April is Pet First Aid Awareness Month and we have some tips for you. Here are some basic things to keep around for your pet’s first aid kit.

Pet-Specific Supplies

• Pet first-aid book
• Phone numbers: your veterinarian, the nearest emergency-veterinary clinic (along with directions!) and a poison-control center or hotline (such as the ASPCA poison-control center, which can be reached at 1-800-426-4435)
• Paperwork for your pet (in a waterproof container or bag): proof of rabies-vaccination status, copies of other important medical records and a current photo of your pet (in case he gets lost)
• Nylon leash
• Self-cling bandage (bandage that stretches and sticks to itself but not to fur—available at pet stores and from pet-supply catalogs)
• Muzzle or strips of cloth to prevent biting (don’t use this if your pet is vomiting, choking, coughing or otherwise having difficulty breathing)

BASIC FIRST-AID SUPPLIES

• Absorbent gauze pads
• Adhesive tape
• Antiseptic wipes, lotion, powder or spray
• Blanket (a foil emergency blanket)
• Cotton balls or swabs
• Gauze rolls
• Hydrogen peroxide (to induce vomiting—do this only when directed by a veterinarian or a poison-control expert)
• Ice pack
• Non-latex disposable gloves
• Petroleum jelly (to lubricate the thermometer)
• Rectal thermometer (your pet’s temperature should not rise above 103°F or fall below 100°F)
• Scissors (with blunt ends)
• Sterile non-stick gauze pads for bandages
• Sterile saline solution (sold at pharmacies)
• Tweezers
• A pillowcase to confine your cat for treatment
• A pet carrier

This is a good start when it comes to keeping supplies on hand for your pet, should an emergency come up. The next time you take your pet in for a check-up at the veterinarian’s office, ask if you there is anything specific you need in your pet’s first aid kit. Pets are like people, no two are a like.

As always, we recommend you have a tag on your pet, should your pet become lost or sneak away. This will make it easier for your pet to find its way back home. A micro chip is often a good idea, as well.

Here’s to a smart and safe April with your pet. If you don’t have a first aid kit on hand for your pet, now is the time to start one.