First Aid Tips for Pet Owners
Let’s face it, cats and dogs can be curious, carefree, and mischievous, which means unexpected injuries or emergencies are just a playful pounce away. Being prepared to administer pet first aid when minutes count can protect your pet from further injury. This primer on pet emergency care from our team can help you control the situation until your pet can be seen by a veterinarian.
DIY Pet First-Aid Kit
Every pet parent should have a pet first-aid kit. A plastic tote filled with the following items will come in very handy if you need to provide first aid for dogs and cats:
- Antiseptic towelettes
- Sterile gauze pads and rolls, non-stick bandages made for pets, and medical tape
- Saline solution to flush eyes
- Tweezers
- Towels or blanket
- Styptic powder to control bleeding
- Medications to use only under the direction of your veterinarian: hydrogen peroxide (to induce vomiting), Benadryl (for allergic reactions), and milk of magnesia (to absorb poison in your pet’s stomach)
- Small scissors
- Digital thermometer
- Numbers for your veterinarian, the nearest emergency veterinary hospital, and ASPCA Animal Poison Control
Pet First Aid Skills to Learn Now
- Checking vital signs: At any veterinary checkup, we are happy to demonstrate how to check your pet’s heart rate, temperature, and breathing.
- Wound care: Small, superficial wounds can be cleaned with an antiseptic towelette and bandaged. For deep gashes, heavy bleeding, or if your pet is in obvious pain, seek veterinary care.
- Burn care: Treat burns with cool (not cold) water for 10 minutes. Do not use ice packs, butter, or burn ointments. For severe burns, seek pet emergency care.
- Heat stroke: Move pet to a shady or air-conditioned location and blot pet with cool (not cold) water. Contact your veterinarian for further instructions.
- Pet CPR: If your pet stops breathing, seconds count. Pet CPR instructions are available from The American Red Cross, The ASPCA, and PETMD.com.
- Heimlich: If your pet is choking, remove the item from the pet’s mouth if possible. To perform the Heimlich on a dog, apply firm pressure just below the rib cage. Hold a cat upside down and pat his back gently. Seek pet emergency care if choking persists.
- Poisoning: Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control or your veterinarian immediately for instructions.
Additional Tips for Emergency Care for Pets
- Injured or frightened pets can bite. Use a blanket or towel to gently restrain an injured pet, or use a muzzle.
- If transporting to a veterinary hospital, gently place the pet in a carrier or crate.
- Remain calm so that you can think clearly and drive safely.
We’re Partners in Your Pet’s Care
Being prepared to provide first aid for dogs and cats is an integral part of pet parenting. By mastering basic pet first-aid skills, you can potentially keep your pet’s injury or condition from worsening. At Cherry Creek Veterinary Hospital, we’re happy to provide more pet first aid tips or demonstrate techniques. Contact us today at (916) 349-2755.