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.
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.
- 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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