First-aid for pets
For minor ailments and injuries, it’s handy to have a portable first-aid kit for your pets. You can make use of things around the house, which saves money and waste. Keep it in a box and make sure everything is organised and labelled.
First-aid doesn’t replace appropriate veterinary care. It’s important to remember that serious accidents, poisonings, snake bites, tick paralysis or illness will require the care of your regular veterinarian. Although a natural first-aid kit is generally safe and non-toxic, not all natural treatments are safe. One example is tea tree oil, which is a handy antimicrobial, but may be toxic to small dogs and especially to cats. I have indicated in this article where there may be any risk to your pet.
Teas
I love teas, and I keep a selection of teabags ready to use in my kit. To prepare the teas, add one cup of just boiled water to one tea bag, and allow the infusion to cool for 20 minutes. You can use dried marigold flowers, fresh ginger, ground fennel seeds or leaf tea, but ensure that you filter any solids using coffee filter paper, especially if using tea to clean wounds or as an eye wash.
Calendula has vulnerary (wound healing), anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Use a 5–10ml syringe to slowly flush tea into your pet’s mouth to treat stomatitis, gingivitis or oral ulcers. Spray calendula tea in a
