The WM Pet Connection

By Rebecca Sebek


I received a calendar from the Arizona Humane Society since I made a donation last year. For January it states, "January's New Year's Project: Put together a special first aid kit just for your pet." I never thought about creating a first-aid kit for my cats. It makes sense because there are first aid kits for people, why not have one for pets?


First, if you don't have a first aid kit in your home and car, go out and buy one because you'll never know when you'll need it. Second, start thinking about creating a kit for your pets. If they're injured, you'll be able to care for them and then drive to a veterinarian.


Items for your first aid kit

• Sterile gauze pads
• Bandages
• Cotton swabs
• First-aid adhesive tape
• Tweezers
• Scissors
• Rubbing alcohol
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Antibacterial ointment
• Washcloth
• Eyedropper
• Sterile eyewash
• Latex gloves
• Sandwich and or freezer bags
• Styptic pencil
• Cornstarch
• Cleansing wipes
• Leather gloves to protect your from getting bit
• Thin and thick rope
• Leash
• Vet wrap
• Muzzle
• Towels
• Blankets
• Mineral oil
• Digital thermometer
• First-aid book
• Vet prescribed medicine
• Tongue depressor
• Materials to make a splint (wooden ruler, rolled up newspapers, board, belt, neckties)

Tip: Keep the materials in a clean and secure metal or plastic box. Customize your first-aid kit to your pets.


Not only can a first-aid kit save your life -- it can save your pet's life. You never know when an emergency will occur. If you're prepared, you'll be able to stabilize your pet until you can get to a veterinarian. The less trauma they suffer the better.


You may want to take a pet first-aid class. Check with your veterinarian, community college, Red Cross chapter, or local humane society to find a class or workshop near you. You can also read books such as The Complete Healthy Dog Book or The First Aid Companion for Dogs & Cats (Prevention Pets) to educate yourself about your pet's health and first-aid.


Familiarize yourself with emergency pet clinics in your area and when you're traveling; you may need emergency services. Write down the names, locations, and phone numbers of animal clinics and or emergency animal hospitals just in case your pet needs help.


There are a couple of pet first-aid apps for the iPhone such as Jive Media's Pet First Aid. This app provides you with medical emergency help for cuts, choking, CPR, and much more. They have detailed articles, videos, and illustrations that can help you care for your pet. You can even record your pet's medical information. Another pet first-aid app is Dog First Aid by PetMD. They provide you with medical information should your dog eat a box of chocolates or chokes on a bone. Whatever the situation, this app will help you help your dog.


Don't forget to add 'create a pet first-aid kit' to your New Year's resolutions list. Your pet gives you unconditional love. Show them how much you love them by creating a first-aid kit. Keep one at home in the car. The money you spend will be well worth it to save your pet's life!

*Photo by Adam Elliston_Stock Exchange

Create a First Aid Kit for Your Pet