By Mary Oquendo, C.M.P.T.I. C.C.S.
What is your most invaluable piece of grooming equipment? Is it your clipper vacuum? Your bathing system? Your dryer? For me, it is my pet first aid kit. Being able to address injuries quickly minimizes the impact while reducing recovery time. Organizing a pet first aid kit allows you to customize it to your needs. It is also the best way to know what is in your kit.
To help you get started use the handy checklist below. Store your kit in plastic bin with lid. Keep a copy of the checklist in the bin to remind you of the required inventory. Some items have expiration dates. Go through your kit after each use to replenish and replace out-of-date items.
My second most valuable piece of equipment is my pet first aid certificate and course manual. Because of my training I know how to properly use the contents of my kit and when to call for help first. To find a pet first aid instructor in your area please contact me.
Read my Pet First Aid & Care blog at GroomWise blogs by PetGroomer.com. My web site is www.pawsitivelypretty.com.
Below is a helpful check list to compile your D.I.Y. Pet First Aid Kit. Hint: Set the number of entries for table view below at 50 or more using the checkbox below▲
| X | Check each item listed below as you acquire it. |
|---|---|
| _____________ | Veterinarian’s phone number including off hours contact. You may need their direction, or to inform them you are on the way. |
| _____________ | Gauze rolls. |
| _____________ | Vet wrap. |
| _____________ | Cotton roll for use with large areas and head wounds. |
| _____________ | Non-stick gauze pads. |
| _____________ | Antibiotic cream. |
| _____________ | Sanitary napkins can be used to soak up excess blood. |
| _____________ | Bandanas. Use as triangular bandages. Cover burns. Use as slings. Aid walking by taking pressure off limbs. |
| _____________ | Sealed sterile solution to rinse wounds and burns. Once opened it is no longer sterile. |
| _____________ | Surgical scrubs such as Novalsan™ or Betadine™ to clean wounds. |
| _____________ | Surgical scrubs such as Novalsan™ or Betadine™ to clean wounds. |
| _____________ | Tea bags. They contain tannic acid which helps to clot blood. |
| _____________ | Plastic cards, such as old library cards or used gift cards, can be used to cushion pad injuries. Also you can flick out bee stingers. Place card under stinger and then lift up and out. |
| _____________ | Small flashlight to check for debris in throat. |
| _____________ | Chemical cold packs or instant cold gel packs. Place against pressure points to cool pets. Always contact veterinarian for instructions when pet is suffering from hypothermia or heatstroke. |
| _____________ | Plastic baggies for debris, vomit or stool samples. |
| _____________ | Latex gloves to protect from zoonotics. |
| _____________ | Honey packets for hypoglycemic pets. |
| _____________ | SmartWater™ to help replace electrolytes when pets are stressed due to injuries. |
| _____________ | Butterfly bandages to help close larger wounds. |
| The remaining items require veterinary contact first! Different poisons often require different protocols and proper dosage. What helps in one situation can cause harm in another. Post these telephone numbers wherever you care for pets. Animal Poison Control 1-888-426-4436 People Poison Control 1-800-222-1222 |
|
| _____________ | Liquid gel cap antihistamine with safety pin to puncture liquid center. Squirt directly on tongue. This is the fastest way to administer an antihistamine during anaphylactic shock. Dosage is important. |
| _____________ | Hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting. |
| _____________ | Activated charcoal to absorb poisons. |
| _____________ | Baking soda to absorb topical caustic materials. |
| _____________ | Squirt bottle to administer treatment. |
