A pet first-aid kit might just make a great holiday gift this year for your special pet, or the pet-lover in your life. We don’t like to think about anything happening to our pets, but at some time or another you are likely to need a bandage, topical medication, or other emergency item. Having a first-aid kit can help you to provide prompt, effective care to your pet. But what should go into a kit like this? Here are some items that we recommend keeping on hand…

Here’s what you will need to make a pet first-aid kit for Christmas:

  • Bandage supplies (include 1” tape, gauze roll, sterile gauze pad, a 2” bandage wrap, and small scissors). These are handy for cuts, scrapes, torn toe nails, and burns.
  • Latex (or latex-free) gloves (non-sterile and sterile)
  • Topical antibiotic ointment (Neosporin)
  • Nolvasan solution
  • Mini skin stapler
  • Syringe
  • Diphenhydramine (Benadryl). In the event of an allergic reaction, don’t be caught without it. Talk to your vet for an appropriate dose for your pet.
  • Curved hemostat
  • Tongue depressors
  • Digital thermometer. Dogs and cats may run approximately 99.5-102.5 F normally.
  • Karo syrup. Should your pet ever have low blood sugar, this is a necessity.
  • Penlight. A small light like this is great for checking your pet’s pupils or looking into a dark throat, and can double as a flashlight in a pinch.
  • A muzzle. Consider some type of muzzle or restraint device to keep yourself safe when dealing with an injured pet.  Many otherwise friendly pets can become aggressive when hurt.
  • Information. Contact information for your veterinarian, an emergency after-hours clinic, and the Animal Poison Control Center should be readily available. Also consider purchasing a basic pet first-aid book

A small tackle box makes a great case to keep all of your first aid supplies organized in one place. Most of the items can be purchased at your local pharmacy over-the-counter. Others may need to be supplied by your veterinarian. Having a kit such as this available will provide you with all the tools you will need to help your pet in case of emergency.