Pet First Aid Kit

Learning Outcome

By the end of this module, team members should understand the purpose of a pet first aid kit, what items may be useful to have available, how first aid items should be used safely, and when Pad & Co procedures must be followed if first aid support is given during a booking.

Training Information

A pet first aid kit is used for temporary support during an injury, illness or emergency while further advice or treatment is arranged.

A first aid kit does not replace veterinary care.

Pad & Co does not provide first aid products to team members. Team members are responsible for any personal first aid items they choose to carry or keep available.

If a pet becomes injured, unwell or there is any welfare concern during a Pad & Co booking, team members must follow Pad & Co procedure.

Suggested Pet First Aid Kit Items

Useful pet first aid kit items may include:

  • Scissors
  • Cotton pads or gauze
  • Quick stop powder
  • Tweezers
  • Medi tape
  • Disposable gloves
  • Thermometer
  • Bandages
  • Antiseptic water or suitable pet-safe wound wash
  • Vet wrap
  • Tick tool
  • Muzzles
  • Syringes

What Each Item Is For

Scissors

Scissors may be used to cut bandages, gauze, vet wrap or tape.

They should be used carefully and kept away from the pet’s skin.

Cotton Pads or Gauze

Cotton pads or gauze may be used for gentle cleaning, covering small areas, or helping with temporary pressure where appropriate.

Quick Stop Powder

Quick stop powder may be used for very small bleeding points, such as a small nail bleed.

It should not be used as a solution for heavy bleeding, deep wounds or serious injuries.

Tweezers

Tweezers may be used for small, visible surface items only where safe.

Deeply embedded objects should not be removed by team members.

Medi Tape

Medi tape may be used to secure dressings or bandages where appropriate.

It must not be applied too tightly.

Disposable Gloves

Disposable gloves help protect the team member and reduce contamination when handling wounds, body fluids or soiled items.

Thermometer

A thermometer may be used only where the team member is confident and it is safe to do so.

Veterinary advice should not be delayed just to take a temperature.

Bandages

Bandages may be used for temporary support or covering where appropriate.

Bandages must not be applied too tightly.

Antiseptic Water or Suitable Pet-Safe Wound Wash

This may be used for gentle cleaning where appropriate.

Team members must not use harsh household products, human antiseptic creams or anything they are unsure about.

Vet Wrap

Vet wrap may be used to help secure dressings or provide temporary support where appropriate.

Vet wrap can tighten, so it must not be wrapped too firmly.

Tick Tool

A tick tool may be used to remove ticks where the team member is confident and it is safe to do so.

Muzzles

A muzzle may be used only where safe and appropriate to reduce bite risk.

A muzzle must not be used if the dog is:

  • Vomiting
  • Struggling to breathe
  • Overheating
  • Collapsed
  • Highly distressed

Emergency Muzzle From Bandage

A bandage may be used as a temporary emergency muzzle only where safe and appropriate.

It must not be used if the dog is vomiting, struggling to breathe, overheating, collapsed or highly distressed.

Syringes

Syringes may be useful for gentle flushing or measuring where appropriate.

Team members must not force liquids into a dog’s mouth, especially if the dog is weak, collapsed, choking, vomiting or struggling to breathe.

Safety Limits

Team members must not:

  • Give human medication
  • Use human painkillers
  • Use products they are unsure about
  • Apply bandages or vet wrap tightly
  • Remove deeply embedded objects
  • Delay veterinary advice
  • Treat serious injuries as minor because first aid items are available
  • Make a dog vomit after suspected poisoning unless directly instructed by a vet

When First Aid Is Used During a Booking

If a team member uses a first aid item during a Pad & Co booking because of an injury, illness or concern, Pad & Co procedure must be followed.

This may include:

  • Contacting Pad & Co management
  • Contacting the client according to procedure
  • Seeking veterinary advice where needed
  • Completing the incident form
  • Recording what happened clearly
  • Recording what action was taken

Pad & Co Guidance

  • A first aid kit is for temporary support only.
  • Pad & Co does not provide first aid products to team members.
  • Team members are responsible for any personal first aid items they choose to carry.
  • First aid items must only be used safely and appropriately.
  • Team members must not use products they are unsure about.
  • Team members must not delay veterinary advice because a first aid kit is available.
  • If first aid is used during a booking, Pad & Co procedure must be followed.
  • An incident form must be completed where there has been an injury, illness, bite, collapse, suspected poisoning, heat concern or other welfare concern.

Key Points

  • A pet first aid kit is for temporary support.
  • It does not replace veterinary care.
  • Pad & Co does not provide first aid products to team members.
  • Human medication must not be used unless specifically instructed by a vet.
  • Bandages and vet wrap must not be applied too tightly.
  • Deep wounds, heavy bleeding, poisoning, collapse or serious concerns need veterinary support.
  • If first aid is used during a booking, Pad & Co procedure must be followed.
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