While you should always take your pet to the vet for serious injuries and ailments, some minor cuts and wounds can be cared for at home. For example, there's usually no need to take your dog to the vet if they scuff their footpad on the sidewalk. And your cat should not need vet care for a tiny cut on their leg. What pets do need for minor injuries like this, though, is proper wound care. And in order to give that proper wound care, you should keep these supplies on-hand in your home.
Iodine Tincture
There are various antiseptic washes you can use on cuts, including hydrogen peroxide. However, iodine tends to sting less than other options, and it is known to kill a wide range of bacteria and other pathogens. You can find small, 4-ounce bottles of 10% iodine tincture for a few dollars a piece. When your pet suffers a minor wound, the first thing you should do is rinse it out with iodine to prevent infection.
Antibiotic Ointment
While you could use triple antibiotic ointment made for humans on your pet's skin, you are better off looking for one made for pets specifically. These products are usually made with ingredients that are safe if your pet happens to lick the ointment. Triple antibiotic cream is good to apply once the wound is clean in order to continue fighting bacteria, prevent infection, and speed healing.
Gauze Wraps
A few gauze wraps will come in really handy for foot and paw injuries, which are the most common type of injuries in pets. After cleaning the wound and applying an antibiotic, you can wrap the wound in gauze, which will keep the topical ointment in place and also protect the wound from re-injury.
Vet Wrap
Vet wrap is a stretchy, nylon wrap that sticks to itself. It comes in many bright colors, and it's really important to have on hand when you have a pet. You'll need a few layers of vet wrap over your pet's gauze wrap in order to hold the gauze in place. Try to buy both a narrow and a wide roll of vet wrap so you can choose the best size for your needs.
With the above supplies on hand, you will be better prepared for minor injuries that your pet does suffer. Talk to your vet, too. They may recommend some additional items to keep on hand for your pet. Look for over-the-counter pet wound care supplies next time you go shopping.