Pet First Aid Checklist
First Aid List Items:
• Muzzle
• Blanket
• Towels
• Flashlight
• Pillowcase (for cats)
• Gauze
• Adhesive Tape (DO NOT USE HUMAN BAND AIDS ON PETS!)
• Self-Cling Bandage (wrapping that clings to itself, used to hold gauze
against the skin)
• Cotton Balls
• Cotton Swabs
• Scissors
• Tweezers/Tick Removal Instrument
• Rectal thermometer
• Petroleum Jelly
• Collapsible Water Bowl/Water Bottle
• Benadryl (1mg per pound dosing, 25lb pet gets 25mgs)
• Baby Aspirin (81mg per 15lbs)
• Famotidine (Generic for Pepcid, Anti-Heartburn, upset stomach.
Available in 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg tablets as well as oral powder.
The recommended dose of Famotidine to be administered to pets is
0.25 to 0.5 mg per pound (0.5 to 1.0 mg/kg) every 12 to 24 hours.)
• Hydrogen Peroxide (to induce vomiting — only if directed by Animal
Poison Control)
• Ice Pack
• Neosporin Spray/Antibiotic Ointment
• Hydrocortisone Cream (anti-itch)
• Corn Syrup (low blood sugar/diabetic pets)
• Styptic powder — for those nail trims that go awry!
• Saline Eye Flush
• Non-latex disposable gloves
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control # — 1-800-426-4435
• Phone number/directions for nearest emergency veterinarian
• Primary Care Veterinarian phone number/address information
• Copies of your pet’s medical information/records — along with
vaccination history
VETERINARY CARE WARNING
Always remember that any first aid administered to your pet should be
followed by immediate veterinary care. First aid care is not a substitute for
veterinary care, but it may save your pet’s life until it receives veterinary
treatment.
Restraining & Transporting Injured Dogs
The best way to restrain an injured dog while maximizing its comfort and
ensuring your safety is to gently hug it around the neck and chest. This
position keeps your face and hands away from its mouth. When it comes time
to lift the dog for transport, slide the hand closest to its head down and
between the front legs or in front of the chest, then slide the other arm under
the pelvis or, depending on your dog’s size or the type of injury, behind the
back legs.
Restraining & Transporting Injured Cats
Try using the scruff of the neck to restrain your cat, but be aware that some
adult cats may feel threatened by this approach and react badly. A more subtle
approach is to hold the back of the cat’s neck to control its head while
supporting its body by cradling the back end under your arm. When
transporting an injured cat, scruffing typically works, but do not dangle the
animal — always support its body weight with your other arm. A pillowcase is
an easy way to transport an injured animal since it is dark and the cat will feel
safe.