Emergencies Happen

 How to Best Be Prepared

By definition, an emergency is not something you can truly plan for, but you can be prepared for pet (and human) crises by knowing a little and handily stocking a first aid care kit. When we have discussions with pet owners on many topics, we always say we are hoping for the best, but have plans in place for the worst case.

The first rule of first aid is that you will follow up with your veterinarian as soon as able and have your pet seen to ensure that there will be no complications from either the emergency or your care at home or on the road.

The second step is to arm yourself with information and a little training. The Red Cross and other groups offer lots of online resources. And, since we almost all are carrying a small computer in our pocket, one great resource is the American Red Cross Pet First Aid App – available for both iOS and Android. It gives you visuals and basic information on a lengthy list of emergencies from frostbite to wounds, as well as a good section on what’s normal.

In your home, you should have first aid kits for people and pets. You can easily purchase a complete human kit at your local drug or big box store, but your pet kit will need some different items. There are stocked pet first aid kits available for order through many outlets, but you can also easily make your own. For active Colorado dogs, consider having a travel kit for car or backpack so that you are prepared away from home as well.

For a detailed list of items, you can visit the AVMA’s website listed below, but here are a few key basics for your home and/or travel first aid kit:

1. A list of important animal medical contacts such as your veterinarian and nearest veterinary emergency facilities, poison control and the police non-emergency number. Note also in your home kit the location of crate or pet carriers for safe transport of cats and small dogs.

2. A copy or outline of pet’s or pets’ medical and vaccination history – especially if any medical conditions, medications or allergies.

3. A muzzle or gauze roll to be used as a muzzle – pain can cause even the most loving animal to bite.

4. Towels – for padding or restraint.

5. Spare leash and collar.

6.  A digital thermometer – mark for animal use only as will be used rectally.

7. K-Y jelly (or generic) – to use as lube for taking temperature rectally as to protectively coat wounds or eyes if needed.

8. Saline solution for cleaning wounds – easily found at the drug or grocery store as eye flush near the contact lens solutions.

9. Bandaging materials – cotton wrap or clean cloth, non-stick bandages, non-adherent dressing, rolled gauze and medical tapes (self-adhering and adherent)

10. A small flashlight

Now armed with your app and pet first aid kit, you can take a breath and know that you are prepared in the event of a pet emergency.

Dr. Margot can be reached at parkhillvet.com

For Pets

First Aid Info & Supplies

• ASPCA: aspcapro.org/resource/saving-lives-shelter-health-poison-control/how-make-pet-first-aid-kit

• AVMA: avma.org/public/EmergencyCare/Pages/First-Aid-Tips-for-Pet-Owners.aspx

• Humane Society: humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/pet_first_aid_kit

• Red Cross: redcross.org/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/mobile-apps