Why Do Cats Always Land On Their Feet?

Cats possess an incredible ability that has captured human attention for generations: the skill to land on their feet. What’s the science behind this captivating cat superpower? It comes down to a combination of biomechanics, reflexes, and physics. Cats are known for their exceptional agility, and their bodies are designed to facilitate the impressive acrobatics.

Flexible Spine: Cats boast a spine that's much more flexible than that of many other animals. The spine's extraordinary mobility, particularly in the thoracic region, allows cats to twist their bodies with remarkable ease. As a cat begins to fall, its body initiates a twisting motion that sets the stage for a controlled descent.

Vestibular System: Cats possess an intricate inner ear system, known as the vestibular system, which grants them an impeccable sense of balance. This finely-tuned system allows them to gauge their orientation relative to gravity, ensuring they maintain equilibrium even during a fall.

Reflexes and Rotation: Their ability to rotate their front and back halves independently adds an extra layer of finesse to their descent strategy. By manipulating their body's orientation, cats can align their feet underneath them, setting the stage for a graceful landing.

Visual Focus: Cats have a unique ability to maintain visual focus on a specific target. This skill aids them in determining their position in relation to their surroundings. As they plummet, their keen eyesight allows them to calculate the best landing.

Built-in Safety Feature: Ever notice how a cat's body opens up like a parachute during a fall? This instinctive response isn't just for show. By spreading their limbs out, cats increase air resistance, effectively slowing down their fall. This additional time allows them to adjust their position mid-air, enhancing their chances of landing safely.

The next time you watch your feline friend navigate their environment with unparalleled elegance, remember that their astonishing acrobatics are the result of an intricate interplay of biology, physics, and evolution.

REFERENCES:
Scientific American
A-Z Animals

11 Holiday Safety Tips For Your Pet

As the holiday season approaches, our homes transform into bustling hubs of celebration. Among the twinkling lights and festive feasts, it's essential to remember the well-being of our beloved pets. While they eagerly partake in the holiday excitement, their safety must remain a priority.

Mind the Decorations: Holiday decorations can be fascinating to our pets but can also be dangerous. Keep a close eye on tinsel, ribbon, and small ornaments that could be choking hazards. Opt for pet-friendly decorations and secure larger ones out of your pet's reach.

Create a Calm Retreat: Holiday gatherings can be overwhelming for pets with all the noise and commotion. Designate a quiet, safe space where your furry friend can retreat when they need a break. Provide comfortable bedding, water, and their favorite comfort items to make it an inviting, relaxing place.

Watch the Door: Holiday gatherings mean more people coming and going from your home. Keep an eye on your pets near the door, as they may try to slip outside, especially if they're anxious or curious about the guests.

Secure the Trash: The aroma of holiday leftovers can be irresistible to pets. Ensure trash cans are securely closed or kept in a pet-proof area to prevent scavenging, which can lead to digestive issues.

Pet-Proof Your Feast: Be cautious about what your pets consume while indulging in holiday feasts. Many human foods, such as chocolate, grapes, onions, and alcohol, can be toxic to pets. A trigger for pancreatitis in our furry friends often stems from the consumption of high-fat foods. During holiday seasons, this can include indulgences such as turkey (especially the skin), fatty leftovers, gravy, bacon, and dishes with butter. Keep festive foods out of their reach and discourage guests from feeding them table scraps. Never give your pet cooked bones. Bones can splinter into shards that injure your pet's mouth and digestive tract. They can also harden in their intestines, causing a blockage.

Be Cautious with Candles: If you're using candles for ambiance, place them out of your pet's reach. Curious pets can knock them over and cause fires or burns. Consider using flameless, battery-operated candles as a safer alternative.

Limit Access to Electrical Cords: Holiday lights and decorations often come with electrical cords that can attract pets. Use cord covers or secure them in a way that keeps your pets from chewing on them, which can lead to electrical shock.

Avoid Harmful Plants: Certain holiday plants, like poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly, can be toxic to pets if ingested. Keep them away, or consider using artificial alternatives to keep your pets safe and your home festive. Curious about which other plants are harmful to your pets? Click here to find out!

Introduce Your Pet to New Faces: If you're hosting guests, especially those with children or other pets, ensure proper introductions with your own pets. Some pets may be anxious around unfamiliar faces, so a gradual introduction can help ease tension. Remind guests, especially children, how to properly interact with your pet to avoid potential anxiety in your pet that may result in a reactive bite or scratch. If your pet isn't fond of company, escort them to their safe space and check on them during the event.

