April is Pet First Aid Awareness Month
April is Pet First Aid Awareness Month. No one ever wants to think of their precious pet getting hurt or ill, but pet owners should always be prepared with a pet first aid kit. Prepackaged first aid kits are available commercially, but most experts recommend you put together your own kit. A properly-stocked pet first aid kit can be a factor in your pet’s well-being during an emergency.
A pet first aid kit should contain:
- sterile gauze pads
- gauze rolls
- first aid tape
- scissors
- 3% hydrogen peroxide
- antibacterial ointment
- antiseptic wipes
- eye dropper
- muzzle
- leash
- digital thermometer
- antihistamine (Benadryl or generic)
- blanket or stretcher
If you do buy a kit instead of put one together – it’s important that you open and take inventory of the items and be sure you know how to use them. Also – if the kit contains a muzzle, be sure to see if it fits your dog!
The kit should contain the phone number for the Animal Poison Control Center: 888-426-4435. If you ever have to call be sure to have the following information available:
- Species, breed, age, sex, weight and number of animals involved
- Symptoms
- Name/description of the substance that is in question; the amount the animal was exposed to; and the length of time of the exposure (how long it’s been since your pet ate it or was exposed to it).
- Have the product container/packaging available for reference.
Additionally you should have the name, address and phone number of the nearest animal emergency hospital. Here is a sample list of emergency centers in the Tails on Trails service area:
Midway Animal Hospital
8268 Veterans Highway
Millersville MD 21108
410-800-4344
OPEN: 24/7/365
Anne Arundel Veterinary Emergency Clinic, Inc
808 Bestgate Road
Annapolis MD 21401
410-224-0331
OPEN: 24/7/365
Dogs and Cats Veterinary Referral
6700 Laurel-Bowie Road, Rte. 197
Bowie MD 20715
301-809-8800
OPEN 24/7/365
April is Pet First Aid Awareness month, and a great time to take stock in your preparedness!
