You probably have a well-stocked medicine chest for your family, but what about your pet? Pets also need special supplies and when they are hurt, injured or not feeling well every minute counts. The following are guidelines as to what products you should have on-hand and their use.

1. Thermometer - digital, coated with Vaseline or hand lotion, will let you know if a fever from a viral or bacterial infection is causing problems with your pet. A normal temperature is 100 to 102.5 degrees.
2. Tweezers - to remove splinters or ticks
3. Bandage supplies - adhesive tape, sterile gauze pads or even Vetwrap and Elasticon. A triple antibiotic ointment is also a good idea.
4. Hydrogen Peroxide - to clean wounds and/or induce vomiting.
5. Benadryl 25 mg tablets - for allergic reactions.
6. Karo Syrup - for kittens, puppies, toy breed dogs and diabetic pets when they’re not eating well enough to keep blood-sugar levels up.

Remember…pets have an incredible tolerance to pain. By the time your pet becomes listless or stops eating, the problem may be severe! No one knows your pet better than you. The slightest change in your pet’s behavior could be the beginning of something serious! CALL US RIGHT AWAY IF…

1. Your pet laps up any antifreeze
2. Your pet swallows a strand of string or tinsel
3. Your dog has an unusually large, swollen belly
4. Your cat consumes Tylenol or Acetaminophen
5. Your cat strains to urinate or stops passing urine
6. If your pet continues to bleed
7. If your pet has uncontrolled vomiting or refuses to eat or drink
8. If your pet has prolonged or repeated seizures
9. If your pet appears disorientated, lame or unsteady on its feet
10. You have applied an insecticide to your cat and it begins to twitch, convulse or vomit
11. To check if a product is poisonous or not, the National Animal Poison Control Center can be reached at 800-548-2423
12. If your large breed dog is retching or trying to vomit repeatedly
13. If your pet is having trouble breathing