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Step 1: Gather All possible Information
First things first: Gather copies of important phone numbers, paperwork, and pet health records and put them in a safe place. These include things such as:
- Your vet's phone number and the number for your closest 24-hour emergency vet
- Your pet's vaccination history
- A recent photo (in case your pet gets lost)
- The ASPCA Poison Control hotline (888) 426-4435 for emergency poisoning information and support
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Step 2: Gather and Organize Your Supplies
According to trusted dog and animal welfare organizations such as the American Kennel Club and the ASPCA, a well-stocked pet first aid kit will contain items such as:
- Gauze
- Vet wrap
- Activated charcoal (which can save your dog's life from accidental poisoning)
- Blunt-end scissors
- An instant cold pack
- Hydrogen peroxide (used to induce vomiting in dogs in an emergency)
- Tweezers, and an old credit-card for removing bee stingers
- Cotton balls and swabs
- A penlight or flashlight
- Nail clippers
- Veterinary antibiotic ointment (as antibiotic creams such as Neosporin is not recommended for dogs)
- Vetericyn (for ouch-free wound cleaning and to help with skin irritations)
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Step 3: Get It All Together and Review
Now that you have all the items, resources, and information to make your own pet first aid kit, take some time to organize your kit and review any information presented here you need more time with.
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