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Pet First Aid
Simple steps you can take before reaching your veterinarian — safety, wound care, and a kit checklist for cats and dogs.
Gatsou Team
· 5 min read
Keep a small kit at home and in your car. Replace expired items regularly. First aid is a bridge to the vet — not a replacement.
1
Ensure safety
Move away from roads and hazards. Use a leash or towel to control your pet if needed.
2
Call your vet or 24h clinic
Describe symptoms clearly and follow their instructions. Don't drive without calling first.
3
Document for the vet
Take a photo of any substance eaten or the wound to share with the vet on arrival.
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Flush with saline; trim fur around the area if safe; avoid hydrogen peroxide unless a vet advises it.
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Apply gentle pressure with gauze for bleeding. Keep the bandage snug but not tight.
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Gauze pads and roll, cohesive bandage, tape
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Antiseptic wipes or solution (chlorhexidine), saline
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Digital thermometer, lubricant
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Tweezers, blunt scissors, muzzle or soft cloth
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Gloves, towel or blanket, emergency numbers
Avoid hydrogen peroxide, human painkillers (like ibuprofen or paracetamol), and home remedies unless your vet specifically tells you to use them. Many are toxic to pets.
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Temperature < 37.5°C (99.5°F) or > 40°C (104°F), collapse, seizures, or difficulty breathing
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Deep wounds, heavy bleeding, eye injuries, suspected fractures, or toxin ingestion
Frequently asked
What goes in a basic pet first aid kit?
Gauze pads and roll, cohesive bandage and tape, antiseptic solution, saline, a digital thermometer with lubricant, tweezers, blunt scissors, a muzzle or soft cloth, gloves, a towel, and a card of emergency numbers.
Can I use hydrogen peroxide on a pet wound?
No — avoid hydrogen peroxide unless your vet specifically advises it. For most wounds, saline or chlorhexidine is safer. Hydrogen peroxide can damage healthy tissue and irritate the wound.
When should I rush my pet to the emergency vet?
Go immediately if you see deep wounds, heavy bleeding, eye injuries, suspected fractures, toxin ingestion, collapse, seizures, difficulty breathing, or temperature below 37.5°C or above 40°C.
What do I do if my pet swallows something toxic?
Call your vet or a poison hotline right away. Take a photo of the substance and packaging. Don't induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to — some toxins do more damage on the way back up.
What's the normal temperature for a cat or dog?
Roughly 38.0-39.2°C (100.5-102.5°F). Below 37.5°C or above 40°C is a red flag — call your vet right away.