Pet First Aid Kit

If you own a pet, make sure you have a first aid kit at home. Pet Poison Helpline recommends the following items be kept on hand in case of various emergencies:

  • Hydrogen peroxide 3% (within the expiration date)
  • Liquid hand dish washing detergent (i.e., Dawn, Palmolive)
  • Rubber gloves
  • Triple antibiotic ointment (with NO other combination ingredients - for DOGS only!)
  • Vitamin E oil
  • Diphenhydramine tablets 25mg (with NO other combination ingredients)
  • Ophthalmic saline solution or artificial tears
  • Can of tuna packed in water or tasty canned pet food
  • Sweet electrolyte-containing beverage
  • Corn syrup
  • Vegetable oil

Before you attempt anything with your new first aid kit, however, always make sure to speak with a poison control specialist first prior to initiating any therapies at home.

Never administer hydrogen peroxide to any pet without checking with a veterinary professional first, as sometimes it's not appropriate to induce vomiting at home.

And never administer any over-the-counter human medications to animals without speaking to your veterinarian first.

Published: March 12, 2010;    Updated:

Filed Under: Emergency Care, Safety, Disaster Preparedness, Companion Animals, Cats, Dogs

Information courtesy of Pet Poison Helpline.

Pet Poison Helpline is a service available 24 hours, seven days a week for pet owners, veterinarians and veterinary technicians who require assistance treating a potentially poisoned pet. Staff can provide treatment advice for poisoning cases of all species, including dogs, cats, birds, small mammals, large animals and exotic species. Pet Poison Helpline’s fee of $35 per incident includes follow-up consultation for the duration of the poison case. Pet Poison Helpline is available in North America by calling (800) 213-6680.