Pet First Aid
Key Emergency Steps for Pet Owners:
Stay Calm: Assess the situation and ensure the area is safe.
Check for consciousness and breathing (ABCs): Gently check if the pet is responsive, breathing, and has a pulse.
Perform CPR if necessary: If there are no signs of life, begin CPR by performing compressions and providing rescue breaths until the pet can be transported to a vet.
Control bleeding: Apply a thick, clean gauze pad and hold firm pressure on the wound for at least three minutes to stop bleeding.
Transport to a vet immediately: Get the pet to a veterinarian as quickly as possible for professional care, even while performing first aid.
Your safety is the top priority
Always keep yourself safe when administering treatment to any animal. Your pet may normally be an angel, but when frightened and in pain they could suddenly bite or scratch. Use a handmade muzzle, such as a towel, to protect yourself from harm. Pets are often inquisitive and regularly get themselves into scrapes. Here are the five most common concerns and what to do.
Always keep yourself safe when administering treatment to any animal. Your pet may normally be an angel, but when frightened and in pain they could suddenly bite or scratch. Use a handmade muzzle, such as a towel, to protect yourself from harm. Pets are often inquisitive and regularly get themselves into scrapes. Here are the five most common concerns and what to do.
Wounds
If your pet is wounded and bleeding, apply pressure, clean the area and remove debris. Apply a firm bandage and monitor the bleeding. For significant wounds, always take a trip to your vet.
Tip: Have a pet first aid kit handy so you’re always prepared.
Infection can easily cause more problems than the original wound. Most wounds will require antibiotic treatment, so make an appointment with your vet to be safe.
Poisoning
There are many household items and plants that can be fatal to pets. Symptoms are often extreme. Contact your vet immediately if you suspect your pet has been poisoned as you may not have much time.
Bites
Insect bites may require vet treatment. Minor symptoms include swelling, but in severe cases insect bites can result in respiratory distress and even death.
Snakes
If your pet is bitten by a snake, keep it still and contact your vet immediately. Symptoms of a snake bite include anxiety, respiratory distress, shallow breathing and bloody urine.
Burns
For heat or chemical burns, flush the area under cool running water for at least 10 minutes and seek advice from your vet.Tip: Your pet first aid kit should include: bandages,
dressings, surgical sticky tape, cotton wool, sterile absorbent gauze, scissors, a thick towel and a cone collar.
dressings, surgical sticky tape, cotton wool, sterile absorbent gauze, scissors, a thick towel and a cone collar.
Seizures
Do not try to stop the seizure. Instead, use a calming voice so your pet relaxes. Clear the surrounding area and seek veterinary advice if the seizure lasts for more than five minutes.
Motor vehicle accident. Many small animals fracture their pelvis when they are in a motor vehicle accident – this can be extremely painful so take care when moving them. Try to use a sling to move the animal.
Motor vehicle accident. Many small animals fracture their pelvis when they are in a motor vehicle accident – this can be extremely painful so take care when moving them. Try to use a sling to move the animal.
Control the bleeding by applying pressure to the wound with your hands for 3 minutes or with a bandage.
Check the chest area. If the injury is near the chest it may indicate broken ribs, these can be very painful and may penetrate into the lungs. Apply a dressing if necessary.
