First Aid For Pets

dog sitting next to a first aid kit

First Aid For Pets

The number one rule for first aid for pets is you’re never wrong to call! You know your pet better than anyone else. If you notice your pet behaving in a way that’s unusual or if something just doesn’t seem right, call your vet and check it out. You may need only first aid basics or you may need to get your pet to the emergency room fast.

The best way to deal with first aid for pets emergencies is to prepare for them in advance. Check with your pet care facility to see if they offer pet CPR classes. Ask your veterinarian what you should do in case of emergency. You know your pet better than anyone and you have the right to be worried if something seems wrong. Emergency veterinary professionals are there for you. Always call rather than wait or hesitate.

 

 

Call If Your Pet…

  • Collapses, is unconscious or becomes very weak
  • Has obvious pain
  • Has severe diarrhea or repetitive vomiting
  • Bleeds
  • Has loss of appetite persisting for more than 24 hours
  • Has lethargy persisting for more than 24 hours
  • Cannot urinate or defecate
  • Choking, can’t stop coughing, breathes rapidly, shallowly, or with difficulty
  • Has injury to the eye(s)
  • Ingests a poison
  • Sustains trauma (hit by car, other cuts, bites, injuries or fractures)
  • Allergic reactions (insect stings, snake bites)

These symptoms are not normal. Seek immediate veterinary care because true medical or surgical emergencies cannot be handled adequately at home.

In an Emergency…

  • Transport your pet as gently and quickly as possible
  • Avoid putting your face or hands in or near a pet’s mouth.
  • Bring the label or container of any suspected ingested toxic substance with you to the emergency room
  • If your pet is bleeding excessively from a cut, apply a clean cloth or bandage over the cut applying pressure

If there is ANY concern about your pet’s health, at the very minimum, a call to your veterinarian is warranted.

What’s in your First Aid Kit?

Use a box or plastic container with a lid and labeled First Aid. (Also available are First Aide Kits on-line). You should have the following items in your kit: Bandages/scissors/tweezers / latex gloves/flashlight /sterile saline wash/Vaseline petroleum jelly /water / honey / Buffered aspirin / hydrogen Peroxide 3%/styptic powder /Q-tips & Cotton balls/Antiseptic wipes, lotion, powder or spray/soap/thermometer/zip lock baggies /contact card /poison hotline 1-855-213-6680/leash-restraints-muzzle/ice pack/treats.