Your pet first aid kit is the first line of defense for minor pet injuries and is an integral part of your medical arsenal. In the same way you would treat your own minor wounds, you need to ensure that you are providing your pet with the best possible care as a pet owner. Here are the main reasons why you need a pet first aid kit!
Minor Mishaps
Minor at-home injuries are one of the biggest reasons to ensure you have possession of a high-quality pet first aid kit. Mishaps and minor injuries are more common for pets than you may realize, and it is supremely beneficial to have the correct tools for the job on hand in an emergency situation.
For example, whatever breed or species your pet may be, there is an overwhelming likelihood that your pet will get scraped, scratched, or cut by something in the not too distant future. Ignoring the cut is not an option, but it’s not severe enough to warrant a trip to the emergency clinic or a vet visit…enter a pet first aid kit!
Every good pet first aid kit should have a topical wound cleanser to keep wounds from contaminants and to prevent infection, styptic powder to stop bleeding, and a bandage to keep the wound protected. Cuts and scrapes will happen, so make sure you’re prepared to deal with them when they do with the proper first aid supplies!
In Case of Emergencies
No pet owner wants to think about the horrors of an emergency, but every pet owner should be prepared. Having a well-stocked at home first aid kit for your pet could make the difference in a life or death situation.
Even small items in a pet first aid kit can make a big difference when faced with a challenging emergency situation. For example, a small bottle of Vetericyn Plus(r) wound and skin spray should be kept with every pet first aid kit. Not only does it clean and treat wounds safe and effectively, it is the best topical treatment recommended by veterinarians. For traumatic wounds that require veterinary care, be sure to use topical cleansers that do not have any contraindications with other treatments or impede healing. Vetericyn Plus is the perfect solution to keep as the first line of defense in your first aid kit.
Almost every essential item in a pet first aid kit serves multiple roles, and pet first aid is the first step in any pet emergency. Most pet first aid kits are used for minor mishaps, and your first aid kit will probably never be used for a medical emergency situation. However, it is good for your peace of mind, and for your pet’s wellbeing to know you have an emergency kit on hand should the need ever arise.
Preventative Care
Not all medical care is reactive; sometimes, the best way to keep your pet healthy is through preventative measures. A well-stocked pet first aid kit should include tools like nail clippers, tweezers, and scissors for grooming and other preventative measures.
Did you know that keeping your dog’s nails trimmed and tidy is one of the best measures for preventing leg issues!? A pet first aid kit is home to all of your pet’s essential resources and should include those first aid supplies that prevent illness from creeping in.
Grooming keeps your dog healthy and happy, and trimming matted hair from his coat or plucking a spur out of his paw with tweezers are both prime examples of correctly dealing with a minor issue before it becomes a significant problem.
Preventative health can take on many forms, but your pet first aid kit is a crucial piece in your arsenal of preventative medical treatment and an unneeded trip to your veterinarian or emergency clinic.
Save Money On Vet Bills
This is not to say you should never take your pet to your veterinarian. In fact, you should always err on the side of caution and take your pet in for an exam whenever you feel it necessary. However, if you take your pet in for every minor wound and issue, you may start racking up quite a tab with your vet.
The majority of minor pet wounds can be treated at home with a simple first aid kit. Small cuts and scratches can be easily treated with an antimicrobial spray and bandaged at home if they are not serious. Similarly, there may be instances where a veterinarian can walk you through an in-home procedure over the phone, which, even if it doesn’t save you money, at least saves your pet a stressful visit to the doctor.
Get the Kit!
Going to the vet is always a good idea if you are unsure of how to treat the medical issue your pet is facing. Likewise, if addressing a medical concern is outside of your abilities as a pet owner, then take the necessary precautions by bringing your pet in for a consultation. Where a pet first aid kit comes in handy is for all the minor medical issues your pet is likely to face on a daily basis.
Once you have one, you will find yourself using your pet first aid kit, more than you may have thought or expected. Why run the risk of infection or try to get a spur out of their fur by hand when you now possess the tools to get the job done properly!? For major medical questions and concerns, or if you feel like the health of your pet is at risk, call your vet. For everything else, grab a kit and get to it!
