Hi friends, There are a few medicines I keep with me all the time.

These are small medicines that will fit easily into a purse, but when need comes can save a life! Sharing the info with friends, hoping to save an animal in distress. None of these medicines are harmful and will not cause problem to the animal if licked. Please be careful with the medicines if you are applying to cats, as they have a tendency to lick the wound and they may ingest the medicines, which is not good in long term. While handling an unknown cat or dog, please be careful that it does not get aggressive. If the dog/ cat knows you, then they wont harm you, but if you are approaching an injured dog/ cat, who is not known to you, approach carefully or you may get bitten. Incase the dog growls, back off and call an ambulance and let them do the treatment. 1. Ivermectin tablet (strength 6 mg)- This is very effective in case of a maggot wound. If the dog is friendly, then crush the tablet, and dab the powder on the wound to cover it completely, then apply some cream like soframycin or acrilin to prevent the powder from falling off and cover it with cotton. This is very effective and maggots are killed next day (only in cases of severe infections, you need to repeat the procedure). Incase the dog is not friendly and dosent allow u to go near, this tablet can also be crushed and mixed in milk and given orally. It can be repeated next day (I dont prefer oral medication if external works, as I have heard that overdose of Ivermectin causes kidney problems in dogs). It is much better than chloroform which is difficult to carry and burns a lot! I have used Ivermectin tablet externally in small quantities on 1 month old pups with maggots and they got better in 2 days! Do remember that prolonged use of ivermectin causes kidney failure in dogs and is definately not suitable for cats. So try to administer externally if possible. 2. Acrilin ointment- It is a cream like burnol or soframycin, which is really good for healing wounds. One can apply it on wounds/ scratches and they will heal faster. For open wounds with maggots, first maggots need to be removed and only then acrilin should be applied. 3. Tincture iodine (red liquid)- This is a human medicine, but works really well in healing wound on animals also. It can be applied with help of cotton, and then acrilin can be applied on open wounds. It is also useful to kill ticks. If a drop is put where the tick is, it will fall off after 2 days, and this medicine is not harmful if ingested orally also, but that dosent mean that the animal gets a bath in the medicine! Apply only to the injured area to clean it and heal faster. 4. Neosporin/ Negasunt powder- This is a dry powder which can be sprinkled on wounds which are wet. If the dog dosent allow u to touch and apply cream, then u can spray this powder from top and it will help to dry the wound. Aparna says- Negasunt powder is better than Neosporin powder as it helps to grow animal tissue back on the wound apart from healing. My vet suggested not to use these powders on cats because they keep licking themselves and injesting the powder will not be good for their health. 5. Topicure/ Dmag spray- It is a spray which heals and also kills maggots. You can spray it on dogs who allow you to touch them, as most of the dogs will run away when they smell it. This is only for external application and not to be given orally. Also, spray only in the area of injury and keep a check on the animal if the maggots are dead, then keep applying acrilin to heal. Not to be sprayed on cats where they can lick. Please do not spray the whole bottle on any cat or dog to remove ticks/maggots. Apply only where needed.

6. Saheli- This is an ayurvedic contraceptive which I use on female dogs in heat. This was suggested to me by my vet, and I have used it on different female dogs. This, when given at an interval of 48/72 hours, will not get the dog pregnant and is very good in case u see a female in heat and dont want to let it have pups. No harm in giving 1 pill to the dog even if u are just passing by, who knows u may prevent a litter! Use this only as a temporary option, it is not a permanent solution. It is not to be used for longer periods, but if u cant get the dog operated immediately, this medicine will prevent a litter. The female dog shud b operated after 15/20 days after the heat period is over.Prolonged use of this tablet causes fibroids in dogs and causes a lot of bleeding later on. 7. Arnica (strenght 30)- This is a homeopathy medicine and very useful for pains. It is a pain killer and keeps the dog little better. It sometimes helps in healing wounds which are not externally visible and are painful. Since it is homeopathy medicine, it has to be kept away from strong smelling items in your bag (say medicine like hymax) or its effect will be nullified. When giving homeopathy, either open the mouth and put the pills directly or mix it in milk and give. Homeopathy when mixed with any strong smelling food or liquid, will not have any effect on the animal. 8. Drontal/ Prazi/ Plozin/ Mebex- These are deworming tablets to be given to dogs or cats when you see worms coming out of anus. Give these tablets only if you see that the animal has worms, dont give it unnecessarily. Drontal and Worex are dog medicines and cause kidney failure if given to cats. Also, the dosage should be checked with a vet before giving the pill, as the dosage depends on the weight of the animal. DO NOT GIVE THESE TABLETS TO YOUNG PUPPIES AND KITTENS. 9. Neem oil/ Nilgiri oil- If there is a dog with a lot of fleas, then Neem oil can be applied over the body. While using Nilgiri oil, care should be taken to mix 2 drops of nilgiri oil with 5 drops or water, so it is not concentrated. This will get rid of fleas or ticks on the dogs and Neem oil can also be used on dogs (external application) who have a bad skin condition and are loosing hair. 10. Potassium Permanganate crystals- This the same chemical which is used to purify water. Well, this is available in a crystalised form in bottles. When an animal is bleeding from paw or other part of body (not very severe or not from nose or eyes0, then dabbing these crystals can help in stopping the blood from oozing out. Please DO NOT use it in eyes, nose, inside the ears or anus region. Please check with a vet before dabbing this on the animal. These are medicines, which will fit into a medium size bag easily, or u can even keep a bag in your vehicle. I did not carry them earlier, but after I started feeding street dogs, there was always someone or the other injured that I found every week, so I am always prepared. Apart from these medicines, I also carry a wad of sterilised cotton (to pour medicine/ apply on wound or clean eyes of young kittens and pups) in a separate plastic bag and even a couple of ear buds. If the pups are small, or if the wound is too painful for humans to touch, application with ear bud will be less painful and if hands are not clean, less chances of causing infection for dog also (at times u have played with some dogs, and need to treat an injured dog, but cant wash your hands, that time, ear buds are helpful).

