Assemble your own First Aid Kit for Pets

Purpose of your First Aid Kit for Pets

Just like a human first aid kit, the purpose of your first aid kit is to apply first aid in an emergency. It is worth keeping in mind the three P’s:

1. Preserve life
2. Prevent worsening
3. Promote recovery

Note that the first aid is not meant to resolve nor cure your pet of its medical issues! It is meant to help you improve its chances of survival and recovery until you can get a veterinarian to attend to him or her!

First Aid in Singapore

Unlike many other countries, we are living in a small enough area with medical facilities very close to us. Many of the items suggested in pet’s first aid kits may not be necessary for us. Also, our climate is warm year round. Heat stroke is more likely compared to hypothermia. This first aid kit is modified for use in Singapore.

List of First Aid Kit Items

• Phone numbers:
  your usual veterinarian and a 24 hours vet hospital for late night emergencies
• Paperwork for your pet:
  Proof of vaccination status, copies of other important medical records (especially if they’ve a chronic condition) and a current photo of your pet (in case he gets lost) in a waterproof container or bag
• Nylon leash:
  for restraining your pets during emergencies
• Self-cling bandage:
  For applying pressure bandage to stop bleeding or applying temporary bandage, available at regular human pharmacies.
• Absorbent gauze pads:
  For wound cleaning, applying pressure on bleeding wounds or for bandaging wounds, available at regular human pharmacies.
• Antiseptic wash:
  For cleaning minor wounds. Chlorhexidine soap, available at regular human pharmacies.
• Saline wash:
  For flushing foreign materials from eye, available at regular human pharmacies.
• Disposable gloves:
  Available at regular human pharmacies.
• Personal lubricant:
  To lubricate the thermometer or to prevent further contamination of an open wound, available at regular human pharmacies.
• Rectal thermometer:
  Normal temp for dogs and cats about 38—39 degree celcius, available at regular human pharmacies.
• Scissors
• Yun nan bai yao:
  For stopping minor bleeding (nails etc.)

Recommended additional items (not included)

• Muzzle:
  To prevent biting when stressed or in pain
• Pet carrier:
  For transporting your pets
• Ice pack:
  To keep overheated pets cool
• Cetirizine (anti-histamine):
  For allergic reactions (General dose- 5mg/cat and 0.5mg/kg – 1mg/kg for dogs ONCE daily)
• Argasol gel:
  Multi-purpose antiseptic gel that’s non-toxic and safe to be around eye region