• Clear bright eyes, free of discharge
• Clear nostrils, free of discharge
• Clean odour free ears
• Glossy coat free of knots and parasites
• Healthy skin free of scurf, wounds and lumps
• Suitable body weight
• Free limb movement with no signs of stiffness or pain
• Clear, yellow urine passed without pain or difficulty
• Firm brown faeces passed freely without undue straining or pain
• Interest shown in food with an ability to eat and drink comfortably

Equipment:

• Gloves
• Lubrication
• Mercury or digital thermometer
• Cotton wool
• Disinfectant

Normal ranges:

• Cat 38.0-38.5c/100.4-101.6f
• Dog 38.3-38.7c/100.9-101.7f

Taking the temperature:

• Your pet should be restrained gently by a family member/friend
• Shake down the thermometer to ensure the mercury returns to the bulb
• Lubricate the stubby bulb end of the thermometer with Vaseline, K-Y jelly, soap or oil
• Gently insert the bulb of the thermometer into the rectum with a twisting motion. The thermometer should be directed against the upper surface of the rectum to avoid insertion into faeces.
• Hold the thermometer in the place for 30seconds-1mintue
• Gently remove the thermometer and wipe it clean with cotton wool (avoid touching the bulb).
• Hold it horizontally and rotate it until the mercury level is visible, now you can take the reading.
• Clean the thermometer by wiping with disinfectant and store safely in its container to avoid breakage.

A high temperature may be caused by infection, heat stroke, convulsions, pain and excitement.
A low temperature may be caused by shock, circulatory collapse and impending parturition.

• Malodorous ears- discharge, scratching and irritation
• Ocular or nasal discharge
• Bad breath
• Poor coat condition, dull, scurvy coat, hair loss
• Wounds
• Lameness
• Abnormal motions, diarrhoea, mucus, blood, constipated
• Abnormal urination patterns, difficulty in passing, frequent passing, blood, and change in colour/odour. If you think that your pet cannot pass urine, this is an emergency so contact your vet immediately.
• Weight loss, excessive weight gain, swollen abdomen
• Drinking excessively or increased appetite
• Not eating
• Vomiting
• Coughing, breathing difficulties
• Depressed, lethargic, unwilling to exercise
• In pain/discomfort/restless- change in temperament
• High temperature

This kit contains the basic requirements for you to cope in an emergency situation when caring for dogs and/or cats:

• Wound dressing
• Padding bandage
• Conforming bandage
• Cohesive bandage
• Swabs
• Cotton wool
•  Instant ice pack
•  Scissors
•  Tweezers
•  Digital or mercury Thermometer
• Foil Blanket
• Gloves
• Sterile saline solution
• Vaseline
• For Bee & wasp stings: Bicarbonate of soda & vinegar
• Honey/liquid glucose if diabetic