Have you ever had your pet make a huge mess or get into something and wished you had the right supplies at home?
When you live with pets, little emergencies and unexpected messes just come with the territory. From muddy pawprints through the house to your dog rolling in something strange in the garage, things happen fast — and being prepared can make everything so much easier.
As a veterinarian, I’ve seen many situations where having just a few simple items at home saved pet owners stress, time, and even a trip to the emergency vet.
Here are the 12 things every pet owner should keep in their pantry, cabinet, or closet.
Affiliate Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you purchase something through our links. This helps support our website and allows us to continue providing valuable content. See our full disclosure here.
1. Dawn Dish Soap
Dawn became famous in the 90s when rescue teams used it to safely clean wildlife during major oil spills — we all remember those commercials with the little ducklings being gently washed and coming out bright and fluffy. That same grease-cutting power is why nearly every veterinary clinic keeps a bottle of Dawn on hand.
If a pet comes in covered in something weird — motor oil, garage grease, sticky substances, or even skunk spray — Dawn is often the first step to safely break down and remove the mess.
You can absolutely use it at home in an emergency, but it should only be a one-time, situation-specific wash. After using Dawn, always follow up with a regular pet-safe shampoo to restore the natural oils in your pet’s skin and coat.
2. Sterile Eyewash for Pets
Sterile saline (the kind made for rinsing eyes) is great for washing out small wounds, rinsing dirt or hair from your pet’s eyes, or removing irritants from the skin. It’s gentle, affordable, and something every pet home should have.
If something gets in your pet’s eye, use sterile eye wash only — NEVER use contact lens solution. Contact solution has added chemicals that can sting or burn.
3. Pet-Safe Shampoo
Human shampoo can alter a pet’s natural skin barrier and cause dryness. Keep a mild, vet-approved pet shampoo on hand for messy situations or routine baths. Hypoallergenic and oatmeal formulas are great for sensitive-skinned pets.
4. Hemostatic (Styptic) Powder
This is the hero of broken-nail emergencies. Hemostatic powder quickly stops bleeding from minor cuts or torn nails. In a pinch, cornstarch works — but the real stuff is far more reliable and belongs in every pet home.
5. An E-Collar (aka the Cone of Shame)
Pets are fast when it comes to licking, chewing, or scratching at wounds. An Elizabethan collar prevents them from making a small issue worse. Keep one on hand that fits your pet; soft and inflatable versions are also available for comfort.
6. Pet Wipes
Pet wipes are perfect for quick clean-ups: muddy paws, accidents, allergens after a walk, or freshening up between baths. Keep a pack in the house and another in the car.
7. Dewormer
It’s a good idea to keep an over-the-counter dewormer at home, such as Panacur C granules. If you ever see a worm in your pet’s poop, you can give this right away. Panacur is safe for dogs and cats and works on the most common worms pets get.
This doesn’t replace a vet visit — it just helps you get started. Give the dose based on your pet’s weight, and then make an appointment so your vet can check the stool and make sure all the worms are gone.
8. Low-Sodium Chicken Broth
Low-sodium chicken broth is a great item to keep in your pantry for pets. It’s helpful when your dog or cat isn’t eating well, needs extra fluids, or you want to encourage them to drink more water. You can also use it to soften kibble for sick pets or older pets with dental issues.
Just make sure it’s low-sodium and doesn’t contain onions, garlic, or seasoning, as these can be harmful to pets. Keep a carton on hand so you’re ready for those times when your pet needs a little extra comfort or hydration.
9. Canned Pet Food
Shelf-stable, easy to store, and enticing even for sick pets — canned food is great to have during hurricanes, power outages, travel, or unexpected shortages. Rotate your cans so they don’t expire.
10. Urine Enzymatic Cleaner
Accidents happen, even with well-trained pets. Enzyme-based cleaners break down urine molecules completely, preventing odor and re-marking. Avoid ammonia-based cleaners, which can worsen the smell.
11. Pet-Safe Disinfectant and Deodorizers
A good disinfectant keeps your pet’s environment clean and healthy. Choose formulas made specifically for homes with pets (avoid bleach and phenol cleaners). They’re perfect for crates, toys, litter boxes, and accidents — and a deodorizer keeps lingering pet smells at bay.
12. A Digital Pet Thermometer (Rectal or Ear)
A dedicated pet thermometer is one of the most important tools an owner can have. Whether your pet seems “off,” is lethargic, or isn’t eating well, knowing their temperature helps your veterinarian triage the situation quickly.
While rectal thermometers remain the gold standard, many veterinary clinics — including mine — now use digital ear thermometers designed specifically for animals. They’re faster, less stressful, and often easier to use on anxious pets.
Remember:
- Normal dog and cat temperature is 100–102.5°F
- Always keep water-based lubricant nearby
- Never use your human thermometer for pets
- Human ear thermometers are not accurate for pets
This simple tool can make a huge difference in determining whether your pet needs immediate care.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a full vet supply closet at home — just a few smart essentials that make life with pets cleaner, safer, and a whole lot less stressful.
And if you’re a prepper like me, you’ll love the Pet First Aid Checklist and Emergency Kit Printable in my Resource Library.
All you have to do is subscribe, and you’ll get instant access to download them for your home, car, or travel bag so you’re always ready for anything.
RELATED POSTS:
Leave feedback about this