Introduction
When it comes to your pet, you want to be prepared for any situation. Learning basic pet first aid is a good start. If your dog or cat ever gets hurt or sick, knowing what to do can be the difference between life and death. The information in this guide will help you assess an animal in distress and treat common injuries like burns and wounds.
What you need to know about pet first aid
- In an emergency, you'll need to know what to do.
- You should be prepared with a first aid kit for your pet and know how to use it.
- You should also have the phone number of a local veterinarian on hand at all times, in case there's an emergency and you need immediate assistance.
It's important that you understand how different pets are from humans when it comes to treatment options and medical emergencies. For example, dogs don't breathe through their mouths like people do; they breathe through their noses instead! So if your dog has stopped breathing or is having trouble breathing because of something else like excessive coughing or sneezing (as opposed to being unconscious), try gently rubbing his nose with a cold washcloth or towel before calling for help so that he can open his airways more easily by inhaling through them again after getting some moisture on them
How to assess an animal in distress
When you suspect your pet is in distress, be sure to take the following steps:
- Assess the situation. Check for symptoms of illness or injury and ask yourself these questions: Is your pet breathing? Is he/she conscious? Is he/she alert? Does he/she have a fever (a temperature over 101 degrees)? If so, how high is it? What does his/her tongue look like--is it pale or bright red and moist? What do his/her gums look like--are they pink or white with good capillary refill time (CRT)? Can you feel any pulse at all through their jugular vein on either side of their neck (located under the jawbone)? You may need some help from an experienced person when assessing whether or not there's a heartbeat present--this can be difficult for some owners because they're afraid of hurting their animal further by pressing too hard on its chest wall while trying to find its heartbeat with their fingers!
How to treat an animal with breathing difficulties and a blocked airway
If your pet is having difficulty breathing or has a blocked airway, follow these steps:
- Call your veterinarian or the emergency vet clinic immediately. Do not wait until you get to the office; if you have time, call ahead and ask them to be ready for you when you arrive.
- If possible, move the animal away from any obvious danger that might cause further injury while being transported in an emergency situation (such as falling debris).
- Use a pet first aid kit to treat your pet's wound if there are no other serious injuries present, such as broken bones or severe bleeding.
How to treat a dog with a heart attack or stroke
If you're dealing with a dog who is having trouble breathing, your first step should be to call the vet. If the dog has lost consciousness and is not breathing, place it in a recovery position (on its side). If the dog is conscious and breathing but seems weak or disoriented, try to keep it calm and quiet until help arrives.
How to treat burns on a dog or cat
If you see your dog or cat with a burn, it's important to call the vet immediately. You should also keep the area cool and clean by applying first aid cream or gel. Remove any clothing or tags from the burn (if possible), and keep your pet quiet and calm until help arrives. If there are blisters present, keep them intact--do not break them open as this could increase pain for your pet. Wrap the affected area in a clean bandage or dressing until you can take them to see their vet for further treatment
How to treat cuts and wounds on your pet
- Clean the area with soap and water.
- Apply pressure to stop bleeding. If the wound is deep, use a clean cloth or bandage to stop the bleeding.
- Keep the wound elevated above your pet's heart if possible so that gravity can help slow down blood flow out of it--but don't elevate it so high that you're causing pain!
Anaphylactic shock in dogs and cats
Anaphylactic shock is a life-threatening condition that can occur in both dogs and cats. It's caused by an allergic reaction to something the animal has been exposed to, such as food or medication. The symptoms are similar in both species and include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Swollen tongue, gums, lips or ears (looks like there's a swelling under the skin)
- Drooling or foaming at the mouth
- Vomiting or diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
If your pet is experiencing any of these symptoms after eating something new, call your veterinarian immediately!
Dehydration symptoms in cats, dogs and rabbits
- Vomiting and diarrhea.
- Weakness, lethargy, or lack of energy.
- Dry mouth and gums (this is more common in cats than dogs).
- Loss of appetite for food or water.
The best thing you can do is learn basic pet first aid so that you can help your pet if she needs it.
The best thing you can do is learn basic pet first aid so that you can help your pet if she needs it. You can do this yourself, or find a class to take. It's also a good idea to learn how to recognize the symptoms of common pet emergencies, such as heatstroke, hypothermia and poisoning (see below).
Conclusion
The best thing you can do is learn basic pet first aid so that you can help your pet if she needs it. You should also have a first aid kit on hand, so that in the event of an emergency situation, you'll have everything at hand necessary to treat your dog or cat.
