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!