On The Road Again: If the holiday takes you on a road trip, make sure your pet is wearing proper identification, a harness that is secured to a tether or doggy seat belt (do not attach any restraint directly to their collar), or place them in their crate (secured to the vehicle in the event of an accident). Bring food/treats, bowls, water, leash, potty supplies, blanket, medication, first-aid kit, toys, and vet documents. Create a list of emergency vets along your route in case of emergency or illness.

Exercise Your Pal: Be mindful of your pet's need for proper exercise during the busy season. Create a schedule that allows time to care for your pet, or call your local pet-sitting company for assistance!

Resources
VETSS

How To Dog Proof Your Home While You're Away

Whether your dog is a puppy, a newly adopted pup, or a dog that’s been part of the family for years, be sure to add, “dog proof the house” to your to-do list before you’re off on your next vacation. Doing so can save you money on household damages or even more importantly, a trip to the vet when you buddy “got into something.

No worries, we’ve got you covered:

Sweet pup anxiously awaiting his treat from his Glad Wags’ sitter.

Nom-noms: Stash away all food, including their own, so they aren’t tempted to counter-surf. Pay close attention to hiding away toxic foods such as chocolate, avocados, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, onions, and garlic. For a more complete list of toxic foods, visit the ASPCA website by clicking here .

PRO TIP: If you are the parent to an expert counter-surfer, consider putting foil on your countertops. Once Buddy places his paws on the loud material he will be less inclined to continue. You might also try lining your countertop with double-stick tape. Pups don’t like the sticky tape and are likely to stay away.

Get to the point: Securely put away anything sharp that your little rascal may snatch up such as knives, scissors, razors, blades from a blender or food processor, box cutters, and pins.

Sweat the small stuff: Twist ties, bread clips, rubber bands, batteries, buttons, hair-ties, jewelry, thread, crafts, or anything tiny can be enticing to a doggo who is left unattended. Although these things seem harmless, they can get lodged in your pup’s throat or digestive tract.

Lakewood Ranch is full of beauty, even on the side of a neighbor’s recycling bin!

A load of rubbish: Secure your trash cans! Take the trash out before you leave or figure out a way to keep Buddy’s nose out of the trash’s business. Some common solutions are putting it in a pantry/cabinet or placing a gate around it.

PRO TIP: Don’t forget about the small trash bins in bathrooms and offices; these can be even more dangerous because they don’t often have a lid and can contain dangerous items such as floss or old razors!

Down to the wire: Cords, wires, and chargers are popular items for pups to chew on and can be very dangerous as they can electrocute and burn your fur-friend. If possible, unplug any devices that your pup will have access to. Consider tucking the cords under cord concealers or completely removing the items from the room. It may be a time consuming task but this is a very important one!

PRO TIP: If you think your pup will mess with the outlets, try using outlet covers.

Comfy cozy: Pups can look at blankets, rugs, and fabric armrest coverings as big toys. If you think Buddy will go after the couch cushions and pillows, block off couches with dining chairs or limit their access to rooms with these pieces.

Dapper boy is always stylin’ in one of his bow-ties!

Best dressed: Depending on what type of packer you are, you might leave your clothes spread out on the floor or leave behind a pile of dirty laundry in your hamper. We won’t add “do laundry” to your to-do-list but at least put all your clothing out of reach from your pup, particularly dirty laundry. They enjoy working on (aka chewing on) buttons, strings, and zippers, stinky socks, and the all-time favorite….shoes! Save your clothes, shoes, and your dog’s intestines and stow these types of things far from reach.

Pick your poison: Our homes are filled with toxic hazards such as cleaners, detergents, bleach, moth balls, pesticides, medications, cosmetics, perfumes, and toiletries. Keep these types of items far, far away from your solo pup. Put them in a closet they do not have access to or a high cabinet that has some type of lock on it. Check out these child-proof cabinet locks that can also be used for nosey noses snooping around.

Fast friends: If you have small critters in the house, such as fish or hamsters, think about moving them to a new location if you aren’t sure how your pup might do alone with them.

Having a snooze after her outside time.

Beauty sleep: Some owners like leaving their bedroom open for access during their time away because Buddy likes having a snooze on their bed. Some canines love to tear up anything soft (uh, have you seen what they can do to a stuffie toy) so not granting them access to your bedroom would be ideal. But, if you are still adamant about having them keep your bunk warm, remove your pillows, quilts, comforters, sheets to spare them from becoming the next casualty!

