In every household, there is a medicine cupboard filled with plasters, creams and ointments for all the human members of the family. But when looking for something for the dog or cat at 9 pm on a Sunday night, it can be difficult to find something suitable.

Here we have put together a list of vet-approved pet health essentials that can come in handy to keep in the cupboard for mild issues such as cuts, broken nails, digestive upsets, skin issues and irritated eyes and ears.

Why it helps to have a pet health cupboard at home

It is common for pets to come down with illnesses, scrapes and bruises just like the rest of us. Usually at the weekend or when shops and your vets are shut, making it difficult to find what you need. Having handy items ready at home can reduce stress and uncertainty, so you can support your pet while seeking appropriate advice if needed.

This list does not replace veterinary advice and treatment, but instead provides a checklist of the most commonly recommended treatment options for at-home support for mild and minor cases. In an emergency, call your vet or out-of-hours emergency practice for assistance. Or, if you are unsure how best to support your pet at home, call or chat with one of our Joii vets to guide you further. They are available 24/7 online.

Wound care

What to keep at home

For minor wounds and grazes that can be treated at home, a suitable pet-friendly antiseptic is necessary. There are many available in different formats to suit different pets, such as:

• Leucillin spray or dropper - a versatile soothing antiseptic for use on skin, ears and eyes

• A chlorhexidine-based skin antiseptic cleanser

• An antimicrobial spot gel - particularly useful for cats

Other skin care supplies that can be helpful to include are:

• A fast-acting swab for minor bleeding, such as broken or quicked nails

• Topical itch relief 

Important considerations

Make sure the product you choose is suitable and made for pets. Cats, in particular, are more sensitive to certain products, and use can lead to further irritation. 

Signs a wound needs veterinary attention include:

• Active bleeding - not stopping with applied pressure

• Deep or large wounds

• Wounds showing signs of infection with redness, pus or discharge, heat and pain

Digestive support: managing mild tummy upsets 

What to keep at home

It can be very helpful to keep a few gentle remedies at home for those mild tummy upsets, such as one-off vomiting or soft stools in an otherwise bright pet. Treatment often includes a bland but supportive diet along with probiotics to help stabilise their gut flora, with added kaolin to help firm up stools if necessary.

Top recommendations by our Joii vets:

• i/d Digestive care food - dry and wet options available for both adult and young cats and dogs

• Protexin Veterinary Pro-Kolin - Digestive Support Paste for cats and dogs with acute diarrhoea

Other recommendation options to include:

• Royal Canin Gastro Intestinal food - for dogs and cats needing support with diarrhoea

• Protexin Pro Kolin Enterogenic Sachets - digestive support probiotic powder for long-term use

• Oralade Advanced GI+ - oral rehydration support liquid for dogs and cats

Important Considerations

While mild and self-limiting vomiting and diarrhoea can be treated at home, it is important to seek advice if your pet is feeling unwell and signs are ongoing beyond 24 hours. Signs of when to seek veterinary advice include:

• Blood in stool or vomit

• Black or tar-like stools

• Lethargy

• Dry or sticky gums: indicating dehydration

• Vomiting continuously or not able to keep water down

Pets that are very young or elderly should always be checked by a vet since they are less able to recover on their own.

Parasite awareness and prevention tools 

What to keep

Parasites are a year-round problem for pets, and while ongoing parasite prevention is the most important aspect of protection, it can be useful to have a couple of things in the cupboard for when caught unawares.

• Tick removal tool - like the Johnsons tick remover

• Flea comb - such as the Mikki Flea Comb

• Your pet’s ongoing parasite prevention medication as prescribed, and a note of when its next due

Important Considerations

Remember to check your pet regularly for parasites, particularly in the warmer months when ticks are more active. Signs of when to consult with a vet include:

• Tick or insect bite that has discharge or increased redness

• Signs of a flea bite allergy, such as red spots and bald patches

Eye and ear care essentials 

What to keep

Pets with runny eyes and mild discharge can benefit from an eye cleanser that helps support the eye's natural barrier. Having a suitable product ready to use can help support early care at home.

Supportive eye cleanser options include:

• TVM Ocryl Eye Cleansing Solution

• Optixcare Eye Cleaning Wipes

For pets that develop itchy, waxy or smelly ears, a suitable ear cleanser can often be helpful. In some mild cases, this may be enough to support early management before further issues develop. 

Examples of commonly recommended options include:

• Nextmune Otodine Ear Solution

• Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced

Important considerations

These cleansers are suitable for mild irritation and routine cleaning. If your pet shows signs of pain, abnormal discharge, or a head tilt with ear irritation, or you notice cloudiness or spots on the surface of their eyes, it’s important to have them assessed by a vet to determine whether further treatment is needed. 

Comfort and safety items 

What to include

Alongside medical supplies, it can be helpful to keep a few practical items ready to hand to support safe handling and comfort. These are often the things that are hardest to find when you need them most, so keeping them together in one place can make a real difference.

Simple items such as towels and disposable gloves can help with gentle restraint and hygiene, particularly if your pet is sore or unsettled. Preventing licking or further irritation is also important, so having a suitable protective option available can be useful.

Some examples of helpful supplies include:

• A medical pet shirt or recovery suit (for dogs or cats)

• An Elizabethan collar (buster collar)

• Towels or blankets for gentle restraint

• Disposable gloves

• Protective boots for paw injuries 

• A well-fitting muzzle for dogs

• Sun protection for light-coloured pets, particularly white cats, who are prone to sun damage on their ears

• A cough syrup suitable for pets

When to manage at home and when to contact a vet 

A pet health cupboard can help you feel prepared, but it’s important to know when home care is appropriate. Mild, short-lived symptoms such as small skin irritations or occasional vomiting can often be monitored at home, but more serious conditions should not be treated without veterinary support.

If you’re unsure what to do or if symptoms are not improving, seeking advice from a vet can help guide your next steps. Our Joii Vets are available 24/7 if you need guidance or reassurance.

If your pet is in pain or showing more serious signs, they should be seen by a vet in person as soon as possible.