Dogs and cats are members of the family, so why not keep a pet first aid kit? Pets are can be easily injured or stressed during an emergency and there are several over-the-counter medications that are generally considered safe for pets.

*Note- Always check with your veterinarian before administering any medicine to your pet. Also, if you suspect your pet has a serious condition, please go directly to your veterinarian. This list is intended solely for emergency situations when veterinary care is not available.

Over the Counter Medications 

• Benadryl -- Relives swelling and itching from allergic reactions. Give 1 mg per lbs of dog. Not effective for cats.
• Dramamine -- Prevents motion sickness. Administer 30 minutes prior to travel. Use 12.5 mg for a small dog or cat.
• Gas-X -- Helps with gas discomfort. Dogs suspected of bloating should be given two doses then taken to the vet right away.  For small dogs or cats, administer 1/4 of the adult dose. Medium dogs should get 1/2 of the adult dose, and large dogs should get the full adult dose.
• Buffered Aspirin -- *CATS SHOULD NEVER BE GIVEN ASPIRIN*. Small dogs under 10 lbs should get 1/2 of a baby Aspirin. Medium dogs can have 1/2 of an adult Aspirin. Dogs 50-100 lbs should get 1 adult Aspirin. Dogs over 100 lbs can have 2 adult Aspirin.
• Pepto Bismol -- *CATS SHOULD NEVER BE GIVEN PEPTO BISMOL* Give 1 teaspoon for every 20 lbs of dog every 4-6 hours for no more than 24 hours.
• Imodium A-D -- Can be used to treat diarrhea in cats and dogs. *This should not be given to Collies, Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Shelties, or Longhaired Whippets as they can have a negative reaction to the drug.*
• Pepcid AC or Zantac -- Can be used to treat/prevent ulcers, stomach aches, or acid reflux. Contact your vet for exact dosages.
• Robitussin DM -- Cough suppressant used to treat kennel cough. Can cause side effects, check with your vet to be safe.
• Hydrogen Peroxide -- Can be used to induce vomiting if something poisonous was ingested. *Only use if your vet gives you the okay.* Can also be used to clean wounds.
• Hydrocortisone -- Relieves dry itchy or irradiated skin from hot spots, bug bites or stings. Apply twice daily, use only a small amount.
• Saline Nasal Spray -- Safe for cat, kittens, puppies, and dogs to reduce nasal congestions from cold weather.
• Glucosamine- - Treats joint pain and arthritis. Give 25 mg to dogs and cats under 25 lbs. Dogs 25-50 lbs need 1000 mg and dogs over 50 lbs should get 1500 mg.
• Triple Antibiotic Ointment -- Treat minor cuts and burns. *Not for internal use, make sure pets don't lick at the wound.*
• Antibacterial Soap -- Clean wounds with soap and water.

Pet First Aid

• CPR--Check for breathing or a pulse. Compress the largest part of the chest for larger dogs. Compress the heart for cats or smaller dogs. Give 100 chest compressions per minutes, after 30 give a rescue breath.

• Heimlich Maneuver -- Approach your pet slowly and calmly, they are scared and might react. Slowly open the animal's mouth. Check to see if there is an object blocking their airway. Remove it if possible. Tip them upside down to shake the object loose. Check their mouth for the object again. Push up on the stomach with your fist. Give a sharp blow between your pet's shoulder blades to force the object out.

If your pets take prescription medication, ask your vet about getting some extra to put in your pet emergency kit.

References; Photo Credit: http://www.doowaggle.com/blog/human-medications-that-are-safe-for-dogs/ Photo Credit; https://www.123rf.com/ http://www.petguide.com/health/dog/how-to-perform-the-dog-heimlich-maneuver/ Source: http://www.walkervalleyvet.com/otc-meds.htm