Pet First Aid

Pet owners need to be prepared for emergencies before they happen to their furry family members. Here are a few pet emergency situations and what to do. There are also tips on how to be prepared for first aid treatment for your pet.

Prepare

The first thing to do is to find out from your pet’s veterinarian what their after hour policy is. What phone number do you call if you have a pet emergency and it happens after the veterinarian’s office is closed? Find out if there are any Animal Hospitals in your area that are open after your veterinarian’s office is closed.

First Aid Kit for Pets

Before using any first aid on your pet, first call your veterinarian or an Animal Hospital for instructions. Getting your injured or ill pet to a professional especially in serious injury cases or when there is a life threatening illness. Professional care is the top priority. First aid is to control bleeding, or treat for shock and other first aid treatments that will keep your pet stable until you can get your pet to a professional.

Veterinarian's phone number and any Animal Hospital’s phone number

Gauze to wrap wounds or to muzzle your pet if necesssary

Adhesive tape to secure bandages or gauze

Nonstick bandages like Telfa pads to protect wounds or control bleeding
Towels and cloth
Hydrogen peroxide bottle 3 percent
Milk of Magnesia or activated charcoal to absorb poison. Be sure to call either your veterinarian or local poison control center before inducing vomiting or treating an animal for poisoning.
Large syringe without needle or an eyedropper, used to give oral treatments
Muzzle. Use a soft cloth, rope, necktie or nylon stocking. You can also use a towel to cover a small animal's head. Do not use a muzzle if the pet is vomiting.
Stretcher. Use a door, board, blanket or floor mat.
Disposable gloves
Some Situations that may require first aid for your pet (always call your vet first except in severe bleeding or if you pet is not breathing - control bleeding first and give cpr to restore breathing, then call)

Bite Wounds