For minor injuries or when you can’t always get to the vet, having a toolkit of items for your small pet or bird is essential. These items are useful for treating minor injuries and illnesses, and can mean the difference between a healthy pet and a sick one! These items are also great to have on hand for triage on the way to the vet, and may just save your pocket pet’s life.

Items to Have on Hand for Wound/Healthcare

Bene-Bac/Probiotics: This is a probiotic supplement that can help in cases of food transitions, or for treating minor digestive upset. Bene-Bac can be added to either food or water (depending on the type purchased) and can provide an extra boost to health and prevent problems before they occur.

Wound Spray: These sprays are designed to provide a protective layer over minor wounds without the need for bandaging or using gels that may be toxic. These are great for birds where placing a bandage may actually hinder breathing ability. Using these sprays on minor wounds will help prevent it from getting infected.

Vet-Wrap: This is a form of sticky bandaging that can be cut to fit multiple sizes and adheres to itself without additional tape. These are useful in situations where a minor area such as a foot or limb is injured, gauze or bandage material is being held in place, or an area needs prevention from licking or chewing.

Styptic Powder: Essential in wounds that are bleeding, and always great to have on hand. This product is great for a nail trim gone wrong, or for minor wounds that need bleeding stopped. A small amount can be applied directly to the wound or added to a cotton swab and pressure applied.

Signs Your Small Pet or Bird May Be Sick

Birds and pocket pets are particularly good at hiding an illness until it may be too late. Signs of illness can include decreases in eating and drinking, listless behavior, sleeping a lot, fluffing up of the feathers, decreased interaction with other pets, or hiding in corners of the environment. These can all indicate something serious is going on and that your pet may be sick.

What to do at Home and When to go to a Vet

Home treatments are great for minor injuries, and for preventing illness before it starts. Home treatment is recommended if the injury is mild, or if you need to provide care for your pet on the way to the vet. Probiotics and other preventive medications are also great to use at home to keep health up and prevent illness during times of stress. You should, however, seek out veterinary care if your pet shows any of the signs of major illness listed above, or has an injury that requires sutures or more intense care. Combining a home treatment kit with regular veterinary care is the best way to help keep your pocket pets and birds in top health.

With Love,

Mr. Bentley & Ms. Bella

About our Writers

Pet Wish Pros is proud to have Bentley and Bella contributing to our pet health blog. For many years, Bentley has been passionate about improving and learning from the lives and experiences of homeless pets in the greater Atlanta area. Bella is usually busy discovering new pet health products and medications. In her free time, Bella enjoys working on her horse farm. Both Bentley and Bella are devoted to animal health & their experience allows them to keep you informed while saving YOU money! 

Follow Bentley and Bella’s weekly blog updates and stay current with the latest trends in pet health. Please email us at  help@petwishpros.com.