A vet or pet hospital trip remains essential for severe injuries, but a fully equipped first aid bag can be a lifesaver for your dog in several situations. Given their importance, pet first aid kits must contain some components to ensure their practicality. These five items are a must-have for any first aid kit for pets.
Can You Treat Dog or Cat Wounds with Human First Aid Supplies?
Several materials in a human first aid pack may also prove helpful in a medical emergency with your pet.
Antiseptic swabs and sterile gauze pads are two must-haves for any medical emergency pack. However, there may be other things required for your pet's upkeep.
In this regard, human first-aid kits and pet first-aid kits are distinct. A pet first aid pack is made to cater to your dog and cat's particular needs, such as broken nails, injury to their paw pads, and coverings for wounds that won't fall apart if your pet tries to lick them off.
Thus, you may employ the first aid supplies in your bag to treat your pet, but you should also have some extra material on hand; this is where the pet first aid comes into play.
Ointment
First-aid cream or antibacterial lotion made for people can also be used to treat your dog's minor cuts and scrapes. A thin layer applied three or four times daily can keep the site clean, calm the itching, and prevent infection.
The wound should be covered with non-stick gauze, and then either a self-sticking wrap or a cone-shaped collar should be used to keep the pet from gaining access to the wound and the topical treatment.
Bandage
Bandages are the most crucial item in your pet's first aid kit because they can be used in many ways. Ensure your kit has bandages, wound pads that don't stick, and a dressing that sticks to itself. Bandages requiring tape should be avoided because they are irritating and challenging to remove. You may find dog-safe gauze at any pet store.
Gauze can be used to bandage and shield a wound, create a temporary splint, or create an emergency muzzle by wrapping it around the animal's snout.
Saline Solution
Your dog's eyes may become slightly irritated if they like to play in the mud or run about on sandy beaches. If your dog has dirt on its paws, it may react by wiping its eyes with its feet, which might worsen the situation. A simple saline solution for humans, which you can purchase over the counter, can prove helpful in cleansing your dog's eyes.
If you can't find any saline solution to buy, you can make your own by mixing one cup of tepid water and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Paperwork
Your dog's vital records should be kept in a first aid box and other emergency supplies. You should track when your pet was last vaccinated, the name and number of their primary veterinarian, the terms and numbers of any nearby emergency pet clinics, any regular medications they use, any allergies they may have, and the contact information of a pet poison control center.
Ear Cleansing Solution
After bathing your dog or swimming with them and any other time you observe a buildup of wax in their ears, be sure to use a gentle ear cleaner that won't irritate their skin.
Your dog's ear and ear canal are particularly vulnerable to infections due to their convoluted shape; therefore, you must regularly clean this area with a pet-approved cleansing solution.
