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Pet First Aid Kits are now available at Westmount
Animal Clinic
to allow you to provide immediate & temporary care to injured pet(s).
PET FIRST AID TIPS
Having a first aid kit and learning how to use it will improve the care,
treatment & prognosis for your pet, but is not a substitution for proper
medical attention. Before you are able to get your pet to a veterinarian,
knowing some basic first aid can help save your pet’s life.
The following
situations generally require veterinary attention. These tips are designed to
help you stabilize your pet until veterinary help can be obtained.
Bleeding
Possible Causes: Car accident,
animal fight, fall, severe wound, clotting problem, immune problem, rat
poisoning Note: Some wounds may not bleed but still require veterinary
attention. Keep clean and see a veterinarian as soon as possible!
Action Steps:
- Arterial bleeding is an immediately life threatening
situation. Arterial blood will be bright red, will bleed in "spurts", will
be difficult to stop, and requires immediate veterinary attention.
- For any type of bleeding, place a clean cloth or sterile
gauze over the injured area.
- Apply direct pressure for at least 5 to 7 minutes to stop
bleeding.
Don't apply a tourniquet unless
absolutely necessary.
Vomiting
Many possible causes.
Action Steps:
- examine vomit for blood or other clues as to cause.
- If poisoning is suspected, bring a sample of the
suspected poison, preferably in its original packaging, to the veterinarian.
- Gently press on abdomen to detect any abdominal pain.
- Withold all food & water until a veterinarian has been
consulted.
Abdominal pain, enlarged stomach, and
nonproductive vomiting or retching are serious signs. Call veterinarian
immediately.
Choking
Possible Causes:
Foreign object (needle, bone, plant material) lodged in
throat, esophagus, or teeth; allergic reaction.
Action Steps:
- Gently pull tongue forward and carefully inspect
mouth and throat, if possible.
- If a foreign object is spotted, hold the mouth open
and attempt to remove it by hand or with tweezers or a pair of small
pliers. Take care not to push the object farther down the animal's
throat. Do not pull on "objects" that you cannot directly visualize.
- If animal is not breathing, perform
CPR (check
bellow)
Seizures
Possible Causes: can be
caused by things such as epilepsy, toxins, metabolic diseases.
Action Steps:
- Leave pet alone but block off stairs, sharp
furniture, etc.
- If seizure continues for longer than 3-5 min,
carefully transport to hospital.
- Call a veterinarian if unsure how to handle and
transport your pet.
Limping
Possible Causes:
Broken limb or digit, acute arthritis, injury to footpad,
dislocation, sprain, muscle soreness.
Action Steps:
- Attempt to localize injury if possible. If your pet
is very painful, do not palpate or manipulate leg.
- Once localized, examine affected area to check for
pain, heat, injury & swelling.
- If a fracture is suspected, gently stabilize limb
for transport. See Handling & transporting tips bellow!
- Cover any wounds with a clean cloth.
Unconsciousness
Possible Causes: Trauma,
drowning, electrocution, poisoning, seizure.
Action Steps:
- In case of drowning, clear the lungs of fluid. Lift
animal's hindquarters high over their head until fluid stops draining.
- In case of electrical shock, DO NOT touch the pet
until it is no longer in contact with electricity source.
- In case of airway obstruction, the object will need
to be gently removed. See "Chocking" above for advice.
- If animal is not breathing and has no pulse, start
CPR.
Bee or Wasp Stings
Action Steps:
- Apply cold pack.
- In case of severe swelling, difficulty breathing,
vomiting, diarrhea, or pale gums, transport to clinic immediately.
Animals can have anaphylactic reactions similar to humans.
Heat Stroke
Possible Causes:
Excessive heat/ lack of shade, overexertion, lack of
water (animals differ in how much heat they can tolerate; even mildly
warm humid temperatures can stress some pets; be aware that short nosed
breeds are most susceptible).
Action Steps:
- Place in cool or shaded area.
- Immediately bathe animal with tepid water
- Transport to clinic.
Do not allow animal to
become excessively chilled.
Handling
and Transporting Tips
- Don't assume a pet won't bite or scratch. Dogs/cats
that suffered some other type of major trauma, don't know why they are
in pain. Even if your dog/cat is sweet-natured, he/she may bite if
handled.
- Muzzle dogs if necessary with gauze, soft towel
strips, or stockings. Wrap cats or other small animals in a towel.
- Perform any examinations slowly and gently. Stop if
the pet becomes agitated.
- Don't attempt to lift or drag a large injured dog.
Improvise a stretcher out of a wooden board, rug, etc.
- Before transport, try to stabilize injuries. Rolled
magazines or newspapers can serve as impromptu splints. Pad limb &
splint generously with rolled cotton and gauze if on hand, or improvise
with suitable pillows, pieces of blanket, towels, etc. Make sure splint
immobilizes joints above and below injury.
You need to
know and carry with you the phone numbers and addresses for your veterinarian
and an after hours clinic, as emergencies can happen anywhere and anytime with
most seeming to occur after regular business hours. Your regular veterinarian is
a good place to get a referral to an emergency service and visa versa.
Be prepared. Don’t panic.
Have a safe and fun summer!

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