Do you have a pet first-aid kit? You should.

Traveling with your pet is one of the joys of owning an RV. Conscientious pet owners should always have a pet first aid kit somewhere accessible when traveling with their pet. This guide lists the basic items you will need to have in your pet first aid kit. Pet first-aid book Phone numbers: your veterinarian, the nearest emergency-veterinary clinic and a poison-control center or hotline (such as the ASPCA poison-control center, which can be reached at 1-800-426-4435) Paperwork for your pet (in a waterproof container or bag): proof of rabies-vaccination status, copies of other important medical records and a current photo of your pet (in case he or she gets lost) Nylon leash Self-cling bandage (bandage that stretches and sticks to itself but not to fur) Muzzle or strips of cloth to prevent biting (don't use this if your pet is vomiting, choking, coughing or otherwise having difficulty breathing) Absorbent gauze pads Adhesive tape Antiseptic wipes, lotion, powder or spray Blanket (a foil emergency blanket) Cotton balls or swabs Gauze rolls Hydrogen peroxide (to induce vomiting; do this only when directed by a veterinarian or a poison-control expert) Ice pack Non-latex disposable gloves Petroleum jelly (to lubricate the thermometer) Rectal thermometer (your pet's temperature should not rise above 103F or fall below 100F) Scissors (with blunt ends) Sterile non-stick gauze pads for bandages Sterile saline solution (sold at pharmacies) Tweezers A pillowcase to confine your cat for treatment A pet carrier Other useful items Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), if approved by a veterinarian for allergic reactions. A veterinarian must tell you the correct dosage for your pet's size. Ear-cleaning solution Expired credit card or sample credit card (from direct-mail credit-card offers) to scrape away insect stingers Glucose paste or corn syrup (for diabetic dogs or those with low blood sugar) Nail clippers Non-prescription antibiotic ointment Penlight or flashlight Plastic eyedropper or syringe Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl) to clean the thermometer Splints and tongue depressors Styptic powder or pencil (sold at veterinary hospitals, pet-supply stores, and your local pharmacy) Temporary identification tag (to put your local contact information on your pet's collar when you travel) Towels Needle-nosed pliers In addition to the items listed above, include anything your veterinarian has recommended specifically for your pet. Check the supplies in your pet's first-aid kit occasionally and replace any items that have expired. For your family's safety, keep all medical supplies and medications out of the reach of children and pets.