magnesia or activated charcoal to absorb poison (use only with advice of a vet or poison control center)
- Eyedropper for oral treatments
- Stretcher (a blanket, board or floor mat)
- Thermometer (normal temperature is 100 to 102.5 degrees)
- Tweezers
- Antibiotic ointment
- Cotton Swabs
- Instant cold pack
- First Aid Book
- Scissors
- Pliers to remove porcupine twills
- Rags or rubber tubing to use as a tourniquet in a life-threatening situation
- Flashlight
- Bottled water
- Emergency phone numbers
- Your Vet
- Emergency Hospital
- ASPCA Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435
ASPCA Poison Control (888) 426-4435
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) is your best resource for any animal poison-related emergency, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you think your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, call (888) 426-4435.