Pets are curious creatures, and they may find themselves tangled in a cactus, chewing on a toxic household plant, or getting in a scrap with another neighborhood pet. For instances like these, you’ll want to have a pet first aid kit handy to clean any wounds, remove foreign objects, flush your pet’s eyes, or induce vomiting. By staying prepared, you can keep calm when your pet becomes injured and provide first aid before heading to your local veterinary urgent care clinic.
Gather All the Essentials for Pet First Aid
Your pet first aid kit should include a variety of essentials for managing common injuries and illnesses. Items to include are:
- Gauze roll
- Nonstick absorbent gauze pads
- Disposable gloves
- Rubbing alcohol or alcohol wipes
- Hydrogen peroxide (3% to induce vomiting if instructed by your veterinarian)
- Clean towels
- Emergency blanket
- Tweezers
- Small scissors
- Grooming clippers
- Cotton balls or pads
- Insect sting relief pads
- Petroleum jelly
- Baby dose oral syringe
- Saline eye solution
- Small flashlight
- Magnifying glass
Keep your emergency kit in a waterproof container that’s always within easy reach. If you’re traveling with your pet, be sure to bring your first aid kit along with you in the car. This is especially important if you’re traveling to a remote area where emergency care may not be readily available.
Check Your Kit Every Few Months
Many items that you should have in your first aid kit can degrade or expire over time. Be sure to keep your first aid kit out of direct sunlight and in a cool, dry place, and check it every few months to make sure that everything is fresh and in good condition.
Include Important Phone Numbers and Resources
Any time you need to apply first aid for your pet, you should follow up with your veterinarian or at a veterinary urgent care clinic. While first aid items will help you quickly dress wounds, remove cactus needles or insect stingers, or flush your pet’s eyes, your pet will still need professional medical care to get better.
Tucson Veterinary Urgent Care is your resource for managing minor pet injuries and illnesses that need immediate veterinary care. Our urgent care services address wound care, allergic reactions, vomiting and diarrhea, heat stroke, breathing abnormalities, and end-of-life care. We have an in-house lab and digital radiology on site, and we are equipped for surgical care as well.
For urgent care services in Tucson, visit us 7 days a week from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. No appointment is required, but you can check in online or call us prior to your arrival to expedite the intake process.