Just like the old Boy Scout motto goes, it is best to “be prepared.”  When it comes to the health and safety of your pet, this is no exception.  When you are prepared to handle any sudden illness or injury to your pet, you can act quickly and with the correct action if you are prepared to respond.  This could mean the difference between life and death. The pet sitting experts at My Joy of Living in Kansas City want to ensure the health and safety of your dog or cat is first and foremost on your mind.

In a nutshell, here are some items you should have in your Doggie (or Kitty!) first aid kit:

Use a water proof container.  In indelible ink, write the phone number for your vet, for the nearest animal emergency hospital, and any poison control hotlines on the box.  Be sure to include your own contact information.

Put an animal first aid book in the kit, such as “The First Aid Companion for Dogs and Cats.”

Have CPR instructions in the kit.

Place a copy of your pet’s vaccination records in the kit.  Plus, it is wise to have a photo of each pet in there for identification purposes.  (Bo will autograph his!)

Other essential items to place in the kit include, but are not limited to,  scissors, a tweezer, sterile needle, turkey baster or bulb syringe, eye dropper, 10cc syringe with no needle, tongue depressor, rubber gloves, nail clippers, comb, a rectal thermometer, disposable safety razor, a couple of towels, paper towels, a blanket, a bandana or a nylon stocking, strips of cloth, dog booties or small socks, flashlight , matches, sterile guaze pads, cotton balls, bandages, anti-bacterial wipes, hot/cold pack, ice pack, hydrogen peroxide 3% USP, activated charcoal tablets, antibiotic ointment, rubbing alcohol, betadine solution, petroleum jelly, baking soda, styptic powder, Milk of Magnesia, Benadryl, bottled water, spare leash, muzzle, and bowl.

Information on this entry was obtained from http://www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/PETTIPS/DogTip_FirstAid.php.  For a complete pet first aid kit listing, please refer to this web site.  It could be a lifesaver!

With a pet first aid kit, you can guarantee you will continue to find the Joy of Living a new motto for your pet.