Introduction
Every pet owner should know how to administer first aid to their companion animals. You never know when your cat or dog might get into something poisonous, fall down the stairs, or sustain a cut while playing outside that warrants stitches. Knowing how to treat these common injuries can mean the difference between life and death for a beloved furry friend.
You may not be able to carry your dog to the vet in an emergency, but you can take steps now that will help you save his life if something happens. In this article, we'll go over some basic first aid techniques and what items are best kept in a pet first aid kit (PFAC).
Your pet's vital signs are the same as ours.
The three most important signs to monitor in your pet are heart rate, respiration rate and temperature. You can easily check these with the help of a stethoscope or thermometer.
- Heart rate: The average resting heart rate for dogs is between 60-100 beats per minute (bpm). When your dog's heart speeds up above 100 bpm, you may notice some panting or rapid breathing as well as other symptoms such as anxiety and/or restlessness. If you see these signs during exercise or excitement, it's normal; but if they persist even after exercise stops then it could be indicative of something more serious like congestive heart failure or hyperthyroidism.
- Respiration Rate: In the realm of respiration, it is notable that feline respiration rates surpass those of canines, averaging approximately 30-60 breaths per minute. Should you observe an unusually accelerated respiration rate in your cat, it warrants attention. This acceleration may signify underlying issues within their respiratory system, potentially encompassing conditions like pneumonia. Nevertheless, it is essential to acknowledge the possibility that your cat may be in a deep slumber, accompanied by audibly robust snores that resonate within earshot.
Know how to make a sling for your pet, particularly if he has a broken bone.
A sling is a great way to keep your pet comfortable and safe while he's recovering from an injury. A pillowcase or towel can be turned into a sling by cutting two holes in the fabric, one at each end of the opening. Then you can put your cat or dog into it, tying it around their body so that they can't move around too much while they heal.
If you want to make sure that the animal doesn't get out of its sling when you're not paying attention (or if she's just trying to escape), secure each end of the fabric with an elastic bandage around both legs above where they would go into their respective holes if you hadn't cut them yet (this will also help keep her from moving too much).
If you have any questions about what to do, don't hesitate to call your vet. They'll know the best course of action based on the situation and how much time has passed since your pet ingested whatever it is that might be making him sick.
Know what to do when your pet gets into something poisonous.
If you think your pet has ingested something poisonous, call the vet immediately. If it's not clear what kind of poison your pet has consumed, ask for help from a local poison control center or animal hospital.
If the vet says that you need to give your dog or cat something right away (such as activated charcoal), use only the recommended dose--more than that could cause more harm than good. And if they recommend inducing vomiting in order to get rid of whatever it is that might be making him sick? Make sure not to force anything down his throat; instead try rubbing his throat with two fingers while holding him upside down by his hind legs until he throws up on himself!
If you want to make sure that the animal doesn't get out of its sling when you're not paying attention (or if she's just trying to escape), secure each end of the fabric with an elastic bandage around both legs above where they would go into their respective holes if you hadn't cut them yet (this will also help keep her from moving too much).
When you're giving your pet CPR, don't give up hope. You can save him!
When you're giving your pet CPR, don't give up hope. You can save him!
If your pet is having trouble breathing or has collapsed for any reason, start by calling the vet immediately. While waiting for help to arrive, follow these steps:
- Lay your dog on his side and open his mouth slightly so that you can see his tongue. If it appears blue or puffy, place one hand underneath his neck while lifting with the other hand until he's upright (this helps open up airways).
- With two fingers under each side of his jawbone, lift upward firmly but gently until you feel resistance; then press down firmly three times in rapid succession while saying "No" or "Stop" loudly into their ear canal (this will cause them to cough).
- If this doesn't work after five minutes or if they begin vomiting blood--or worse yet, turn blue--it might be time for CPR!
The best way to practice is with a stuffed animal or something else that's soft. Start by breathing into their mouth, then give two quick chest compressions (about two inches deep). Next, tilt their head back while holding them upside down over your lap. Breathe into their nose and mouth three times, then give one quick breath while tilting the head forward again; repeat until they start breathing on their own.
Pet first aid
First aid for pets is important because it could help save a life or prevent unnecessary pain or suffering for an injured animal. First aid for pets is the same as for people, so if you don't know what to do, call a vet! Check for breathing and a heartbeat. If there is no pulse, start CPR immediately!
Conclusion
We hope that this article has given you a better understanding of the importance of pet first aid. If your dog or cat gets injured, it's important to know how to react and take care of him or her. You can save lives by learning these skills!