Potty mouth: Shut your toilet lids! Although your pup doesn't care about manners, the latrine lid should stay closed. The chemicals used to clean the toilet can make a thirsty pup very sick. Tiny pups could even drown in the bowl! If your headstrong bud knows how to lift the seat, try one of these nifty devices.

PRO TIP: As gross as it is, Buddy might raid the cat’s litter box. If this is on your dog’s favorite foods list, find a home for the box that Buddy can’t get to.

Blind spot: Vertical blinds, particularly ones made of fabric, sway side to side and can become quite a tempting toy! Block these strips with chairs if possible.

Playtime with one of his favorite toys!

Toy story: Leaving Buddy’s toys out is very important but if your pup is likely to rip up their toys (which is fine) first remove any squeakers, strings, and stuffing, if you believe your pup will consume it after it’s ripped up.

Reality TV: Hide your remotes!! You’ll thank us.

Pretty as a picture: Figurines, vases, and any decor that is within reach (even as high as your dog can reach on his hind legs) should find a new home while you’re away.

Arts & crafts: Have you ever seen what a pup can do with newspapers, magazines, books, cash money, paper towels, napkins, or toilet paper? They can create homemade confetti in seconds flat! Double check that you put away all these tempting paper products.

Fresh Air: Air fresheners & candles are a big “no-no” for pets when home alone. Your pup is more important than a nice smelling house.

Handsome Havanese posing during a Glad Wags’ walk.

Green thumb: Many pet owners are the parents to indoor house plants too but you will be disappointed to find your plants dug up and even consumed. Move these plants to an off-limits room, even succulents are fair game to Buddy! Non-toxic plants can still cause lesions in the digestive tract. For a full list of toxic plants, check out our Toxic Plants and Flowers To Avoid For Dogs And Cats blog.

Off limits: If doggie proofing your home is still not enough to save your stuff, try limiting the space in which your dog is allowed to roam. Close doors and only allow access to the main living area. If you need to limit space even further, put your pup in a large penned area of the house.

PRO TIP: Remember that a tired dog is a good dog so be sure to use a sitter who can tire your dog out physically and mentally.

Toxic Plants and Flowers To Avoid For Dogs And Cats

As a pet parent, it’s very important to be knowledgeable about which plants and flowers could be dangerous to your puppy pals and feline friends. Below is a list of the most common toxic plants that are dangerous for pets to consume.

Please note, this is not a complete list of all poisonous plants.

Adam-and-Eve
Aloe
Amaryllis
Andromeda
Apple 
Apricot
Arrow-Head Vine
Arum
Arum Lily
Australian Nut
Autumn Crocus
Azalea
Barbados
Basil
Bay Laurel
Bead Tree
Begonia
Bird of Paradise
Bittersweets
Brazilwood
Boxwood
Brunfelsia
Buckeye
Buckwheat
Buddhist Pine
Burning Bush
Buttercup
Calla Lily
Caladium
Cape Jasmine
Cardinal Flower
Carnation
Castor Bean
Ceriman
Chamomile
Cherry
Chinaberry
Chives
Chrysanthemum
Cilantro
Clematis

Coffee
Coontie Palm
Creeping Charlie
Cycads
Cyclamen
Daffodil
Daisy
Dieffenbachia
Dracaena
Dumbcane
Easter Rose
Eastern Star
Elephant Ears
Epazote
Eucalyptus
Exotica
Fern Palm
Fig
Figwort
Flag
Flamingo Flower
Foxglove
Gardenia
Garlic
Geranium
Gladiola
Grapefruit
Heavenly Bamboo
Holly
Hops
Horse Chestnut
Horseweed
Hosta
Hyacinth
Hydrangea
Indian Hemp
Iris
Ivy
Jack-in-the-Pulpit

Jonquil
Kalanchoe
Kiss-me-Quick
Klamath Weed
Lambkill
Lantana
Larkspur
Laurels
Lavender
Leek
Lemon
Lemon Grass
Lenten Rose
Lillies
Lime
Lobelia
Maidens Breath
Marijuana
Milkweed
Mint
Mistletoe
Morning Glory
Mother-in-Law
Mum
Nandina
Narcissus
Nightshade
Oleander
Onion
Orange
Oregano
Parsley
Peach
Peony
Perennial Pea
Periwinkle
Pieris
Plum
Poinsettia
Poison Daisy
Poison Hemlock

