Being prepared is essential to increasing your chances for success in any emergency. The same goes for emergencies involving your pets! You never know what will happen or when it’ll happen, so being prepared is essential. It can save you time, money, and maybe even your pet’s life! Take a look at How to Prepare a Pet Emergency Kit!
Preparing a Pet Emergency Kit
You may think that you just need a pet emergency kit in case your dog hurts itself playing in your backyard.
But there are a lot of possibilities you may also want to consider.
What if a loose dog or wild animal attacks your dog? What if they get a snake bite? Or fall and break a bone?
They could also choke, ingest something poisonous, or get bloat.
This could happen in your home, at the dog park, out on a walk, on vacation, you name it!
It may happen while you’re there, or your pet may be with a pet sitter.
At the very least, you’ll need to include the basics when you prepare a pet emergency kit.
A basic pet emergency kit should include:
•ID card that includes your pet’s veterinarian’s phone number, an emergency off-hours vet’s phone number, animal poison control’s number, and info on any allergies or current diseases/conditions your pet has.
•a copy of your pet’s most recent vaccinations can also be really handy.
•gauze
•bandages
•hydrogen peroxide
•antiseptic wipes
•a rectal thermometer
•petroleum jelly
•tweezers
•scissors
•cotton balls
•a blanket
•a muzzle
•gloves
•eye wash
•ear wash
•If you have a cat or smallish dog, include a pet carrier as well.
•You’d also be smart to include a pet first aid book, like The First Aid Companion for Dogs and Cats.
If you wanted to prepare a pet emergency kit that’s really comprehensive, also include …
•backup leash and collar
•ice pack
•foil emergency blanket (AKA space blanket)
•Benadryl (for allergic reactions)
•Gas-X (for bloat)
•flashlight
•eyedropper
•ice pack
•burn relief pack
To take your kit beyond just a first aid kit, also include about a week of food and water.
If you have a cat, include some litter. If you have a dog, include pet waste bags.
This is important when preparing an emergency pet preparedness kit!
Generally, generic supplies will be fine for your kit.
There are a few cases where you may want to get specific things for your pet, however.
Try to find self-adherent bandages, so they don’t stick to your pet’s fur.
And it’d be better to get the tablet versions of Benadryl and Gas-X, in case you want to cut them in half to give your pet the appropriate dosage.
You’ll probably also want to get a thermometer that’s specifically designed for pets.
And when you prepare a pet emergency kit, don’t forget that everything needs to go in something.
Depending on how big everything is, you may want to buy an empty first aid box, a small storage bag, or even a backpack to keep it organized and on hand.
You’ll definitely want to have a pet emergency kit in your home, but it’d also be good to include at least a smaller version in your car.
If you hire a pet sitter, point out the main kit to them. And if you take your pet to stay overnight with friends or family, bring the big kit with you.
Do you have a pet emergency kit prepared?
Calvin
Tuesday 2nd of October 2018
Always good to prepare and do what you can to prevent accidents when times are still normal
Ashley F
Sunday 29th of May 2016
Great tips! I have most of these things, but not really in one spot! I will have to take some time to put it all together just in case we ever need it for our furry kids!
Ellen Dash
Sunday 29th of May 2016
I used to foster for Great Dane Rescue, and I agree that your suggestions for a pet emergency kit are thorough. Of course, with Danes, the Gas-X is not optional. You definitely need to keep some of that on hand. Thanks for putting such a nice list together!
Melissa S
Saturday 28th of May 2016
I really need to put one of these together. We have a 5 month old puppy and she is a bundle of energy and has given me a couple scares already.