Also keep a little bit of soap or wet tissues handy so after treating an animal, you can wipe your hands properly before touching another animal. I have started carrying a bottle of surgical spirit in my food bag since it is the most effective. Even hand sanitisers are useless. Surgical spirit is

the most effective and kills all bacteria if hands are washed thoroughly. So please DO NOT HANDLE A HEALTHY ANIMAL AFTER YOU HAVE TREATED A SICK ONE WITHOUT CLEANING HANDS PROPERLY. Please feel free to share with fellow animal lovers. You never know who where when may need help! More information in my blog- http://animalmedicines.blogspot.com/ MEDICINES FOR PETS AND STRAYS I am not a qualified vet. So all these medicines are given only as per my experience. Please consult a vet for what medicine is best for your pet and what amount has to be given. Also, if your dog/ cat is injured or has any other health issue, please do not post a comment here. Check my blog- www.vetsinindia.blogspot.com and get your pet checked by a qualified vet and get the correct treatment done.

1.DEWORMING LIQUID- Albomar(animal medicine)/ Nemocid (human medicine) 0.2 ml x 1 time a day, for 3 days(PRE WEANED KITTENS) 0.5 ml x 1 time a day, for 3 days(KITTENS ABOVE 1.5 MONTHS) 1 ml x 1 time a day, for 3 days(PUPS/ADULT CATS) TABLETS- Drontal, Worex(BOTH NOT SUITABLE FOR CATS), Prazi plus, Praziquentel, Pyrantel, Plozin (animal medicines), Zentel, Mebex (human medicines) 1/4 tablet x 1 time, every 30 days (PUPS, after they are 2 months old) 1/2 tablet x 1 time, every 45 days to 60 days (CATS/ PUPS ABOVE 6 MTHS) 1 tablet x 1 time a day for 2 days (ADULT DOGS above 25 kilos, every 6 months) Prazivet is a deworming tablet specially made for cats, and it takes care of tapeworms, round worms also. Use liquid medicine for younger animals like puppies and kittens rather than tablets. Tablet can be given after the animal is 3 to 4 months old Adult cats and dogs (over 2 years) dont need to be dewormed frequently. If your pet shows signs of worms, then deworm them, if they dont, deworm once in 6 months or so or check with your vet for the schedule. Also, tablets like Drontal, Worex etc, have dosage as per body weight of your animal, so please check the weight of the animal before giving the medicine (preferably speak to your vet and get a recommendation/ suggestion). SYMPTOMS OF WORMS- Worms in stools (long white worms like threads) or very tiny ones seen near anus, scooting (rubbing anal region on ground in sitting position), bloated stomach, not eating food or over eating, loss of weight even after eating food properly, pale gums (anemia) for no reason. Worms are also caused by fleas, who lay eggs on the body of animal, which is then licked while grooming. So it is very important that when you deworm your pet/street animal, there are no fleas on their body. If there are fleas, then deworming will not have as much effect and worms will come back.

First, treat the animal for fleas and after a couple of days when the fleas are gone, then do the deworming.

