As a pet owner, it is important to be prepared. When it comes to your pet’s well-being, it’s always better to have a pet first-aid kit (and not need it), than the other way around. Emergencies typically happen when we least expect them, and being able to act quickly can make all the difference. The Parkside Animal Hospital team wants to empower all pet owners to acquire all the necessary supplies and know the basics of pet first-aid. 

A Strong Foundation

Pet emergencies involve health threats that require immediate or life-saving veterinary assistance. There are other instances that result in emergency evacuations or rescue scenarios. 

We recommend having your pet microchipped or updating any changes to their existing chip. In the case of potential separation in a chaotic situation, their microchip can be the one thing that leads to a happy reunion.

Hand in Paw

A big part of your kit should be your pet’s medical history/records that tracks their prescriptions, vaccinations, parasite prevention medication, and, of course, their microchip. It’s also a great idea to have a recent photo of your pet inside the kit in case you ever have to make flyers or give to emergency personnel.

Back-up Supplies

To complete your pet first-aid kit, collect and store the following items in an accessible place in the home:

• Enough unexpired food and water for at least 3 days
• Bowls
• Current prescription medications
• Crate or travel kennel
• Leash and additional collar with tags
• Bedding
• Waste removal bags
• Litter pan and litter
• Familiar toys
• Comforting objects

In case you need to leave home, always take your pet with you. Have a list of pet-friendly accommodations, or numbers of family members and friends that could host you. 

Please check the Canadian Red Cross for more information.

Signs of a Pet Emergency

Please seek emergency veterinary care if your pet ever displays the following symptoms:

• Bleeding
• Repeated episodes of vomiting
• Blood in stool 
• Respiratory distress, coughing, or choking
• Seizures
• Mobility challenges or loss of balance
• Swollen abdomen
• Traumatic injury or pain
• Prolonged delivery of puppies or kittens
• Pain
• Vision changes or obvious trauma to the eye
• Inability to urinate or defecate

Pet CPR

To complete your understanding of pet first-aid, we recommend learning how to perform CPR on cats and dogs. Check out pet first-aid training and CPR classes available near you. 

What’s In Your Kit?

The following supplies can help you stabilize your pet in order transport them to our hospital:

• Gloves
• Muzzle or long piece of soft cloth to prevent your pet from biting you.
• Self-cling bandage
• Gauze rolls and pads
• Ice packs
• Styptic powder (to stop bleeding)
• Nail clippers
• Tweezers
• Scissors
• Cotton balls
• Saline solution
• Rectal thermometer (keep an eye out for anything over 39.4 degrees C, and below 37.2 degrees C)
• Alcohol
• Flashlight
• Blankets

Pet First-Aid

When it comes to a pet emergency, every second matters. Your team at Parkside Animal Hospital is here for your pet whenever they need us. Please call us at (705) 223-3404 with any questions or concerns, or to schedule an appointment for your best friend.