Poison Parsnip
Portulaca
Prayer Bean
Primrose
Privet
Purslane
Ragwort
Ranger's Button
Red Emerald
Red Maple
Rhododendron
Rhubarb
Ribbon Plant
Rock Moss
Rosebay
Running Myrtle
Sabi Star
Sago Palm
Silver Dollar
Snake Lily
Sorrel
SowBread
Spanish Thyme
Spindle Tree
Spring Parsley
Staggerbush
Starch Root
Starleaf
Sweet Pea
Taro
Tobacco
Tomato
Tulip
Weeping Fig
White Heads
Wild Arum
Winterberry
Wisteria
Yarrow
Yew
Yucca

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Phone Number: 888-426-4435

14 Holiday Safety Tips For Your Pet

2020’s holiday season may look a little different this year, but it is still important that you take the time to ensure that your pets are safe throughout the celebrations. Here are some tips for prepping your pet and home:

• Stabilize your Christmas tree to decrease the possibility of it falling on your pet, causing serious injury or death.

• Christmas tree water, poinsettias, holly, and mistletoe are toxic, and may cause nausea, diarrhea or possible death if ingested.

• Cats enjoy playing with tinsel, ribbon, and confetti strings.  But if ingested, it can result in vomiting, diarrhea or surgery to remove the material.

• In order to avoid any accident involving your pet or your belongings, never leave your pet alone with a lit candle.

• Keep fragile glass or plastic decorations (such as ornaments) out of reach of your furry friends. Pets can eat sharp pieces that may have shattered, causing serious internal injury.

• Keep dinner plates cleared from tables and trash cans secured to reduce the likelihood of you pet eating something that may cause an illness. Some popular holiday foods that are poisonous to your pet are: macadamia nuts, raisins, grapes, avocados, onions, chocolate, Xylitol (found in candy, gum, baked goods), alcohol, garlic, peaches, and plums.

• Never give your pet cooked bones. Bones can splinter into shards that injure your pet's mouth and digestive tract. They can also harden in their intestines, causing a blockage.

• Remind overnight guests to keep their medications and toiletries packed away so pets cannot get to them.

• Create a "safe space" where your pet can retreat if they are feeling overwhelmed by guests. This safe space should be quiet, have fresh water, toys, and other items your pet may find comforting.

• Remind guests, especially children, how to properly interact with your pet to avoid potential anxiety in your pet that may result in a reactive bite or scratch. If your pet isn't fond of company, escort them to their safe space and check on them during the event.

• Exposure to loud fireworks, noisy poppers, and screeching rambunctious children, can frighten your pet. Keep noise to a minimum if your pet is sensitive to loud noises.

• Pets, especially cats, tend to sneak out of open doors when visitors are entering and exiting your home. Pay close attention to your pet's whereabouts when your doors are open and remind visitors to be cautious. 

• If the holiday takes you on a road trip, make sure your pet is wearing proper identification, a harness that is secured to a tether or doggy seat belt (do not attach any type of restraint directly to their collar), or place them in their crate (secured to the vehicle in the event of an accident).  Bring food/treats, bowls, water, leash, potty supplies, blanket, medication, first-aid kid, toys and vet documents with you.  In case of emergency or illness, create a list of emergency vets that are along your route.

• Be mindful of your pet's need for proper exercise during the busy season. Create a schedule that allows time to care for your pet or call your local pet sitting company for assistance!

Tips To Keep Your Cat Mentally Stimulated and Physically Fit

Exercise and entertainment for your feline friend is a crucial part in keeping them healthy physically, mentally, and emotionally. Cats snooze more throughout a 24-hour time period than their dog counterparts but when they are awake they are ready to hunt, chase, bounce, pounce, think, bat, and explore! Without entertainment and stimulation, they have a greater chance of becoming overweight, unhappy, and more likely to find a way to entertain themselves by tearing up a fresh roll of toilet paper or scratching the corner of your couch!

Cats are crepuscular creatures, meaning they are most active during the dawn and dusk. Making the most of their awake hours can be done through interaction between kitty and human, as well as setting up the house to ensure your furry pal can keep themselves busy while you are away from your home or catching up on your human sleep!

