From bandages to bleeding-control products, here’s what experts recommend keeping on hand for pet emergencies.
CLEVELAND — Summer is a season filled with outdoor adventures for pets and their people. But with more time spent hiking, swimming, traveling, visiting parks and enjoying backyard activities, it can also be a time when injuries happen.
Veterinarians and pet safety experts say one of the best ways owners can prepare is by keeping a well-stocked pet first aid kit at home and taking a portable version along on trips.
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While a first aid kit will never replace professional veterinary care, having the right supplies on hand can help stabilize an injury and buy valuable time until a pet can be evaluated by a veterinarian.
What should be in a pet first aid kit?
A basic pet first aid kit should include:
- Non-stick bandages
- Gauze pads and rolls
- Medical tape
- Disposable gloves
- Tweezers
- Pet-safe antimicrobial sprays
- Pet-safe wipes or ointments
- A pet thermometer
- Eye rinse formulated for animals
Experts recommend periodically checking supplies to ensure items are not expired and replacing anything that has been used.
New products aim to address severe bleeding
In addition to traditional first aid supplies, newer products designed to help control traumatic bleeding in pets have begun appearing on the market.
One such product recently gained attention after reportedly helping save the life of a police K-9 in North Carolina that suffered a life-threatening puncture wound.
Christopher Meyer, Chief of Staff for BC3 Technologies, explained how the product works.
“The second it sees blood, it’s acting on that blood. It does not care about anything else. He doesn’t care about moisture or water. It’s looking for those red blood cells and once it hit those red blood cells it’s acting.”
Veterinary professionals stress that bleeding-control products are not a substitute for emergency treatment. Instead, they are intended to help slow blood loss and provide a critical window of time while a pet is transported to a veterinary clinic.
Why summer can be riskier for pets
Warmer weather often means more opportunities for pets to encounter potential hazards, including:
- Dog fights and bite wounds
- Cuts from sticks, rocks or sharp objects
- Injuries while hiking or exploring trails
- Paw pad injuries on hot surfaces
- Boating and water-related accidents
- Increased travel away from home
Having first aid supplies readily available can help owners respond quickly while seeking professional care.
Know when to call a veterinarian
Pet owners should contact a veterinarian immediately if their pet experiences:
- Heavy or uncontrolled bleeding
- Difficulty breathing
- Eye injuries
- Deep puncture wounds
- Suspected broken bones
- Heat-related illness
- Loss of consciousness
A first aid kit is designed to help manage an emergency—not replace veterinary treatment.
Be prepared before an emergency happens
Emergencies are stressful enough without having to search for supplies. Experts say assembling a pet first aid kit now can help owners react more confidently and effectively when every second counts.
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