Dogs and cats are more than pets...they're family. They look to us to be cared for and protected. Just like people, accidents and emergencies can happen to animals, so being prepared could make a lifesaving difference.

Emergencies can occur suddenly and without warning. Knowing what to do in the initial moments can be critical to your pet's life. By having a pet first aid kit, pet owners can be equipped when the unthinkable happens. Every pet parent should have a first aid kit for their pet in his or her home and in their car. Pet first aid kits are available or a human first aid kit can be used and then supplemented with pet specific supplies.

Designed for animal care, a standard pet first aid kit contains: 

• Pet First Aid Book
• Nylon leash
• A muslin sling bandage
• Muzzle or strips of cloth to prevent biting (as long as pet is not vomiting, choking, coughing, or otherwise having difficulty breathing)
• Adhesive tape
• Antiseptic wipes
• Bandages
• Scissors
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Tongue depressor
• Tweezers
• Antibiotic ointment
• Alcohol prep pads
• Latex gloves
• Rectal thermometer
• Eye wash solution
• Instant cold pack
• Rescue blanket
• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) if approved by a veterinarian for allergic reactions. Vet must specify correct dosage for your pet's size.
• List of emergency phone numbers including those for your pet's veterinarian, an after hour's emergency veterinary hospital, and the National Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-426-4435).

• Copies of their Vaccine Records
• Copies of their Medical Records
• Current Photos of your pet

The following ten tips can help you carve out some time for yourself even when the world is screaming for your attention. I offer this thought to you: you can't afford not to take the time. Your sanity, and your health, may depend on it.

1. Say no to anything that's not important. I've always liked Steven Covey's system of sorting items on your to do list into urgent, important, not urgent, and not important categories. Surprisingly, it's the items in the "important but not urgent" quadrant, not the things that are "urgent and important," that should receive your greatest attention. For example, daily playtime with your cats is important but not urgent. Feeding your cats, however, is important and urgent! For a more detailed (and less cat-centric) explanation of Covey's important/urgent matrix, visit Practice This or go straight to the source and read Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.
2. Ask for help. Frequently, people who are constantly busy are actually admired by others, because they appear to be so efficient and get so much done. Our society does seem to value busyness, and some people seem to consider it a badge of honor - a very warped view, in my opinion. Admit that you can't do it all by yourself. You may be surprised at the response you get. Most people love to help others.
3. Meditate. Even a five minute mini meditation at the beginning of your day can set the tone for a less stressful day. Better yet, take a few mini-meditation breaks during the day.
4. Write things down. When you're busy, your mind is usually working overtime. Writing things down anchors them somewhere other than in your mind, which will help you remain calmer.
5. Set limits for yourself and stick with them. Allot times to specific tasks, and stop after your allotted time is up. There are so many things in life that will never be completely "done." Celebrate your progress, and don't beat yourself up over what isn't finished yet.
6. Reward yourself. Give yourself small rewards for tasks you've accomplished. Whether it's a piece of chocolate (just don't go overboard with this), or a walk around the block, even small rewards can serve as small motivators.
7. Unplug. Cut back on your online activities. Turn off your cell phone, even just for a few hours.
8. Make time for exercise. Even though exercise probably seems like just one more item on your overflowing to do list, this is one activity you want to make a priority.
9. Breathe! Take deep, cleansing breaths whenever you feel yourself getting overwhelmed.
10. Spend time with your pets, and learn from them. Just being in their presence will remind you that the things that really matter in life are right there in front of you. 

(c) Ingrid King, 2013. All Rights Reserved.