Our cherished pets offer us priceless companionship, and in return, it’s our duty to ensure their health. However, this responsibility can often seem daunting, expensive, and perplexing.
Luckily, a vet has revealed the essential items that should always be included in your dog’s first aid kit. Just like for humans, a first aid kit is an excellent way to prepare for any emergencies.
A Spanish vet, known as “María VetiCan” on social media, took to her TikTok page to share a detailed video outlining exactly what should be in your pet’s first aid kit. The clip, which has now gone viral with 2 million views, sees María explaining the importance of including gauze in the kit, describing it as “indispensable”.
Gauze, a thin, open-weave fabric used for cleaning, protecting, and absorbing wounds, can be purchased for as little as £1.80 at Boots. “We continue with the bandages, the common white cloth bandage and the adhesive bandages,” the vet advised. “If you find any kind of dressing, that would be fine.”
If you’re unsure about which bandage to choose, Amazon offers a pack of nine rolls of self-adhesive bandages for pets in various colours, featuring adorable paw print designs, all for just under £8. María then suggested packing some gloves, which she described as “very important,” along with a pair of tweezers and scissors.
“Of course, a thermometer. If possible, with a flexible tip,” the animal health expert advised, stressing the importance of including Vaseline “if you don’t want to be rough.”
In your pet’s first aid kit, it’s essential to have a single-dose saline solution and “always carry damp wipes with no alcohol”. Furthermore, María suggested stocking up on new syringes in various sizes, complete with their corresponding needles.
For those looking to purchase, Medisave offers a pack of 100 syringes, each with a 21-gauge 5/8-inch needle for £19.19. “As an antiseptic, the typical Betadine. If we want to use it, we have to add water. And also chlorhexidine,” María added.
She also recommended: “Of course, hydrogen peroxide and alcohol. Hydrogen peroxide could help induce vomiting. Claw clippers, large or small, depending on the animal you have. And in case we cut too much, we should have a styptic stick or styptic powder to stop any bleeding.”
A styptic stick or powder is crucial for quickly stopping minor bleeding from cuts by constricting blood vessels and promoting clotting. María’s list of first aid essentials also includes Blastostimulin, an ointment that hydrates and aids healing, activated charcoal for acute poisoning, and probiotics to maintain gastrointestinal health, such as for cases of diarrhea.
For other stomach issues, the vet suggested using antiemetics to help stop vomiting. Cerenia, a unique antiemetic that provides effective relief from sickness and nausea in dogs, is available for just under £30 on 364Vet.
“Don’t forget some type of analgesic or anti-inflammatory that your vet recommends,” María advised. She also emphasised the importance of always having “something for allergic reactions.”
The vet revealed that she keeps injectable Urbasón (Solu-DeltaCortef in the UK) on hand for severe allergic reactions, as she knows how to administer it.
If you’re unsure, she recommended asking your vet for the pill version instead. Lastly, while your pet may be calm, they can react unpredictably when in pain, María disclosed. She therefore suggested having a muzzle on hand.
This advice should be taken as informational. If you’re unsure, consult a vet or other professional.