Here are some tips and tricks:

Cardboard Boxes & Bags

This isn’t a surprise to most cat owners. The object of your cat’s affection tends to be the cardboard box your pet’s new bed came in or the paper bag that carried home their cat food. Although it is trash in a human’s eye, let them play in their new paper forts before clearing them from the room. These items are the perfect tools for a round of hide & seek or to slide across the room. Throw a toy or cat nip inside to make things even more lively!

Window Watching

Cats are infatuated with the great outdoors! It’s not a coincidence that you may see your neighbor’s kitty perched in the window watching the wildlife buzzing around. Leave a blind open and position a cat tree or bench near the window if the sill isn’t wide enough for them to lounge upon. Consider adding a bird or squirrel feeder near your window to encourage the critters to get closer to your kitty when they’re watching from inside.

Digital Entertainment

YouTube is for cats too! Using your TV, computer, tablet, or cell phone can be a source of merriment for your cat. Here are a few of their favorite channels:

Apps: Cat Fishing 2, Relax My Cat, Games for Cats!, Mouse for Cats, Friskies JitterBug, Laser Pointer for Cat
DVDs: Cat Dreams , Mewvie
YouTube Videos: Birds , Fish , Other Cats , Wildlife , Laser Pointer
TV: National Geographic (found on Cable & Disney+)

Toys & Games

Pet stores are full of toys that cats love but you don’t have to spend a fortune to humor your kitty. Try some of these inexpensive ideas:

• Throw ping pong balls into your bathtub or sink and watch your kitty go wild batting and bouncing them around.

• Hang a shoe lace from a door knob. They won’t be able to resist the dangling new item.

• Induce their hunting skills by running into a different room and hiding behind a door. After they hunt and “attack”, run into another room.

• Roll aluminum foil into a ball and shoot it across the room. Some cats, specifically Siamese cats, will retrieve the ball to start a game of fetch.

• Cats can get bored of a toy that they see and sniff often. Store a few wand toys out of reach from your cat for a while; when you bring them out again your cat will think new prey has entered their territory!

Cat Garden

You don’t need to have a green thumb to grow your kitty’s favorites! Here is a short DIY video on how to create an indoor cat garden.

Popular, non-toxic plants include:

• Wheatgrass “Cat Grass”

• Cat Nip

• Thyme

• Rosemary

• Parsley

Cat grass and cat nip plants can usually be found at your local pet store and can be replanted into your pot.

**Always check the ASPCA site to ensure you never offer a toxic plant to your cat.**

Cat Wheel

Have you ever seen an outdoor cat run? They are fast! They can only run short lengths while inside so consider purchasing a cat wheel where they can sprint as far and as long as they’d like!

Feeding Time

House cats still have their wild streak, wanting to stalk, hunt and forge their food so having it served into a bowl isn’t as stimulating as meal time could be. Try offering their breakfast in a puzzle feeder or hiding a portion of their meal in a toilet paper roll, egg carton, or Kong.

Trees & Scratching Posts

A cat’s instinct is to keep their claws sharpened and ready to attack if needed. Although keeping their claws well-manicured is one reason they scratch, it is also a way for them to self-soothe, fight boredom, strengthen their paws, and leave their scent behind. Each cat tends to have a preferred scratching method, either horizontally or vertically, but it’s important to offer both.

Cat trees tend to have posts that are perfect for vertical scratching while scratching boards & mats provide a horizontal option. Allow your cat freedom to jump, scratch, and stretch on structures that are specifically for them. This also deters them from scratching your furniture!

Catio

Allow you kitty to explore on your screened-in patio so they can experience the outdoors safely. If you don’t have a screened-in patio, you can build or purchase a free standing enclosure!

Tricks

It’s true! Armed with a high reward treat, you can teach cats tricks by using the clicker method. Watch Jackson Galaxy give a crash course on how to use a clicker to train your furry kid.

Leash Walking

Some cats are willing to give leash walking a whirl, but it’s important that you introduce it to them slowly. Allow them to get used to wearing their harness by allowing them to walk around the house for long periods of time over the course of a few weeks. Once they seem comfortable in their harness, attach the leash and practice walking around the house so you both become comfortable. Depending on the curiosity level of your cat, they might want to stay close to home on the porch, sidewalk, or driveway. Don’t push your cat into exploring more than they are comfortable with. Leash training takes time and patience!

Cuddle Time

Providing your kitty with affection also makes for a content cat. On top of catching some zzzz’s or binge watching a Netflix series together, brush their fur or even offer them a fresh warm blanket from the dryer.

