Living and caring for pets requires the same care and time just like taking care of people. Just like people, pets can also get sick, have an accident or get bitten by an insect or animal, so having the right products and tools with which you can help them can be crucial.
Having a pet first aid box in your possession will help you stay prepared all the time and act whenever needed. These kits aren't only helpful and friendly in case of accidents, scrapes and scratches but also in case of natural disasters and some other true emergencies.
Must-Have Items in a First-Aid Kit
Given the fact that there are different types of first-aid kits from which you can choose, you should know that there are some quite essential things a good and reliable pet first aid box should consist of.
Styptic Powder
Styptic powder is a type of product used for treating light wounds and stopping them from bleeding. The most popular types of this powder contain ferric subsulphate which is excellent in helping the blood to clot. These powders can also contain bentonite clay and aluminum sulphate, however, some other powder types can also contain diatomaceous earth. Aside from being used on dogs, this powder is also great for being used on cats and birds which doubles its purpose.
Liquid Bandage
This is a medical device created to heal and protect the pet's injury while keeping it clean and dry. The greatest thing of all about this product is that it comes in the form of a spray which makes it extremely easy to use. All it takes is to spray it and see how fast and quick it dries while soothing your pet. Once you spray it on the wound, this spray forms a protective polymeric layer which has proven great in keeping dirt and germs out and moisture in. Just make sure that the wound is completely clean from debris by cleaning it with clean water.
Sterile Eye Wash
As the name suggests this solution is used for removing/flushing debris, insects or any foreign objects from the eyes. Just make sure that the solution isn't stinging as this can be a problem especially when having to apply it on aggressive or energetic dogs.
General Bandage Supplies
Bandages are just another essential tool that you have to have in this first-aid box. Even though this is just a temporary solution to cover a wound (until you get to the veterinarian), it still makes one of the primary and most crucial items you should have in the box. Having bandages of different sizes will help you cover any kind of wound size and protect it from contamination. Some of the most essential bandage supplies you should have in the box are:
- tape
- tweezers
- self-adhesive bandage wrap
- blunt-tipped scissors
- gauze pads and rolls
- gloves
Wound Care Products
Just like bandage supplies, wound care supplies are an essential type of gear you should invest in, in order to keep your pet safe and sound even during accidents. Antimicrobial wipes, sprays and ointments are a must-have when it comes to minimizing the risk of infections. They are your best ally when it comes to cleaning a wound. Once cleaned, you can cover it with a bandage and proceed to the next step which is resting or taking it to the veterinarian if it's something more serious.
Antibiotic Ointments
In some cases, the use of antibiotic ointments is essential in order to kill bacteria that can usually appear on the top of the skin. This is paramount for preventing skin infections which can lead to faster healing. When using antibiotic ointments, make sure to clean the area first.
Q-Tips
This might sound strange to some people, but having Q-tips in hand can help you apply an ointment and clean the area before applying a medication.
Pain-Reliever
Having OTC medications in the first-aid bag is great for those times when your pet is in pain. By giving it an over-the-counter medication you can relieve its pain or make it more bearable. Some of the most popular OTC medications used for pets are:
- Ibuprofen – anti-inflammatory medication that lasts longer and has proven great in reducing fever, swelling and pain.
- Acetaminophen – a medication that can temporarily reduce fever and relieve some pains. Just keep in mind that this medication is not anti-inflammatory.
Regardless of the type of medication you decide to give your dog, make sure to read and understand the instructions in order to give it the right dosage.
Hand Sanitizer or Alcohol
In order to avoid cross-contamination of bacteria and viruses, you should use hand sanitizer or alcohol before and after you put on the gloves. That way you will protect both you and your dog mainly from the spread of viruses, debris and bacteria.
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