Caring for a pet is no different from caring for a baby. These furry companies need proper care at all times. When emergencies occur, your pets are likely to get affected like the rest of the family. No matter how hard you try, you also cannot avoid pet emergencies 100%. In case of an emergency, a trip to the vet would be the right move. However, even before getting emergency veterinary services, you will realize the importance of having an emergency kit for your furry companion. So, what should you have in your emergency kit? The next chapters of this post will answer this question.
An emergency contact card
One of the most important things you should have in your pet’s emergency kit is a contact card. This is not a special card in any way. It can be a simple card containing emergency contacts like the numbers of your veterinarian. In addition to the number of your regular vet, you should also have the contact information for a 24/7 emergency veterinarian services provider. You can also have the number to a pet poison helpline at hand. Having these contact details on hand will prevent you from scrambling during an emergency.
Medical records and documents
Your pet’s emergency kit should also contain copies of your pet’s medical records. These include records about your pet’s vaccinations, allergies, prescriptions for medications, medical summaries, and even a rabies certificate. Basically, any medical document you have pertaining to your pet should be photocopied and added to the emergency kit. In case of an emergency where you have to take your pet to an emergency service provider, the vet, or an ER, these records will be useful. Besides medical records, your kit should also contain a copy of your pet’s registration information like proof of ownership or adoption records, if they exist. If your pet has a microchip, documents containing the microchip information should also be in the kit.
Digital thermometer
Another must-have in a pet’s emergency kit is a digital thermometer. You do not need a special thermometer for pets. A standard human thermometer will do the trick.
Food and water
Your kit should also contain at least a week or two weeks supply of food for your pet. If you have more than one pet, then the supply should reflect this number. The same applies to water. You should make sure the food is non-spill and properly stored. You should also keep changing it frequently to make sure you do not have expired food in your kit, which will not help in an emergency situation. Besides the food and water, the kit should also contain feeding instructions for your pet or each of your pets.
Medications
If your pet has an ongoing subscription of medication, the kit should contain the medicine. Instructions for the medication should also be present in the kit. You can also have preventative medications for fleas, ticks, and heartworms at all times. The medication should be stored in a waterproof container.
First aid supplies
Other than prescribed medication, your kit should have some essential first aid supplies like:
● Lubricant
● Bandages or a gauze roll
● Adhesive tape
● Blunt-end scissors and tweezers
● Wipes
● Alcohol or cotton swabs
● Oral syringes
● Styptic powder for stopping bleeding
● Saline solution, and more
Make sure you check your first aid supplies for your pets frequently. This way, you can make the necessary updates whenever they are needed. Also, do not add any first aid supplies with a quick expiry date or ones stored in opened bottles or containers that could spill and contaminate the rest.
Tops and comfort/ care items
Your kit should also contain a few of your pet’s favourite toys. Care items like a bet blanket, bed, litter pan, grooming equipment, leashes, paw protectors, waste bags, and clothing, should also be added to your pet’s emergency kit. These items may vary depending on the kind and variety of pets you have.
Conclusion
Having an emergency pet kite at hand is a critical part of making sure your pet is safe. In addition to having the kit on hand, you should also equip yourself with the knowledge you will require to handle emergencies even before you get to the veterinary service provider.
