Proactive Pet Care: Building a Pet First Aid Kit for Common Situations and Preventative Care

At Bixby Animal Clinic in Long Beach, our compassionate and experienced team believes in providing a proactive approach to keeping your pet happy and healthy. That's why you can count on us for thorough annual exams, a consistent vaccine schedule, and consultations on nutrition, exercise, and parasite prevention.

Taking Precautions

Another thing we discuss with our clients is the importance of being prepared in case emergency or urgent care is needed. That's why our animal hospital suggests having a pet first aid kit on hand at all times, especially when traveling. Let's face it, for many of us, our pets are our babies. If your child needed first aid, you'd certainly have supplies on hand. Pets are no different.

While you can purchase a pre-made kit that will contain essentials, we recommend making your own that's personalized to your pet's size, breed, and individual needs. Below is a list of items to consider including in your kit. If you're still unsure, please speak to your vet.

What to Include in Your Pet's First Aid Kit

Your kit container doesn't need to be fancy (it's the contents that matter). You can use an old duffle bag, plastic bin container, or even a beach tote. The main thing is to keep it in a secure place away from pets and children. Your contents should be dry and clean and include:

    • Gauze rolls

    • Gauze pads

    • Cotton balls

    • Cotton swabs

    • Hydrogen peroxide

    • Disposable gloves

    • Ice pack

    • Antibiotic ointment

    • Scissors (blunt end)

    • Tweezers

    • Oral syringe (dropper or turkey baster depending on size)

    • Dishwashing detergent

    • Towels

    • Small flashlight

    • Alcohol wipes

    • Styptic powder (stops bleeding)

    • Saline eye solution

    • Nylon leash

    • Muzzle (for dogs)

    • Insect sting relief

    • Tongue depressors

    • Plastic card (to scrape away stingers)

    • Allergy meds (if approved by a vet)

    • Your vet's information

    • Emergency vet information

You may also want to consider taking a pet first aid course near you to learn exactly how to handle emergency situations. The American Red Cross even has an app they've developed specifically for pet first aid.

Contact A Veterinarian Near You

When your pet is in need of urgent or preventative care in the Long Beach area, you can count on our team to help. Please give Bixby Animal Clinic a call to learn more about pet first aid kits and when to schedule an urgent care visit at your animal hospital.