Pet Emergency Preparedness
Are you ready for hurricane season? If you must evacuate, do you know where to go? Will the shelter allow your pets to come inside? How about your pet’s records, microchip information, first aid kit/medical instructions – is everything up to date?
So, what should you do?
According to the ASPCA, a first-aid kit is important not only in the event of a natural disaster, but any time you take your pet somewhere like camping or on a road trip.
Your Kit Should Contain
- Absorbent gauze pads
- Adhesive tape
- Cotton balls or swabs
- Fresh 3% hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting (always check with veterinarian or animal poison control expert before giving to your pet)
- Ice pack
- Disposable gloves
- Scissors with blunt end
- Tweezers
- OTC antibiotic ointment
- Oral syringe or turkey baster
- Liquid dishwashing detergent (for bathing)
- Towels
- Small flashlight
- Alcohol wipes
- Styptic powder
- Saline eye solution
- Artificial tear gel
- Phone number, clinic name, address of your veterinarian as well as local veterinary emergency clinics.
Make sure to check your pack every few months to make sure nothing has expired or needs to be replaced. And of course, keep your kit out of the reach of children.