Hire A Pet Sitter

When you are away from home for more than 24 hours, hire a professional pet sitter who can step in and take care of all the wants and needs of your kitty while you are gone! You’ll come home to a calmer, happier cat.

Top Items To Have In Your Pet First Aid Kit

Having a complete pet first aid kit is an important step to ensure the safety and well-being of your pet in case of a serious emergency or a simple cut or scrape. Be certain that your kit accompanies you and your pet on trips to the dog park, campgrounds, and family road trips so you always have the items readily available no matter where you may be. Always inform your pet sitters and family members where the kit is stored so they can be prepared to care for your pet should an emergency arise.

All of the following items can be picked up in one trip to the drug store or ordered online as a complete kit:

Important Phone Numbers

Add the following numbers to your phone’s contacts and write them on an index card that can be stored in your kit:

• ASPCA Poison Control Center: 888-426-4435

• Your Veterinarian include address and phone number

• Local 24/7 Emergency Pet Hospitals

Pet Identification & Vaccination Record

Quick access to these important records are essential should your pet need to be seen by emergency pet hospital personnel or should you need to refer to them when calling poison control.

Pet First Aid Guide

A quick reference guide with specific directions on how to properly use the items in your kit.

Medications

Consult your vet about proper doses of medications for your pet and write them on each box.

• Aspirin Tablets

• Benadryl

• Anti-diarrheal (Loperamide)

• Anti-Nausea/Motion Sickness (may need to get from vet)

• Burn Gel (with Lidocaine)

• Neosporin

• Antiseptic Wipes

• Betadine Antiseptic Solution

• Sting Relief Pads (Benzocaine)

• Hydrogen Peroxide (helps induce vomiting if pet ingested something poisonous)

Eye Wash

Eye wash can help alleviate irritation and flush away dirt and debris.

Ear Wash

Ear wash flushes debris trapped within the canal that may lead to infection if not removed.

Tweezers

Tweezers are handy for removing splinters, burrs, ticks, and other hard to grasp irritants that may attach to your pet’s skin.

Tongue Depressor

These are a great tool to use when examining your pet’s mouth.

Digital Thermometer & Lubricant

The most reliable way to obtain your pet’s temperature is rectally, which is why lubricant is important for the comfort of your pet. Note that dogs and cats have a temperature range that is higher than humans. Normal body temperature for dogs is 101-102.5 and for cats 100.4-102.5 degrees Fahrenheit.

Instant Cold Packs

Certain injuries require cold compresses to help reduce inflammation and relieve pain, such as bee stings, sprains, and strains. Always place a buffer, such as a towel, between the cold pack and your pet’s skin to avoid cold-induced skin damage.

Sterile Rolled Gauze and NON-STICK Pads (2 x 2, 4 x 4)

Gauze and pads are useful when cleaning out a wound and are also the first layer when covering and bandaging wounds. Only use a non-stick pad next to the wound before loosely wrapping with a gauze bandage.

Adhesive and Elastic Tape

Tape assists in holding the bandage in place.

Self-adhering Bandage Wrap

This is used as the outer layer when creating a bandage to help keep the sterile bandage in place.

Q-Tip Swabs (sterile if possible)

Another great tool when cleaning out wounds.

Splints

Splints are important to immobilize a pet's injured limb during transport to the vet or emergency facility. Homemade splints can be made out of pieces of cardboard or rolled up newspapers and magazines. A pencil, small ruler, or tongue depressor are all possible choices for smaller dogs and cats.

Stainless Steel Scissors

Scissors come in handy when cutting off bandages and creating splints.

Exam Gloves

Wearing gloves will help minimize the risk of infection to the wound site.

Children’s Socks

A pair of size-appropriate, children's socks are the perfect solution to cover a wounded paw.

BlanketS

A mylar emergency blanket or soft, thick blanket are useful for keeping your pet warm if they've sustained an injury outside in the cold and/or rain.

Syringes

Syringes assist in administering medications into your pet’s mouth or flushing a wound. At some point, you may have received these from your vet to administer meds.. be sure to keep them for your kit!

Odor Remover (De-Skunking)

1 qt 3% hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 C baking soda, 1 tsp dish soap, access to plenty of running water (hose) for rinsing. Leave solution on for 5-minutes and then shampoo. Note: Do not make this solution ahead of time, it must be prepared and then used immediately!

A Sturdy Container

A duffle bag, plastic bin, or tackle box are options to contain your first aid items.