First Aid for Your Pets: What to Do During Pet Emergencies
Giving first aid to your pet can make a huge difference for them. Just like humans, animals can get sick and injured. Accidents and illnesses can happen unexpectedly, and any pet owner should know what to do in these situations to better care for their pet.
In the case of a pet emergency, knowing first aid may help your pet until you can get them to a veterinarian. Even if your pet is unconscious or unresponsive, giving your pet medical treatment can save your pet's life until veterinary care can be administered.
Here's how you can prepare for an emergency:
Have a Checklist of First Aid Supplies
Make a checklist of items you should have in your first aid kit for your pet.
You'll want to have:
- A leash for your pet
- A pet carrier (if needed)
- Compression bandages
- A first aid guide for pets
- A first aid kit that fits your pet's needs
- Tape for wound repair
- Band-aids for your pet
Don't forget about the following:
- If you are a cat owner, you'll need cat litter, a cat litter pan, and a cat litter scoop
- If your pet is a dog, you'll need a crate and dog leash
It’d be best to have this list printed or placed somewhere handy for emergency needs.
Understand How to Handle Your Pet in an Emergency
If you run into an emergency, make sure you are calm. Your pet will likely be able to tell if you're in a panic, so keeping your cool will provide them with a sense of security.
If your pet is bleeding, put pressure on the wound. Use a clean cloth to apply pressure. Make sure you get the pressure firm enough that the bleeding stops. If you can stop the bleeding, use a bandage to wrap the wound and hold the dressing in place. If you don't have a bandage, use some tape to hold the cloth in place. Then, immediately take your pet to an animal hospital.
If your pet experiences heatstroke, place them somewhere cooler and out of direct sunlight. Get a cool wet towel and place it on your pet's head and neck. Avoid blocking their eyes, nose, and mouth. If you have a fan, have the fan on low and have the fan blow on your pet. Rewet the towel every few minutes until they regain their consciousness.
If your pet is unconscious and not breathing, you'll want to pull out their tongue until it’s flat. Then, check their throat to see if any foreign object is blocking their air passage. Bring your pet to the vet emergency as quickly as possible.
If your pet is poisoned, call your vet immediately. Gather any material they have vomited or chewed and bring this to the vet. Don’t give any medication or try to induce their vomiting, as it can worsen the situation.
Your pet may get a cut on its paws, mouth, or anywhere else on its body. If this happens, you'll want to clean the wound with warm water and soap. Apply pressure with a clean cloth. If you can't see a veterinarian right away, use a bandage or tape to hold the dressing in place.
If your pet is choking, check if you can see the foreign object in their throat and gently remove it using a tweezer or your fingers. You’ll want to keep them calm and urgently bring them to the vet for immediate care.
Conclusion
As a pet parent, you have a duty to care for your pet. That includes keeping them safe and preparing them for emergencies. By being ready during emergencies, you can better care for your pet and prolong their lives. By keeping the first-aid items on hand and ensuring you understand how to respond to an emergency, you can show your pet some love and help keep them safe.
Besides understanding what to do during emergencies, you should not forget their everyday needs. Bring your pet to Earthwise Pet Supply & Grooming Bentonville for regular pet grooming or your weekly pet supplies shopping in Bentonville. We offer natural pet foods, quality treats, and services your pet always needs.