As pet owners, we know to expect the unexpected. While our fur babies can be creatures of routine, we also know that anything can happen. In the event of injuries, you don’t want to find yourself scrambling to collect all the supplies you need to either treat it at home or prep it until you can take them in for a vet visit. That’s why it’s always a good idea to have a universal pet first aid kit prepped and ready with supplies in the event of an emergency. You can buy premade pet aid kits through your local pet retailer, or you can visit the store and pick up some basic medical supplies to keep on hand in the event you need them.

The ASPCA recommends having the following items in a kit:

• Storage container: Obviously, you’ll need a place to store your supplies. You can use something small, like a food storage container, or even something like a toolbox. Something with compartments is great to further the organization of your supplies. Mark it clearly as a Pet First Aid Kit so it can be easily identified

• Vet contact info: Phone number, clinic name, and address of your regular vet, as well as information for a couple of emergency vets

• Absorbent gauze pads

• Adhesive medical tape

• Cotton balls and swabs

• Fresh 3% hydrogen peroxide

• Ice pack: Either stored in the freezer to keep it frozen, or even better, an instant cold pack that is activated by pressure

• Disposable gloves

• Blunt scissors

• Tweezers

• Over the counter antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin

• Liquid dishwashing detergent such as Dawn

• Towels

• Small flashlight

• Oral syringe

• Alcohol wipes

• Styptic powder

• Saline eye solution

It’s a good idea to check the kit every few months to make sure nothing has expired or needs to be replaced.