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Pet First Aid
Being prepared
Bite wounds
Bleeding

Not breathing
Broken bones

Burns

Choking

Diarrhea

Frostbite

Heatstroke

Poisoning

Seizures

Shock

Vomiting

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pet first aid

Understanding basic pet first aid can help you remain calm in a crisis situation.  If you are aware what is going on, can keep a clear head, and follow some basics, it may buy you the time you need to get your pet safely to the veterinarian.

being prepared

Before you have an emergency, is the time to know how to handle one. Know ahead of time where you will take your pet when something happens. For example, some veterinarians have a Dr. on call, while others use special emergency hospitals for things that occur outside of regular office hours. 

DO NOT substitute first aid for medical treatment. However, knowing some basic first aid can help on your way to the doctor.

ALWAYS approach injured or sick animals with caution, as they are unpredictable, even if they are your own. Muzzle pets who are in pain. You don't need to get bitten in the process of trying to help the pet. You can use a strip of soft cloth, rope, or a nylon stocking. Wrap around the nose, cross under the chin and tie behind the ears. Allow the pet to pant after you have handled him by loosening the muzzle carefully.  Do not use a muzzle if the pet is vomiting. Cats and small pets may be difficult to muzzle.

bite wounds
Clean the wound well with water to remove large pieces of debris. Wrap large open wounds to keep them clean. Apply pressure to profusely bleeding wounds. Do not use a tourniquet. Wear gloves when possible. Bite wounds almost always become infected so see your veterinarian for antibiotics.

bleeding
Apply firm, direct pressure until the bleeding stops. Hold the pressure for at least 10 minutes. Bandage the wound, but be very careful to avoid cutting off circulation.

Call your veterinarian.

broken bones
Look for bleeding. If you can control bleeding without causing more injury, then do so. Watch for signs of shock. (see shock) Do not pull or shift the limb. Transport the pet to the veterinarian immediately, supporting the injured part as best you can.

not breathing
Check for choking. (see choking)

Place pet place it on a firm surface with its left side up. Check for a heartbeat by listening at the area where the elbow touches the chest. If you hear a heartbeat but not breathing, hold his mouth closed, breathe directly into his nose (not his mouth) until his chest expands. Repeat 12 to 15 times per minute. If there is no pulse, you must do chest compressions at the same time. The heart is located in the lower half of the chest, behind the elbow of the front left leg. Place one hand below the heart to support the chest. Place other hand over the heart and compress gently. To do chest compressions on cats and small dogs, compress the chest with the thumb and forefinger. Apply heart massage 80-120 times per minute for larger animals and 100-150 per minute for smaller ones. Alternate heart massage with breathing and continue until you reach your veterinarian.

We HIGHLY recommend you learn animal CPR from a certified instructor. Even under the best of situations, the success of CPR is very low.  

burns 
Flush immediately with lots of cool, running water. Apply a wrapped ice pack for 15-20 minutes. (Do not put directly on the skin).  If the burn is due to dry chemicals, brush it off first. Water may activate some dry chemicals.

Call your veterinarian immediately.

choking

It is important to recognize the signs of choking. They include extreme difficulty breathing, pawing at the mouth in a panicked state, and blue lips and tongue.
Be very careful, as a panicked pet may be more likely to bite. If the pet can still partially breathe, it's best to keep the pet as calm as possible and get to a veterinarian immediately. Check to see if there is a foreign object in  the throat. If you can, clear the airway by removing the object with pliers, being very careful not to push it farther down the throat. If it is too deep to reach or if the pet collapses, place your hands on both sides of the pet's rib cage and apply firm, quick pressure.  Repeat until the object comes out or you arrive at the vet's office.

diarrhea
It is best to call your veterinarian to discuss this, as trying in-home treatments before you know the cause can be dangerous.

frostbite  

Remove ice and snow from your pet's paws and coat. Skin may turn reddish, white or gray, and it may be scaly or sloughing. If you suspect frostbite, take your pet to a warm place immediately. Thaw out frostbitten areas slowly by applying warm moist towels that are changed frequently. Continue until the affected areas become flushed. Contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.

heatstroke
Look for rapid or labored breathing, vomiting, high body temperature, and/or collapsing.
Place the pet in a tub of cool water, gently soak with a garden hose, or wrap the pet in a cool, wet towel. Do not overcool the animal. Stop cooling when rectal temperature reaches 39.5 C or 103 F.

Call your veterinarian immediately.

poisoning
Signs include vomiting, seizures, diarrhea, salivating, weakness, depression, pain. Immediately call your veterinarian or poison control center. Tell them what the pet ate and how much. Do not induce vomiting unless your vet tells you to. In case of chemicals on the skin, ask for directions on if and how to wash them off.

seizures
Signs include violent muscle twitching, loss of consciousness, salivation,and loss of control of urine or stool.
Protect the pet from anything that could injure him during the seizure. Use a blanket for padding and protection. Do not risk being bitten by restraining the pet during the seizure. Time the seizure. They usually last only 2 to 3 minutes. After the seizure is over, your pet will most likely be tired. Keep him calm and quiet. Call your veterinarian immediately.

shock
Look for irregular breathing, dilated pupils, or pale gums.
Shock can happen due to any serious injury or fright. Keep your pet gently restrained, quiet, and warm, with his head lowered, and transport to the vet immediately.

vomiting
Consult your veterinarian regarding the cause. Withhold food and water while vomiting. 12 hours after last vomit, offer your pet a small amount of water.  If he holds that down, slowly increase the amount of water for the next 12 hours. As long as there is no more vomiting, offer your pet a small amount of a bland diet (boiled hamburger and rice).

WE CANNOT OVER EMPHASIZE THAT THIS IS ONLY A BASIC FIRST AID GUIDE AND SHOULD IN NO WAY BE USED INSTEAD OF VETERINARY TREATMENT OR CONSULTING YOUR VETERINARIAN!