April is Pet First Aid Awareness Month.  No one ever wants to think of their precious pet getting hurt or ill, but pet owners should always be prepared with a pet first aid kit. Prepackaged first aid kits are available commercially, but most experts recommend you put together your own kit. A properly-stocked pet first aid kit can be a factor in your pet’s well-being during an emergency.

A pet first aid kit should contain:

  • sterile gauze pads
  • gauze rolls
  • first aid tape
  • scissors
  • 3% hydrogen peroxide
  • antibacterial ointment
  • antiseptic wipes
  • eye dropper
  • muzzle
  • leash
  • digital thermometer
  • antihistamine (Benadryl or generic)
  • blanket or stretcher

If you do buy a kit instead of put one together – it’s important that you open and take inventory of the items and be sure you know how to use them. Also – if the kit contains a muzzle, be sure to see if it fits your dog!

The kit should contain the phone number for the Animal Poison Control Center: 888-426-4435. If you ever have to call be sure to have the following information available:

  • Species, breed, age, sex, weight and number of animals involved
  • Symptoms
  • Name/description of the substance that is in question; the amount the animal was exposed to; and the length of time of the exposure (how long it’s been since your pet ate it or was exposed to it).
  • Have the product container/packaging available for reference.

Additionally you should have the name, address and phone number of the nearest animal emergency hospital. Here is a sample list of emergency centers in the Tails on Trails service area:
Midway Animal Hospital
8268 Veterans Highway
Millersville MD 21108
410-800-4344
OPEN: 24/7/365

Anne Arundel Veterinary Emergency Clinic, Inc
808 Bestgate Road
Annapolis MD 21401
410-224-0331
OPEN: 24/7/365

Dogs and Cats Veterinary Referral
6700 Laurel-Bowie Road, Rte. 197
Bowie MD 20715
301-809-8800
OPEN 24/7/365

April is Pet First Aid Awareness month, and a great time to take stock in your preparedness!