2. VOMITTING LIQUID- Domstal/ Perinorm/ Ondem (human medicine) 0.2ml x 1 time, every hour till vomitting stops (KITTENS/PUPS) 0.5ml x 1 time, every hour till vomitting stops (CATS) If your pet/ stray is vomitting blood or passing blood in urine, please CONSULT VET IMMEDIATELY. The animal may be poisoned and need urgent medication. If your cat or pup vomits only once or twice, no need for medication. It may just have an upset stomach or something which will get cured after giving proper food. Only if the vomitting is more than 3 to 4 times in a day, prefer giving medicine.

3. LOOSE MOTIONS LIQUID- Metrogyl/ Normetrogyl/ Flagyl/ Dyrade m (human baby medicines) 1ml x 2 times a day (CATS/PUPS) Results show that use of metronidazole (Metrogyl, Normetrogyl) in cats, causes kidney failure. So please check with a vet and only then give medicine to a kitten/ cat. On the other hand, pinch of isabgol(dry) in food, also helps in taking care of loosies in kittens (but not to be used frequently). If your animal has loose motions, please see to it that it is hydrated. Try giving it 1ml water every 2 hours or so, so that water is retained in the body. Also, along with the above medication, give Neutrolin-B, which is a syrup to make immunity stronger.

4.CONSTIPATION LIQUID- Neopeptine/ liquid Paraffin (human medicine) 1ml x 1 time a day (CATS/PUPS) ISABGOL 1/4 TEASPOON x 1 time a day (CATS) 1 teaspoon x 1 time a day (DOGS) Mix isabgol in water for atleast 15 mins or so and it will form a paste, which can be mixed in food. Since isabgol is a natural fiber, it is not harmful to pets (overuse can lead to anal fissures). Also, dont give it for a prolonged time. Give it for a couple of days in a week (only if the animal shows signs of constipation). On other hand, Bhindi juice is also a good laxative. Boil 2 sliced Bhindis in 1 cup water, boil it down to 1/2 cup. You can give cats 1 tablespoon of this liquid mixed in food (in a day), and to dogs you can give half a cup. Leave out seeds as it can lead to urine crystals.

5. MULTIVITAMIN LIQUID- Osteopet(animal medicine mostly for calcium) 1ml x 1 time a day (CATS/PUPS) 2ml x 2 times a day (DOGS) Verol (animal medicine) 0.5ml x 2 times a day (KITTENS/ CATS/ PUPS) Even though these are multivitamin medicines, please see to it that your animal gets all required nutrition from the food it eats. Overuse of any medicine is not good for animals health. Only if vet suggests or if the animal is rescued in a bad condition, it needs to be given this medication. Healthy animals, dont need vitamin suppliments.

6. LIVER WEAKNESS/ INDIGESTION LIQUID- Livjivan (animal medicine) Bestozyme (human enzyme medicine) 0.2 ml x 1 time a day (KITTENS) 0.5ml x 1 time a day (PUPPY) 1ml x 1 time a day (CATS) 2/3 ml x 2 times a day (DOGS, depending on size)

7. HAIR/ EYES LIQUID- Vitabest/ Vitapet (animal medicine) 1ml x 1 time a day (PUPS/ CATS) 3ml x 1 time a day (DOGS) This is codliver oil, which helps the coat to become shiny and reduces hairfall due to change in weather. It also helps in having good eyesight.

8. FLATULENCE LIQUID- Digyton (animal medicine), Perinorm (human medicine) 0.5ml x 1 time a day (PUPS/ CATS) 1ml x 2 times a day (DOGS) Sometimes, cats dont react well to Digyton. It is not very effective in them, so try Perinorm instead (Perinorm is for general nausea, upset stomach)

9. EYE INFECTION LIQUID- Oflox/ Ciplox (eye and ear human medicine)) Put a 1 drop directly into the eyes 2 times a day. Pyremon drops put 1 drop directly into the eyes 2 times a day

10. TICKS/ FLEAS LIQUID- Neem oil (NOT FOR CATS) Rub Neem oil in opposite direction to hair growth. All the fleas will jump off the animal and ticks will die in a couple of days. For skin problems, rub the oil and leave it on the animal (for strays, incase of pets, you can shampoo after a day). Rub it every couple of days, till the allergy goes away. Since it is not chemical based, it does not affect the dog if licked. I have put a couple of drops of Tincture Iodine also on ticks and have seen good results. Tincture Iodine is already a antiseptic medicine and the ticks die and fall the next day if a couple of drops are put directly on it. LIQUID- Nilgiri/ Eucalyptus oil with coconut oil or water Since cats have a habit of grooming themselves by licking the body, Neem oil causes vomitting in them, so prefer a mixture of Nilgiri and Coconut oil or warm water. Take 1 drop of Nilgiri oil with 4 drops of pure Coconut oil (not prefumed hair oil), mix it in palm and then apply it on body of kitten/ cat. If the fleas ticks are not gone after ONE application, then repeat after 3 to 4 days. Only in case of severe infection repeat after one day. Stop using after the fleas and ticks are gone. You can probably apply once in 15 to 20 days to keep them free from fleas. Fleas tend to genrally stay on animals who dont have a good immune system. So if your pet has frequent tick/flea problem, it means that your pet is not healthy enough. You can take it to a vet to know if there is any health reason that is making your pet weak.

