All good first aid kits for pets should contain the following items:
Bandages: gauze, cotton, adhesive tape, and cotton batting for gently wrapping broken legs.
Tweezers: to remove splinters and ticks.
Thermometer (Rectal): the normal temperature for a cat is 100°-103°F; a dog's normal temperature is 99.5°-102.5°F.
Petroleum Jelly: to lubricate the thermometer.
Eyedropper: for administering medicines.
Activated Charcoal: to absorb poison.
Syrup of Ipecac: helps induce vomiting.
Hydrogen Peroxide: 3%, to clean wounds or induce vomiting.
Bleach: 1 part bleach to 30 parts water to clean wounds.
Emergency muzzle: Scared or hurt dogs may bite.
Styptic pencil: to stop bleeding nails.
Basic Hygiene
Hygiene: not only makes your pet feel better but also gives you and your pet a chance to be together. It's a good time to check your pet's visible health and catch minor medical problems before they become major.
Skin and Haircoat: Regular examination of the skin allows you to find early evidence of parasites (fleas and ticks) so that they can be controlled quickly. You can also find minor redness, irritation and rashes before large sore areas develop.
Regular brushing: of your pet's coat loosens dead hair, dirt and debris and stimulates the oil glands. Not only does it prevent the formation of mats and tangles but it also reduces the number of baths your pet needs. Most of all, IT MAKES YOUR PET FEEL BETTER.
Bathing:Your pet should be bathed regularly to remove excess dirt and debris. Bathing frequency depends on your pet's haircoat length and character. We recommend a high quality shampoo specifically formulated for pets.
Eyes: Clean the matter buildup from the corners of the eyes with a warm face cloth.
Ears: Check your pet's ears regularly for any bad odors, discharge or excess hair accumulation. Ear mites or painful ear infections can be quickly brought under control if noticed early.
Nails: Regular trimming of the toenails can prevent painful split or broken nails and ingrown toenails.
Teeth: One of the most common human and animal diseases is periodontal (gum) disease. The buildup of plaque and then tartar on the teeth leads to gum infections, root infections, bad breath, and eventually tooth loss. The hard chewing action of dry food can help reduce the potential of dental problems as can daily cleaning with a soft toothbrush or gauze. Most important for a healthy mouth is periodic professional care, which includes a thorough cleaning and scraping of plaque under general anesthesia. After cleaning, the teeth are polished so that plaque has a more difficult time adhering to the surface of the tooth, an important step in preventative dentistry.
Travel Tips
Visit your veterinarian first before a long trip to determine that no illness or disease will make travel more uncomfortable. If your pet is likely to be restless on the trip, your veterinarian can give advice on using sedatives or tranquilizers. Be sure your animal is current on all his vaccinations.
Bring along the animal's bedding or something familiar from home. Remember food and water bowls plus a jug of fresh drinking water for refills in between stops. And don't forget a leash.
Do take the animal on short frequent trips before the big trip to get him used to driving.
Remember that a closed car parked in the sun can quickly reach fatal temperatures of between 150° and 200° F. Do not expose your pet to these temperatures.
Leash laws and laws about leaving an animal unattended in a car vary from state to state. Check first.
Many airlines will ship your pet to your destination. Each has its own rules, and must be checked by the pet owner. Your veterinarian can give you advice on how best to provide comfort for your jet-set pet. Many airlines will not allow your pet to travel if the temperature is too high. While the plane sits on the tarmac, the heat in the cargo bay can climb to dangerous levels. Night travel is recommended.
Many motels and hotels across the country offer accommodation to pets as well as their owners. For a helpful directory of many hotels/motels that accept pets, write to Traveling with Bowser, Gaines Dog Care Center, PO Box 9001, Chicago, IL 60604-9001
Heartworms: Heartworms are found most often in dogs. They are parasites that spend their adult life in the right side of the heart and its large vessels. Heartworms are present just about everywhere in the U.S. except for the Front Range of Colorado. To protect your pet against becoming infected with heartworms, your veterinarian can prescribe medication. Ask your veterinarian about the risks of heartworm for the areas of the country that you will be traveling with your pet.
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