Pet First-Aid Dos and Don’ts

First-aid training and first-aid kits are not just for humans. Pets sometimes need quick medical attention and smart owners are prepared. Your veterinarian’s staff should be able to point you to training options, and you can use the following guide when packing your kit. First-aid should always be followed up by a visit to the veterinarian. Although first-aid may prevent an injury from worsening, help alleviate pain or even save your pet’s life, you should always seek the advice of a veterinarian when your pet becomes injured.

Every home with a pet should have a first-aid kit in an easily accessible location. Below we’ve listed the bare essentials you should have in your pet’s first-aid kit.

Packing a Pet First-Aid Kit

Dog First-Aid Kit

– A good pet first-aid book
– Phone numbers: veterinarian, nearest emergency clinic, poison control center hotline
– Paperwork: proof of rabies vaccination and copies of other important medical records
– Rectal thermometer (normal temperature for a dog is 100–102.5 F)
– Gauze rolls, pads and adhesive tape (white porous and self-adhesive tape)
– Hydrogen peroxide
– Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl)
– Over-the-counter antibiotic ointment
– Tweezers
– Petroleum jelly
– Antiseptic lotion, powder or spray
– A nylon leash
– A carrier for small dogs
– Cotton balls or swabs
– Splints and tongue depressors
– A muzzle or strips of cotton to prevent biting
– Penlight or flashlight
– Bandage scissors
– Needle-nosed pliers
– Plastic eyedropper or syringe
– Sterile saline solution
– Glucose paste or corn syrup
– Styptic powder or pencil
– Latex gloves
– Ear-cleaning solution
– Nail clippers

Cat First-Aid Kit

– A good pet first-aid book
– Phone Numbers: veterinarian, nearest emergency veterinary clinic, a poison control center hotline
– Paperwork: proof of rabies vaccination status and copies of other important medical records
– Rectal thermometer (normal temperature for a cat is 100–102.5 F)
– Sterile gauze rolls, pads and adhesive tape (white porous and self-adhesive tape)
– Hydrogen peroxide
– Tweezers
– Petroleum jelly
– Antiseptic lotion, powder or spray
– A pillowcase to confine your cat for treatment
– A carrier
– Cotton balls or swabs
– Splints and tongue depressors
– Towels
– A cat muzzle or strips of cotton to prevent biting
– Penlight or flashlight
– Scissors
– Needle-nosed pliers
– Ice pack
– Plastic eyedropper or syringe
– Sterile saline solution
– Latex gloves
– Ear-cleaning solution
– Nail clippers

Once you’ve prepared a pet first-aid kit, it’s time to learn what to do and what not to do in the event your pet becomes injured. All recommendations should be used with good judgment and in conjunction with advice from your veterinarian. You should remain calm and always use caution when handling your injured pet. Even the most trusted and loving animal may become fractious when frightened or in pain.

Common Injuries and Solutions

If Your Pet is Bleeding

Locate the area on your pet actively bleeding. Apply a pressure bandage using gauze pads and self-adhesive tape. Make the bandage snug, but not too tight to cut off circulation. Do not apply a tourniquet, as this may cause more problems than it prevents. Use extreme care when bandaging around the face and/or neck. Do not attempt to clean an open wound. Take your pet to the veterinarian immediately, so she can evaluate your pet’s condition.

Fractured or Dislocated Limb

Do not attempt to manipulate or place a splint on an injured limb. These injuries are painful and any manipulation will likely cause greater pain. If possible, transport your pet in a carrier to avoid excessive movement and take your pet to the veterinarian as quickly as possible. The veterinary staff will assist you with safely removing your pet from your car without causing further injury. Use extreme caution when handling an animal with this type of injury.

RELATED: How to Transport a Cat

If You Suspect Heatstroke

A pet who has experienced heatstroke will have rapid and shallow breathing, excessive drooling, bright red gums, weakness (often they are recumbent or refuse to move), and high body temperature. Some pets may show signs of agitation with or without vocalization. Do not attempt to bring the body temperature down by pouring rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol on your pet, as this may cause the temperature to drop too drastically and cause your pet to go into shock. Instead, wrap your pet in cool (not cold) damp towels and get your pet to the vet immediately. Heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency. The hospital’s veterinary assistant will evaluate your pet’s condition prior to the veterinarian’s diagnosis.

Preventing heatstroke is actually quite easy. Make sure your pet always has fresh, clean water readily available. Since cats and dogs don’t sweat and have a naturally higher body temperature than humans, they can overheat more easily. Never leave your pet in a hot car even if the windows are down and you think you’ll only be gone for a few minutes. Do not leave your pet outside on a hot day and always make sure your pet has a cool, comfortable place to escape the heat.

If You Suspect Your Pet Has Been Poisoned

If your pet has been poisoned, you should seek veterinary attention immediately. Do not feed your pet or attempt to make him vomit. Some poisons can do more damage to your pet coming up than going down. Your veterinarian will detoxify your pet once he has been admitted to the clinic. If detected early, most poisons can be eliminated from your pet’s body without extensive treatments.

Keep cleaners and pesticides out of your pet’s reach. If you have houseplants, find out if they are poisonous to animals and keep them out of your pet’s living area. If you know what poisoned your animal, make sure you take the label, or something else that identifies the poison, with you to the veterinary clinic.

In the event of any emergency or injury involving your pet, always be sure to stay calm, act responsibly and call your vet as soon as possible. Your veterinarian will guide you and your pet to safety. Remember, your pet is counting on you.

Source: healthypet.org