As a new pet parent or even a seasoned one, you need to have the right medicines and provide proper care if your pet is hurt to make sure they don’t get infected. Therefore, having an emergency first aid kit for pets is a must have for every pet parent.

What should your pets emergency first aid kit contain?

Here's a list of recommended and essential items:

Wound care

For wound care, you will need

• betadine liquid
• cotton
• bandage roll
• scissor
• syringe

Bleeding

If your pet is hurt and there is any bleeding:

• apply pressure - it is the best way to stop it
• cold compress
• restrict your pet’s activities eg. excessive running, jumping, etc.
• bandage if possible to stop the bleeding
• If there is a dog bite/ cat scratch that your pet has suffered - wash with lots of running water, use a mild soap if you the wound is deep and dress with betadine ointment

If your pet is deeply hurt and is not vaccinated, it is important to get your pet a post-bite rabies vaccine at the veterinarian within 24 hours (even if your pet has had his shots)

In case there has been a fight between two pet animals, exchange recent vaccination records of both pets so that these can be shown to your vet and post-bite injections can be avoided. Vets don’t usually give tetanus toxoid injections to dogs and cats since the pets seem to be more resistant than us.

Vomiting and diarrhoea

One occasional vomit or bout of diarrhoea can be monitored to see if it recurs. If it does or is accompanied by discomfort/blood or a history of eating something inadvertently, it is better to get your pet checked at the vets.

Fever

If you think your pet has a fever, feel the inside of the thigh or the ear. Regular digital ear thermometers are not hundred percent accurate but can indicate your pet's temperature. Make sure you follow instructions carefully and practice taking temperature when your dog is well. A normal temperature for dogs and cats is 99-102F. Anything more or less warrants a vet visit.

Please Note: These are the general guidelines mentioned by the vet expert at Petsy. However, please consult your veterinarian if you have any queries or if the situation escalates.