Build a pet first-aid kit: 12 essentials for every home
Most pet emergencies happen at night or on weekends. Here's what to keep on hand.
Dr. Meera Iyer
Preventive care · 7 yrs
A small, well-stocked kit can buy critical time before you reach a vet — or help you handle minor incidents at home.
Essentials: gauze rolls, non-stick pads, self-adhesive bandage, blunt-tip scissors, tweezers, digital thermometer, saline solution, and a pet-safe antiseptic like chlorhexidine.
Add: a muzzle (even gentle pets bite when in pain), a soft towel for restraint, hydrogen peroxide 3% (only use to induce vomiting under vet guidance), activated charcoal, and a copy of your pet's medical records.
Keep your vet's number, the nearest 24-hour clinic, and the ASPCA poison helpline (or Indian equivalent) saved on your phone.
Written by Dr. Meera Iyer
Preventive care · 7 yrs
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