Are you prepared? What to include in your pet first aid kit

Has your dog’s trot turned into a totter? Or have you heard your cat wailing “me-OUCH”?

Sounds like they might be injured – or feeling a little worse for wear.

And as a pet parent, it’s bark-ing stressful! Especially without the proper pet bandages, gels and feel-good remedies to fetch for them.

So to help you stock up on the essentials, we’ve put together the ulti-mutt first aid kit – ready for (almost) any pet predicament.

First, think about storage

If you have five hands and can carry the entire contents of your first aid kit, cats off to you.

But for the rest of us, you will need a bag, bin, or container to store your supplies.

First aid kits are usually for emergencies. So you’ll want to grab it and go – easily. Or take it along with you on your pet escapades.

What to Include in Your Pet First Aid Kit:

Here's a quick summary of the above you can screenshot and save for later:

• Storage container
• Torch
• Muzzle
• Spare collar and leash
• Blanket
• Tick Remover
• Tweezers
• Gloves
• Salt or sterile water
• Wound gel
• Gauze and cotton wool
• Cohesive bandage and absorbent items
• Travel water and food bowl
• Vet contact number and records

Make room for a muzzle

Let’s play a game of over-rated and over-hated, shall we?

Over-rated? Expecting your pet to behave when they’re distressed. Over-hated? Muzzles.

When your pet is in pain or distress, muzzles can protect them from hurting themselves, you and anyone treating them.

However, avoid leaving it on for long periods. And if your pet is throwing up or has a head injury, boycott the muzzle altogether.

Add a spare collar and leash set

"Where’s the leash? I swear I left it at the door."

Sound familiar? Whether their collar’s been left at the dog wash, or their leash has tagged along with your partner on a weekend getaway, these small but vital items are easy to misplace.

So to prevent a furry-friend-turned-fugitive, keep a spare collar and leash in your first aid kit!

List out those important contacts

We're not all going to have our vet on speed dial and what if your phone isn't handy?

Make sure you've got a hard copy of important numbers, such as your local vet and nearby emergency animal clinics.

Medical records such as a copy of vaccinations, medical history, and insurance documents shouldn't be overlooked either. Knowing your pet's medical history can help the vet to provide even better care.