A pet first aid kit is often the last thing you think to grab when heading out the door,
but it can be the difference between handling an emergency like a pro and panicking
when you realize how unprepared you are. Choosing the right pet first aid kit for your
needs, however, can be a confusing adventure. Fortunately, Furry Footsteps LLC
has put all the information together for you. Here are some tips to create the perfect
pet first aid kit based on your lifestyle:
How to Stock Your Kit:
For someone who has never used or needed a first aid kit, stocking one can seem
overwhelming. The first place to start is buying a container for your materials and
then stocking with items useful in an emergency. There are also many pre-made kits
available for you, you can customize these by adding or taking away items based on
your needs. Before you buy a pre-made kit or starting to create your own, you
should take a look at what situations you are likely to encounter.
People who are hiking enthusiasts would not want to haul around a bulky pet first aid
kit, but instead should focus on items that would help best in situations they are likely
to encounter (cuts, mosquito bites, and water shortages). Those who seem to attract
strays wherever they go would also stock different items in their kits. Road-tripping
fanatics also require different items, this time related to providing creature comforts
on the road. If you like to be prepared, maybe you would like a fully stocked pet first
aid kit designed to help in any situation.
This is why we have made available a list of items based on differing needs, all
available in a free printable PDF file [hyperlink “Ultimate First Aid Kit List” PDF].
Choose between building a complete pet first aid kit made to handle every
emergency, a kit focusing on providing for lost strays you pick up along the way, one
focusing on needs for long car rides, and another (lighter) pack for those who love
hiking. Start your own kit either by building on a first aid kit sold in stores, or by
starting from scratch with a small waterproof container.
While all of these items are listed with their uses for pet first aid in mind, most double
as first aid care for humans as well. Please feel free to combine kits so that the
whole family’s needs are prepared for, with minimal effort.
Besides a kit, how else to prepare:
Now that you have your kit picked out and prepared, don’t stop the emergency
preparedness. Pet first aid kits would not be complete without a little research, both
so you know what to do after you take care of the emergency and how to use the
items in your pet first aid kit.
Some helpful things you can do is to look up emergency veterinary clinics in your
area, save the numbers and address to your phone and learn the fastest route to
them. Keep a printout of these contacts and any other emergency numbers to store
with your pet first aid kit. One handy addition is to include the ASPCA Poison Control
hotline (which can be reached at 888-426-4435). They charge a small fee for
professional advice in the event your pet swallows something toxic, guiding you how
to minimize risk for your pet and whether you need to get them to a vet.

In case you are clueless what hydrogen peroxide is used for, don’t know how to use
a thermometer on your pet, or are squeamish about bandages, enroll in a pet first aid
class such as the Cat and Dog First Aid Online class offered by the American Red
Cross 1 . This is a basic, quick course in pet first aid that can teach you the basics of
emergency first aid for your pet, all for a small fee. If you are interested in a more
intensive class, speak with your local animal shelter or Humane Society for more
information.
While these steps seem simple, they are just the start of creating a more prepared
mindset. After you have created your pet first aid kit and educated yourself in its use,
pass this knowledge on to other people in your family so they can help. Check the
contents of your kit regularly and update or replace items as they expire or become
spoiled. Now that you are fully prepared for whatever life throws at you, just
remember to take your kit with you everywhere (or create an extra one for the house
or car).
Has anyone found themselves in need of a pet first aid kit? Let us know in the
comments about your emergency story so we can discuss ways to make first aid
care better.