Pet First Aid - Be Prepared While On The Road

If you travel with your pet, even if your outings mostly consists of trips to the dog park, you should be prepared if an emergency situation should arise. With a little advanced planning you can easily have all you need to keep you furry friend safe and happy in the event of accident or other situation.

Most importantly, be sure your dog has proper identification in the event they get lost or separated from you while out on the road.  Whether it be a mico-chip or tag, make sure the information included on it is up to date. If the identification is in the form of a collar tag check it often and replace it when the printing becomes illegible.  Be sure the tag includes:

• Dog's name
• City & State
• Phone number

Make sure rabies vaccination is up to date and that the current tag is attached to the color with the identification tag.

Keep a pet first aid kit readily available in the car.  This kit should be a "pet only" first aid kit so it is known that everything contained in it is safe for pets.  During an emergency is not the time to have to read labels to determine if the product will be safe for use on your pup.  Packed efficiently, you will be able to fit all the essentials of a well-stocked kit in a small box.  The kit should contain:

• Gauze sponges
• Stretch gauze bandage rolls
• Cohesive bandage rolls
• Triple antibiotic ointment
• Sterile saline solution
• Hydrogen peroxide (3%)
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Disposable gloves

Include your veterinarian name and phone number, current vaccination records, and the number for the poison control center for reference in the event your pet eats questionable plants, etc.  To make things complete always keep towels, for drying off after unexpected rainfalls, and blankets for warming in cold weather. 

With this kit you will be ready and able to treat cuts and scrapes, or attend to other issues, that could occur at the dog park or when out walking or hiking.  Be sure that, replace all items as soon as they as soon as they have been used to ensure you always have the things you may need.