POWDER- Notix (NOT MEANT FOR CATS) Take little powder in hand, and rub it on the animal. If it is a small pup, then take very little quantity. For dogs, u can take more, but please ensure that it is not going to be licked. Do not use on cats and kittens, as they lick themselves too often. Please DO NOT try to pluck ticks out of animals. Ticks attach themselves to body parts, and when plucked, cause a bleeding in dogs. Also, if the sucker of the tick is left in the body, then it may cause infection of that area. So avoid plucking ticks from animals. Use medicine/ powder instead and let them fall off naturally.

11. MAGGOTS crush Ivermectin tablet (use least strength, 6mg), and dab the powder on the wound, cover it with onitment like soframycin or cotton. Repeat next day if maggots are still alive. Clean the wound with Tincture Iodine (dosent burn) or any Iodine solution and apply Acrilin or Hymax ointment. If tablet is not available, Ivermectin injection can also be sprayed on the wound. (Injection should not be given without consulting a vet). DO NOT use Chloroform or Camphor tablets in any form on animals unless you are a vet yourself! (Chloroform burns a lot, and the animal will be in too much pain and overdose can also kill the animal, so please dont use unless you are experienced in handling the animal or using medicine) Topicure spray is also very useful in this case. Spray the area with Topicure and continue till wound heals. Eucalyptus oil can also be poured on the wound. A lot of people pour Phenyl or Petrol on maggots and say that the animal got cured. People, reading this blog, please please dont use such chemicals on animals. These are very harmful to the animals and if licked, will cause poisoning to them.

12. WOUND If it is not a maggot wound, then apply a few drops of Tincture Iodine (red liquid) on the wound. It does not hurt a lot and is ok if licked. Topicure can also be sprayed on the injured area. Acrilin/Kailash Jeevan can be applied on the injured part. If the wound is deep or big, then it should also be covered in Hymax, as it will not allow flies to sit on the wound and lay eggs. Neosporin powder/ Negasunt powder can be dabbed on the wound, it will make the wound dry and will heal faster.

13. BLEEDING If any animal is found bleeding a lot, then put Turmeric or Tincture Iodine or Tincture Benzoine or Potassium Permanganate crystals on the wound and hold it till it stops bleeding. Even ice can be applied in that area, if animal allows (Since the animal is already loosing blood, see to it that the animal dosent get hypothermic). Put the part above the heart level, or at a higher level than rest of body, so blood dosent flow out. Liquid Hemlock can also be poured to stop bleeding.

14. RASHES A lot of times you see red boils on your cats and dogs, which probably are due to a insect bite or some allergy. If your pet shows discomfort, you can apply Caladryl (human lotion) on the affected area. DO

NOT apply over whole body, apply only on affected areas. Caladryl will form a layer over the area, so care needs to be taken that the animal dosent lick it. It maybe dangerous to allow the animal to lick and ingest it, so keep a watch on the pet after the application.

15. MANGE If the dog has dry or flaky skin which has turned black and there is no hair in that area, it probably has mange. You can try applying Neem oil every 2 days and apply till the dog starts getting hair back. If the condition is serious, you can also mix equal amount of coconut oil in the Neem oil, add powdered form of Sulphur and Camphor and make a paste. This paste can be applied on the body of the dog 2 times a week. Continue the application till the dog shows signs of healing. I will also suggest that if this is recurring, it will be better to get the dog checked with a qualified vet and skin/ blood test should be done to know the root cause of this infection.

HOMEOPATHY MEDICINES Arnica Mont. 1M - for injury and pain - 3 doses a day. You can give 4 doses a day if pain is acute (e.g. after accident) - or even every 2 hours up to 6 doses in the day until the dog gets help. However, reduce to 3 doses later. Aconite Nap. 1M - for shock and fear (e.g. after accident when there is no injury but the animal shows signs of shock - lying immobile, staring, rapid breathing, pale gums, shivering) Phosphorus 200 - for uncontrollable bleeding. If very severe (eg artery severed and blood gushing) give one dose every 15 minutes, then as the bleeding lessens, give it every 30 minutes, then every 2 hours, then every 4 hours and then stop once the bleeding stops completely. It's very important not to overdose. Calendula Q Mother tincture - pour on wounds for quicker healing