Our pets’ curiosity can get them into some real trouble sometimes, especially with toxic/poisonous things. So let us help create a Poison Prevention and Emergency Preparedness Plan for you! We always say, it’s better to be proactive rather than reactive.
*Please keep in mind this plan should be adjusted to fit your pet(s) best. This plan can be adjusted to fit all medical emergencies.
Be Able To Identify Toxic/Poisonous Items
Try and find all the toxic/poisonous items in your home, and surrounding area. You can find a complete list at: https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poisons/
Out of Sight, Out of Mind
Once you’re able to identify those items, it’s best to keep them out of sight/reach from your pet. It may seem a bit inconvenient to have to move things around, but it will help keep your pet safe!
Emergency & Medical Info
We recommend creating a notebook or index card that has all pertinent information: Your neighborhood referring veterinarian clinic, the nearest emergency-veterinary clinic (along with directions!), the number for Pet Poison Helpline: 1-855-764-7661, microchip ID number and company phone number , updated vaccine records, especially proof of rabies vaccination, list of dog/cat normal values (respiration rate, heart rate and rectal temperature) , and list of temporary evacuation centers/shelters, which are pet friendly.
First Aid Kit
Keeping a first aid kit on hand for your floof is important! Make sure to label “For Dog” and “For Cat” to prevent any mix ups. Keep in mind some things that are toxic/poisonous to dogs, aren’t to cats, and vice versa.
The Items needed in your first aid kit are listed below.
- Artificial tears, ophthalmic saline solution and sterile saline solution
- Alcohol wipes
- Bandage material: absorbent gauze pads, adhesive tape, gauze rolls, sterile non-stick
- gauze pads, splints and tongue depressors.
- Corn syrup/table syrup (~1/8 cup in case of hypoglycemia)
- Diphenhydramine (e.g., Benadryl®) 25 mg tablets or liquid 12.5 mg/tsp (5mL) concentration (with NO other combination ingredients)
- Ear-cleaning solution
- Food: Can of tuna packed in water or tasty canned pet food. Supply of dry/canned pet food and treats.
- Hydrogen peroxide 3% (within the expiration date) for inducing vomiting in dogs. Do not give to cats or brachycephalic dogs. Always check to see if inducing emesis is indicated or safe for the possible ingestion or health status of the dog or species.
- Ice pack- instant, one time use, with small hand towel to wrap around pack
- Liquid hand dishwashing detergent (e.g., Dawn) without a bleach additive
- Nail clippers and styptic powder or pencil
- Oral dosing syringe, bulb syringe or turkey baster (for administering hydrogen peroxide or medication)
- Penlight or flashlight
- Rectal thermometer and lubricant
- Rubber gloves and/or Latex-free exam gloves
- Scissors (with blunt ends)
- Tablespoon/teaspoon set (to calculate the appropriate amount of hydrogen peroxide to give)
- Triple antibiotic ointment (with NO other combination ingredients – NOT for use in CATS!)
- Tweezers
- Vegetable oil to assist in removal of sticky substances
Before you attempt anything with your new first aid kit, always make sure to speak with a poison control specialist prior to initiating any therapies at home. Never administer hydrogen peroxide to any pet without checking with a veterinary professional first, as sometimes it’s not appropriate to induce vomiting at home. Never initiate first aid or administer any over-the-counter human medications to animals without speaking to a toxicologist or veterinary professional first! If you have any questions regarding the veterinary toxicology first aid kit recommendations, please call the Pet Poison Helpline.
Plan of Action
Have a plan of action in place for any and all kinds of pet emergencies. Although it may seem scary to think about, having a plan in place beforehand can save your pets life. Remember to think about things: who are you/your pets emergency contacts, where you will go, what you will need to bring, etc. You can never be too prepared.
In the case of any pet emergency Sugar Land Veterinary Specialists Emergency Care is open 24/7/365!