Pet First Aid: What to Know
Be able to recognize that your pet is in pain or distress
Typically these will be signs of restlessness, such as pacing, panting, drooling, not eating, and disinterest in normally engaging stimuli. Know what is normal for your animal. Abnormal heart rate, collapsing episodes, coughing, difficulty breathing, weakness, pale gums, vomiting/unproductive retching are often signs of a serious problem.
When in doubt, call your veterinarian
Your pet’s doctor will let you know if you need to be worried. Always keep your veterinarian’s contact information handy, as well as information for nearby emergency clinics to contact should your vet be closed. If you are travelling you may want to obtain contact information for local veterinary clinics.
Have some basic supplies ready
Put together a little first-aid kit that includes basic wound care supplies, a rectal thermometer, and a muzzle or pillowcase to confine animals that may be distressed and apt to bite. A thorough list can be obtained from your vet.
Stay calm and take the time to ensure that you and your pet are safe
Even the sweetest pet may become aggressive when in pain. If you do not have a muzzle, improvise with a men’s necktie or rag or place a smaller pet in a carrier by bundling in a towel. Never apply a muzzle to an unconscious or vomiting animal.
Transport an injured pet on a flat, firm surface
Since it’s unlikely that you have a stretcher, try using an ironing board or sled, or craft a hammock out of a towel or blanket.
If there is external bleeding apply pressure using gauze or a clean towel
Place a bandage around the wound if you are able, elevate the area and get to a veterinary hospital.
Know the signs of choking
If your pet has blue gums, is gasping, or is not breathing your pet may be choking. First, check for a visible obstruction. If you are able to, and the pet is not biting, remove any visible object. If the object is lodged further down than you can reach, stand or kneel behind your pet with him standing and place your fist about an inch below the sternum. Give a quick thrust to try to expel the obstruction. You should go to your veterinarian even if the object is removed.
Learn pet CPR
If your pet has no heartbeat and is not breathing, CPR is necessary. Start by laying your pet on a firm surface on his or her right side and interlock your fingers with your palms facing down. Compress the chest approximately 1/3 of its diameter, performing about 1 compression per second for 30 seconds. Wrap both hands around the muzzle so no air can escape and give 5 breaths of 2-3 seconds each by blowing into the nostrils. Give 20 breaths per minute. You should alternate compressions and breathing until the pet begins to breathe on its own or you arrive at a veterinary hospital. Consider taking a class. The Red Cross offers pet first aid classes so that you can be better prepared.
Call ahead
Let your veterinary facility know that you will be taking your pet to so that they can be prepared for your arrival.
Hopefully you will never need to use first aid or CPR on your pet, but being prepared can help you to stay calm in the event of an emergency so that you can provide your pet with the best possible care.