If you have a rambunctious pet, you’re used to cuts, scrapes, nicks, scratches and other small wounds appearing as if by magic. Still, it’s hard not to fret over each new cut. It’s important not to panic and, instead, treat the injury as best you can. No matter how big or small the wound, proper care is essential.

Treating a pet’s injuries is much easier when you have a full array of pet medical supplies in one place. Just like you probably have one for yourself, a first aid kit for your pet is a good idea! It should include all the supplies you need to help your furry friend with their small injuries.

Having a full complement of medical items on hand will help you feel better about those mysterious little scrapes and scratches. Bandages, tape and cotton swabs should always be present, but there several additional items you may want to have on hand as well, including syringes, a thermometer and products for pain relief. Here’s a look at the essentials.

1. Bandages

Pets of all types and sizes can get into accidents that cause scrapes and surface wounds. This is why it’s always a good idea to have a large supply of bandages in your first aid kit. Bandages specifically made for pets can be found in most pet supply stores, as well as online. Use bandages that won’t irritate your pet’s skin or pull on their fur, and make sure you’re familiar with proper bandaging techniques for pets—including wrapping gauze.

2. Various ointments and sprays

Having a supply of ointments can prepare you for almost any wound. If your dog frequently experiences dry skin, then you’ll want to have a pet-safe moisturizing ointment on hand. Antibacterial ointments—which are designed to be added after you clean a pet’s wound—will help ensure that your animal’s injury doesn’t become infected. Certain ointments or sprays may even help speed up the healing process.

3. Cotton balls and cotton swabs

There are few better ways to clean a wound than by using a cotton ball. These products are extremely soft and don’t cause much discomfort when pressed against the skin. Soak a cotton ball in antibacterial solution to clean your pet’s scrape. Then, use another cotton ball to apply any medication the wound might require.

Similar to cotton balls, cotton swabs can be used on smaller wounds or wounds in harder-to-reach spots on your pet’s body. Both cotton swabs and cotton balls are inexpensive, so it’s easy to keep a constant supply around. Plus, they don’t expire!

4. Thermometer

Just as it’s a good idea to have a thermometer on hand in case your family members get sick, it’s also important to have one for your pets. Just don’t get them mixed up! Specialized pet thermometers can be found online and at pet supply stores.

There are many different types of pet thermometers available these days, with some being able to take a pet’s temperature without actually touching them. Getting your pet’s temperature by using other types of thermometers can be done by inserting it in their ear, but the most reliable method of pet temperature-taking is by doing so rectally with a standard thermometer.

Thermometers are great in situations where your pet is showing symptoms of a fever, which can include red eyes, shivering and loss of appetite.

5. Syringes

Plastic syringes are useful when it comes to flushing wounds or removing dirt from eyes. You can easily fill these syringes with water, then squirt them on a pet’s wound for easy cleaning. They are also useful when you need to administer medication to a less-than-happy patient. Just fill the syringe with the right amount of medication and quickly administer it into your pet’s mouth.

6. Tweezers

The last thing a pet owner wants to find on their pet after a day of playing outside is a tick. Ticks can transmit all types of nasty diseases, which makes removing them a top priority.

Tweezers are extremely useful when it comes to removing unwanted pests from your pet’s body. These tools can also be used to remove splinters or other sharp objects that your pet may have gotten stuck in their paw.

Other useful items

While some items are more essential than others, it’s a good idea to be as prepared as possible. This might mean including saline eye wash in your first aid kit, just in case your pet has an issue with pollen or other allergens. Other items you may consider adding to your pet’s first aid kit include a magnifying glass, a flashlight and styptic powder for quickly clotting small wounds.

No matter what items you’re using on your pet, be sure to use them appropriately and always follow any instructions given by a professional.