April Is National Pet First Aid Awareness Month – Here's What to Know
Though we hope it never happens, life-threatening situations with our dogs can occur. While some of these may be preventable, there are, of course, plenty of circumstances where they may not be. This April is National Pet First Aid Awareness Month, so it’s the perfect time to get acquainted with basic pet first aid.
By being prepared with a pet first aid kit, you can always have peace of mind and be ready to handle any situation that may arise with your pet.
Packing a Pet First Aid Kit
The first step in preparing for an emergency is to have a pet first aid kit with everything needed to tend to injuries, accidents, and other health issues. This kit allows you to take immediate action rather than searching for supplies. Here are some of the necessary items to keep in your pet's first aid kit.
- Bandaging/gauze
- Medical tape
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Cold packs
- Sterile saline solution
- 3% Hydrogen peroxide, which induces vomiting — be sure to consult with a vet or poison control first, though
- Disposable gloves
- Oral syringe
- Antibiotic ointment
- Alcohol wipes
- Towels
- Flashlight
- Your dog's medical records
- Any vital medications for your dog
- A small supply of dog food
- Card with all necessary emergency contacts
This will be virtually everything you need to attend to wound care, accidental ingestion, and more.
Remember, it's important to be responsible and proactive by looking through your pet's first aid kit every few months to ensure nothing has expired or leaked, ensuring its readiness when you need it most.
How to Maintain a Pet First Aid Kit for Dogs
Store your kit in an easily accessible location. It might be a good idea to prepare two kits—one for the house and one for your vehicle. Be sure to keep the kit out of reach of children; however, all adults should know where it is.
Get Joy Hopes Your Pet Stays Safe
We hope these tips help you keep your dog safe and healthy. Here at Get Joy, we know you love your dogs as much as we love ours. Therefore, it’s vital to be prepared with a first aid kit for pets in an emergency. Be sure to check out the rest of our blog for tips on pet nutrition, supplementation, and more.
