FIRST AID TIPS

Do you know what to do during a pet emergency? Here are some common emergency tips:
  • To determine if your cat or dog is dehydrated, pull up on the skin between the shoulder blades. It should spring right back; if it stays tented this is a sign of dehydration.
  • Signs of pet poisoning include bleeding externally or internally, dilated pupils, drooling or foaming at the mouth, seizures or other abnormal mental state or behavior.
  • If your pet has a seizure, make sure it is in a safe place, but do not restrain the animal. Keep your hands away from its mouth as your pet may not know who you are during a seizure and could bite you.
  • Signs of heat stroke or heat exhaustion include collapse; body temperature of 104 degrees F or above; bloody diarrhea or vomiting; wobbliness; excessive panting or difficulty breathing; increased heart rate; mucous membranes very red; and increased salivation.
  • Pets bitten by other animals need vet attention to prevent the wound (even if minor) from becoming infected and to check for internal wounds. Never break up a dogfight yourself because you could be bitten.
  • If your pet is bleeding, apply direct pressure using gauze over the bleeding site. If blood soaks through, apply more gauze (do not removed soaked gauze) until you can reach a veterinary hospital.

From the American Red Cross
Putting together a well-provisioned first aid kit will make you more ready to deal with a medical emergency if one confronts you for your dog, cat or other pet. Have this kit in the house and fully stocked with supplies at all times, next to the first aid kit for your family. Many of the items in a family first aid kit can be used for pets, too.
  • Phone numbers and your pet's medical record (including medications and vaccination history)
  • Gauze: For wrapping wounds or muzzling the injured animal
  • Nonstick bandages, towels, or strips of clean cloth: To control bleeding or protect wounds
  • Adhesive tape for bandages (Do NOT use human adhesive bandages (eg, Band-Aids®) on pets): For securing the gauze wrap or bandage
  • Milk of magnesia / Activated charcoal: To absorb poison; Always contact your veterinarian or local poison control center before inducing vomiting or treating an animal for poison.
  • Hydrogen peroxide (3%): To induce vomiting; Always contact your veterinarian or local poison control center before inducing vomiting or treating an animal for poison.
  • Digital Thermometer (you will need a "fever" thermometer because the temperature scale of regular thermometers doesn't go high enough for pets): To check your pet's temperature. Do not insert a thermometer in your pet's mouth—the temperature must be taken rectally.
  • Eye dropper (or large syringe without needle): To give oral treatments or flush wounds
  • Muzzle (in an emergency a rope, necktie, soft cloth, nylon stocking, small towel may be used): To cover your pet's head. If your pet is vomiting, do not muzzle it!
  • Leash: To transport your pet (if your pet is capable of walking without further injury)
  • Stretcher (in an emergency a door, board, blanket or floor mat may be used): To stabilize the injured animal and prevent further injury during transport.

From the American Veterinary Medical Association
More lifesaving information is available on the Red Cross Pet First Aid App that helps dog and cat owners to provide emergency care until veterinary assistance is available. Owners have access to step-by-step instructions, videos and images for more than 25 common first aid emergencies.