Accidents happen. No matter how much you try and prevent them and how protected you keep your pet, sudden illnesses or injuries do occur. It’s at times like these when it pays to be prepared. In much the same way that you would keep a first aid kit at home for your family, access to an emergency pet first aid kit could be the difference between life and death to your beloved pet.

Ideally, you should visit your vet or regular pet clinic and get a list of medicines that your pet would require to add to this first aid kit. In addition to those items, here is a list of basic requirements that you would need if any emergency situation does arise:

• Muzzle, rope or length of cloth to use as a muzzle for your dog while treatment is being administered
• A blanket to keep your pet warm and secure
• Sterile, non-stick bandages, gauze, and adhesive tape along with a small pair of scissors
• Anti-bacterial ointment for immediate application to wounds and cuts
• Saline solution for flushing out eyes and cleaning deeper wounds
• Antiseptic iodine solution for cleaning open wounds such as Betadine
• Hydrogen Peroxide for infected wounds – use this with care, as it is very strong and always check expiration date before using
• Syringes for administering medication
• A couple of sterile needles and tweezers for removing ticks or splinters
• Latex gloves to use before handling any open wound or infection

Assemble all these items in a waterproof container. This could be a large plastic box or even a bag that can be closed securely. Keep it in a place inaccessible to children or your pet as well. Group together smaller items in zip-loc bags for easier access and familiarize yourself with the contents of this kit regularly. The last thing you need in an emergency is to be rooting around looking for things or not knowing where everything is.

In addition it would be wise to also include a list of emergency phone numbers such as those of your vet, your nearest animal hospital or animal poison control centre, any information regarding chronic medical conditions of your pet plus a recent record of all his vaccinations and medications. Print this in permanent ink on the container itself to insure that it does not fade over time or get lost. Keep track of all items in your kit and check expiry dates regularly. Replace used items immediately or else you might be left suddenly stranded.

If you travel a lot with your pet, you can keep a similar kit in your car as well. Before traveling, do your homework about any inherent dangers of your destination such as extreme temperatures, poisonous snakes or foliage etc. You can then include the relevant medications in case a worst-case scenario does arise.

While planning for an emergency situation with a first aid kit such as this, you could also invest in the latest GPS products to keep your pet safer and more secure. GPS Pet tracking devices such as the SpotLight GPS and its value-priced counterpart – the SpotLite, now allow you to keep track of your pet around the clock. Once this lightweight, collar-mounted device is activated, you can receive minute-by-minute updates on his location and movements either by email or text. You can also create certain Safe Spots or zones wherein he can roam freely. If he happens to move out of these areas you will be informed, thus helping you take the necessary precautions to avoid any accidents or him going missing. Forewarned is always forearmed and in terms of pet safety, SpotLight and your emergency first aid kit can make all the difference!