Your pet first aid kit, home health checks and when to call your vet
What to pack in a pet first aid kit, how to do simple health checks at home, and the signs that mean your dog or cat needs your vet now.
Five home health checks for your dog or cat
Do these when your pet is relaxed, such as during a cuddle on the couch. Write down anything new with the date, so you can tell your vet exactly what changed and when.
Eyes
Look at both eyes in good light. They should look bright and clear, and match each other. Note any new redness, cloudiness, squinting, rubbing or discharge, and tell your vet about the change. Never put drops or creams in your pet's eyes unless your vet has told you to.
Ears
Lift each ear flap and look inside with a torch. Have a sniff too, because a new smell is worth noting. Look for redness, swelling, dark build-up, head shaking or scratching. Never push anything down the ear canal. Our grooming guide covers routine ear care, and your vet should see anything that looks sore.
Coat and skin
Run your hands over your pet from nose to tail, then part the fur in a few places. Feel for lumps, scabs, sore spots or ticks, and look for fleas or flea dirt. After a bush walk, check carefully around the head, neck, ears and between the toes. Show your vet any new lump.
Gums
Gently lift your pet's lip and learn the normal colour of their gums while they are well. Note red or swollen gums, bleeding, broken teeth, heavy tartar or bad breath, and mention them to your vet. Pale, white, blue or grey gums need your vet now. Our dental care guide covers a daily routine.
Weight
Weigh your pet on the same scales each time. For a small pet, weigh yourself holding them, then subtract your own weight. Feel along the ribs and look from above for a waist. Ask your vet what a healthy weight and shape look like for your pet, and tell them about any loss or gain you cannot explain.
What this pet first aid guide covers
Jump straight to the kit checklist, the five home health checks, or the signs that mean see your vet now. Everything is general information, never a diagnosis.
Where to next
Pet Insurance
Pet insurance Australia explained in plain words: what it is, the main kinds of cover and the documents to read. General information only.
Compare Cover
How to compare pet insurance: the points to check in each policy document, set out side by side. General information only, no rankings.
Cover Types
Types of pet insurance explained: accident, illness and comprehensive cover, what each generally includes and what to check in the policy.
Fine Print
Pet insurance waiting periods, exclusions and pre-existing conditions explained, with questions to answer from the insurer's documents.
Claims
How pet insurance claims work, from vet visit to payment, plus excess, benefit percentage and limits in plain words. General information only.
Buying Guides
Pet product buying guides for Australian dog and cat owners: food, health, gear and life stages. Pick the guide that fits your pet.
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If something on this page is unclear or out of date, send us a message and we will look at it. We correct mistakes when we find them.