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By Judyvein Cheng, CPCN, BRNC
Certified pet nutritionist in Singapore
QUICK ANSWER
A well-stocked first-aid kit means you can handle small scrapes, bites and tummy upsets calmly, and know when it's time to get help. My own kit is pretty extensive, but these are the essentials I'd recommend every pet parent start with.
What I recommend in every kit
For cleaning and skin care
✓ JOOF Hygiene Water: a pet-safe HOCl solution for cleaning cuts, bites, skin and ears. It's safe if licked.
✓ Organic virgin coconut oil: for minor cuts, scrapes, insect bites, dry noses and cracked paws.
✓ Adored Beast Colloidal SilverSol: extra support for hot spots and skin infections, with natural antimicrobial properties.
For tummy troubles
✓ Adored Beast Your Go-2 Recovery: the first thing I reach for at the first sign of vomiting, diarrhoea or accidents.
✓ Animal Essentials Slippery Elm or Colon Rescue: to soothe stomach upsets.
✓ Adored Beast Fido's Flora (dogs) or Felix's Flora (cats): a probiotic, especially useful after a course of antibiotics.
✓ Activated charcoal tablets: to keep on hand in case your pet eats something they shouldn't. Always call your vet before giving it, since it isn't right for every kind of poisoning.
For fleas, ticks and bites
✓ Dr Goodpet Flea Relief: a homeopathic remedy given by mouth, not applied to the skin. It helps calm itching and swelling from flea, insect, mite and tick bites.
✓ Kin+Kind Flea & Tick spray: a natural repellent.
✓ 4Legger Revitalize Neem Shampoo: for a flea infestation. Soak the coat in coconut oil first to kill the fleas, then wash it off with the neem shampoo.
For joint pain
Any of these three can help when joint pain flares up. In my practice, I double the usual dose during a flare, then return to the normal dose once the pain is well managed. Sudden lameness, or pain that doesn't improve within a few days, should be checked.
After vaccinations and tick bites
✓ Adored Beast Rebalancer: support for pets after vaccinations. It contains thuja, so I also use it first for tick bites.
The basics every kit needs
- Gauze pads and a roll of self-adhesive bandage
- Blunt-ended scissors
- A tick remover
- Tweezers
- A digital thermometer
- Saline solution for flushing eyes
- A soft muzzle, since even gentle pets can bite when they're hurt
- A clean towel or blanket
- Disposable gloves
Keep these details handy
- Your regular vet's number
- The nearest 24-hour emergency vet's number and address
- Your pet's medical notes, medications and vaccination records
How to use it for common problems
✓ Minor cuts and scrapes: clean with Hygiene Water, then apply coconut oil 2–3 times a day. See my guide on coconut oil for cuts and wounds.
✓ Hot spots and skin infections: clean with Hygiene Water, then use Colloidal SilverSol and coconut oil.
✓ Insect bites: clean with Hygiene Water, soothe with coconut oil, and give Flea Relief by mouth to help bring down the swelling.
✓ Tick bites: give Rebalancer first. Remove the tick with a tick remover, gripping close to the skin, then clean the area with Hygiene Water and apply coconut oil. Give Flea Relief to help bring down the swelling. Ticks aren't insects (they're related to spiders), but I find Flea Relief helps with tick bite swelling too.
✓ Fleas: soak the coat in coconut oil to kill the fleas, wash with neem shampoo, then give Flea Relief by mouth for the bites. Wash bedding and vacuum to clear eggs from the home.
✓ Tummy upsets: start with Go-2 at the first sign, then Slippery Elm or Colon Rescue to soothe, and Fido's Flora (dogs) or Felix's Flora (cats) to rebuild the gut.
When it's not a home job
See a vet straight away for:
- Deep wounds, heavy bleeding, or animal bites
- Swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing
- Suspected poisoning, or eating something toxic
- Heatstroke, collapse, or seizures lasting more than 5 minutes
- Vomiting or diarrhoea with blood, or that won't stop
Frequently asked questions
Where should I keep the kit?
Somewhere easy to grab, and pack a smaller version for walks and car trips.
How often should I check it?
Every few months. Replace anything used up or past its expiry date.
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This article is for educational purposes and isn't a substitute for veterinary care. If you're concerned about your pet's health, please seek professional advice.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Judyvein Cheng, CPCN, BRNC
Judyvein is a Certified Professional Canine Nutritionist and Certified Raw Nutrition Coach for Cats & Dogs, and the founder of JOOF Holistic Pet. Her journey began with her Frenchie, Wangcai, and today she helps pet parents in Singapore take a root-cause approach to their pets' health.
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