How To Create A Holistic First Aid Kit For Dogs And Cats 

Be prepared for emergencies – and give yourself peace of mind – by assembling a holistic first aid kit for your dog or cat. 

Caring for a dog or cat means being prepared for emergencies. Having a first aid kit for your animal companion is just as important as having one for your human family. This article teaches you how to create a holistic first aid kit for dogs and cats using natural products and remedies. 

Why have a first aid kit for your animal?

Remember, a first aid kit can’t replace veterinary care. If your dog or cat gets sick or hurt, you must visit the vet for proper diagnosis and treatment. However, having a holistic first aid kit on hand will help keep your four-legged friend comfortable and stable until you reach the vet. It might even save her life.

Getting started with your holistic first aid kit 

Purchase a bag with numerous pockets and pouches for your animal’s first aid kit. It should be lightweight and easy to carry, so you can take it with you when traveling in the car, going camping, etc. At home, store the kit in a cool, dry spot in an accessible area. 

Ensure everyone in the household knows where it is — you don’t want to waste time looking for it in an emergency.  

Once you find the perfect bag for your animal’s first aid kit, begin stocking it. Use the following checklists to ensure you cover all the bases. 

Building your holistic first aid kit 

Essential necessities 

• Multiple pairs of latex gloves
• Rectal thermometer — with water-based lubricant
• Tweezers — for removing splinters and other foreign bodies 
• Tongue depressors – these can be used as makeshift splints 
• Small medical scissors — for cutting bandages
• Absorbent cotton balls and pads — for cleaning wounds, eyes and ears
• Q-tips — all sizes
• Gauze sponges — variety of sizes
• Gauze squares — all sizes
• Gauze roll — for wrapping wounds
• Cling wrap — for use after gauze roll
• Tape for bandages and gauze 
• Instant hot and cold compresses
• Alcohol-free wipes
• Magnifying glass
• Tick remover
• Wet wipes — non-scented 
• Hydrogen peroxide — to induce vomiting in case of poisoning (be sure to consult your vet first to determine if vomiting is indicated)
• Petroleum jelly
• Epsom salts — for adding to baths to help with allergic reactions
• Natural soap
• Natural pet shampoo 
• Flea comb
• Eyedropper — for administering oral remedies 
• Rubber bulb ear syringe 
• Natural insect repellent 
• Rescue Remedy or other flower essences — for shock or fear

Specialized supplies for treating various issues

Insect bites or stings:

• Baking soda (to be mixed with water)
• Ice pack/ice cubes
• Oatmeal bath
• Hypericum/calendula ointment 

Burns:

• Aloe vera — can also be used for insect bites

Wounds:

• Manuka honey
• Coconut oil
• 3% hydrogen peroxide 

Nail injuries:

• Styptic powder — for a bleeding nail
• Baking soda, baking powder, and cornstarch (mixed in a bowl) — a substitute for styptic powder 

Homeopathic remedies 

A holistic first aid kit isn’t complete without the following homeopathic remedies. You can purchase these at most health food stores — look for 30C potency. 

• Aconite — for shock 
• Apis Mellifica — for insect bites and stings 
• Arnica Montana — for swelling, bruises and muscle strain 
• Rhus Tox — for sprains, strains, cuts and scrapes 

More key essentials 

• A copy of your dog or cat’s medical records — be sure to keep these up to date
• A small first aid book for learning the proper techniques for wrapping or bandaging an injury; you could also take a course in basic animal first aid
• A pictorial guide of animal CPR for choking situations
• A list of emergency veterinary hospitals, along with your regular vet’s information 
• A small guide that helps you identify plants and foods toxic to dogs and cat

A holistic first aid kit for dogs and cats allows you to offer prompt support and comfort while traveling to a veterinarian. This is crucial if a problem arises after hours or when you must travel a long distance to reach an emergency vet. 

When you prepare for emergencies, you protect your dog or cat and gain peace of mind. 

When to call the vet

A veterinary appointment is in order if you see one or more of the following symptoms in your dog or cat: 

• Labored breathing 
• Open wound/bleeding
• Vomiting and/or diarrhea 
• Lethargy
• Diminished appetite or water intake
• Worms
• Eye or ear problems
• Limping
• Coughing and/or discharge
• Bloody urine

Additional items to have on hand

Keep the following items near your dog or cat’s first aid kit:

• One or two large towels and blankets 
• One or two flat sheets of cardboard – use these to transport an injured or immobile animal to your car, and then to the vet’s office; if you have a large dog, consider purchasing a stretcher
• An extra leash, harness, or carrier 
• An E-collar (or loose t-shirt) keeps your animal from licking or biting at an injury

The post How to create a holistic first aid kit for dogs and cats  appeared first on Animal Wellness Magazine.