Is Your Home Ready for a Pet Emergency? Here's Your First Aid Checklist

For Wound Care & Bleeding

• Sterile gauze pads and rolls (non-stick)

• Adhesive tape (avoid human bandages that stick to fur)

• Vet wrap (self-adhesive, cohesive bandage)

• Antiseptic wipes/solution (chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine — not alcohol or hydrogen peroxide on open wounds)

• Saline solution for flushing wounds/eyes

• Hemostatic/styptic powder (for nail bleeds, minor cuts)

• Digital thermometer (rectal; normal dog/cat temp is ~101–102.5°F)

• Lubricant for the thermometer

For Tools

• Blunt-tip scissors

• Tweezers/forceps (splinters, ticks, foreign material)

• Muzzle or gauze strip to fashion one (pain can make even gentle animals bite)

• Disposable gloves

• Penlight/flashlight

• Needle-free syringe (for oral fluids/meds)

For Restraint and Transport

• Towel or blanket (restraint, warmth, makeshift stretcher)

• Leash/spare collar

• Pet carrier if feasible

For Medications (use only under existing vet guidance)

• Hydrogen peroxide 3% — only if a vet or poison control has specifically instructed emesis induction; dosing matters and it's contraindicated in some cases

• Diphenhydramine — dose per vet instruction only

• Any of the pet's own prescribed emergency meds (e.g. seizure rescue meds, epinephrine for known anaphylaxis)

For Documentation

• Vaccination records

• Emergency vet/ER clinic number + poison control number (ASPCA APCC, Pet Poison Helpline)

• Baseline info card: weight, medications, allergies, chronic conditions

For Miscellaneous

• Instant cold pack

• Extra water bowl

• Care when muzzling brachycephalic breeds — avoid over-restricting airway