When you bring a pet home, everyone among your friends and relatives will give you thousands of suggestions about what you should get for your pet.

However, no one or very few will guide you to have a first aid kit for available at home at all times. Such a kit becomes extremely important to have when your vet’s clinic is several miles away from your home so that in case any medical emergency occurs, you can provide the needed help to your pet.

Although the things to be included in this first aid kit may vary according to the kind of animal you have, it is suggested to keep a few basic supplies that are generally required in instances of a physical injury or an accident –

A wound bandage –

Animals like to keep themselves busy while at home or playing outside. Sometimes, your pet might get wounded during playing with a sharp or broken thing.

In such times, it is very important to tie to wound to stop the bleeding and avoid any infection. While purchasing wound bandages, opt for the non- stick ones as a bandage stuck to the wound will make it even more painful. You can also keep towels for situations of severe injuries.

Wound gauze –

It is one of the best medical emergency supplies to have in your first aid kit. It can cover the wound very well and avoid further bleeding. In some cases, it is also used for muzzling the pet to avoid panic.

Hydrogen peroxide powder –

This compound finds various applications during helping a pet in case of an emergency such as inducing vomiting in case the pet has swallowed a poisonous substance.

However, it is suggested to get a knowledgeable person along or consult your vet over the phone before attempting to induce vomiting to be safe on your part.

Thermometer –

High body temperature is one of the primary symptoms shown by a pet during illness. However, you cannot use the conventional thermometer to determine the temperature of your pet by inserting it into its mouth.

The markings made on the thermometer are also quite different than the conventional one. Thus it is suggested to get a special pet thermometer and learn the right way of using it.

Muzzle –

In situations when your pet is in pain, it can be expected to bark loud or bite you or anyone who comes into its contact.

For such times, it is very important to have a muzzle or a set of soft cloths to restrict the movements. Avoid using a muzzle on the mouth of the animal if it’s vomiting.

Here are a few First Aid items to carry when traveling with your pet

-Sterilized gauge pads, specially designed for pets

-Corn starch, baking powder or flour, which can be used to stop bleeding

-An oral syringe to administer medication

-Cotton

-Clean towel

-A rectal thermometer

-Mineral oil

-Medications prescribed by the Veterinarian for different problems like an allergic reaction, fever, pain, vomiting, diarrhea, rashes, cuts, etc.

-Saline solution to clean the eyes

-Instant cold packs

-Tweezers

These supplies are readily available at local pet stores and online shops. You can easily make a first aid kit for the safety of your pet to be kept at home for pet emergencies.

Basic First Aid For Pets

With these tips and tricks, you should be able to handle this situation without any stress.

Owners that have a basic knowledge of pet first aid are better able to give their pet a fighting chance in an emergency.

Basic first aid skills can help keep your pet alive, alleviate pain and suffering and prevent further harm when transporting the animal to the veterinarian or hospital.

Do not panic, protect yourself from injury and prepare in advance

When faced with an injured or severely ill pet, take a moment and assess the situation.

Decide if there is a danger of further injury to the animal or first aid giver.

Ensure that you will not be injured, either by the surroundings or the animal.

Determine if the pet needs to be moved immediately.

How you approach an injured pet safely is important.

Animals may respond to pain and fear instinctively and react with aggression.

You cannot assume a docile pet will not bite. Try to remain calm and speak in a soothing voice.

Towels may be used to cover the pet’s head to make him feel safer while you transport him.

When appropriate or required to avoid bites, handmade muzzles may be used.

Use a strip of soft cloth, rope, necktie or stocking. Wrap around the nose, under the chin and tie behind the ears – make sure the animal is able to pant.

Muzzles are helpful in avoiding bites. Prepare in advance by familiarizing yourself with the location and phone numbers of emergency animal care facilities.

Have an Animal First Aid Kit on hand

An animal first aid kit can be bought or you can also make your own.

If you decide to make your own animal first aid kit, make sure to include the following items.

Check the expiry dates on all medications to ensure efficacy.

Pet first aid manual Roll cotton Cotton balls/gauze pads 1″ white tape Elastic bandage wrap Antiseptic cream Scissors Eyewash/eye ointment Ear swabs Tweezers Oral syringes Balanced electrolyte fluid Plastic gloves Pet thermometer Instant ice pack Muzzle

Basic First Aid Procedures

All of the emergency situations listed below require veterinary care, but in cases when a vet is not immediately present, follow the first aid procedures described to increase your pet’s chances of survival.

Wounds

Muzzle animal if requiredWash your hands thoroughly, if possible with blunt point scissors, gently clip hair from margins of woundClean the wound with a gentle stream of cold water Apply antibacterial cream or solution Wrap large wounds to keep them clean.

Apply pressure to profusely bleeding woundsSee your vet as the wound may become infected and require antibiotics

For external bleeding, apply firm direct pressure to areas with a thick gauze pad until bleeding stops.

If you suspect your pet has internal bleeding, check for symptoms that include bleeding from the nose, mouth, rectum, coughing blood, blood in urine, pale gums, collapse, rapid or weak pulse. Keep your pet as warm and as quiet as possible.

Shock

Shock often accompanies severe injury or extreme fright.

Check for symptoms that include weak pulse, shallow breathing, nervousness, and dazed appearance. Keep your pet restrained, quiet and warm.

If your pet in an unconscious, keep its head level with the rest of the body.

Burns

For chemical burns, muzzle your pet first to avoid being bitten. Flush burn immediately with large quantities of cold water.

For severe burns, muzzle your pet and then apply ice water compresses onto burn area.

Bring your pet to the vet immediately.

Choking

Signs of choking include pawing at the mouth, gagging, drooling, and difficulty breathing.

Force your pet’s mouth open, pull the tongue forward and inspect mouth and throat. If your pet is cooperative, grasp with pliers and remove.

For small dogs and cats, if the object is lodged hold your pet with its head down and hindquarters elevated and give 3-4 sharp taps to the chest.

For large dogs, stand over the dog with arms around the body, just behind the last ribs.

Make a fist with other hand and exert a quick, forward and upward thrust. Repeat.

Perform mouth to nose respiration if necessary.

Mouth to nose respiration

To perform mouth to nose respiration, first clear mouth of any foreign object or vomit.

Clamp your pet’s muzzle with closed with hands. Exhale into your pet’s nose at a rate of 12-15 breaths per minute.

Combine with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

To give your pet CPR, first, lay your pet on its side on a flat surface then hold muzzle with one hand and begin mouth to nose respiration.

Place heel of other your hand on the chest wall behind the shoulder to apply cardiac massage.

Compress chest wall rhythmically at 60-80 times a minute.

For small dogs and cats, place fingers under the chest wall then place thumb over the chest and compress chest from both sides.

Fracture

The symptoms of a fracture include pain, limb at an odd angle or inability to use a limb.

If you suspect your pet is suffering from a fracture, muzzle your pet and look for bleeding.

If bleeding is present, see if you can control it without causing further injury. Do NOT try to set the fracture by pulling or tugging at the limb.

Transport to the vet immediately, supporting the injured part as best you can.

Poisoning

The symptoms of poisoning include convulsions, diarrhea, salivation, weakness, and depression pain.

If you suspect that your pet has been poisoned, record what the pet ingested and its amount then immediately call the veterinarian.

Do not try to induce vomiting. If toxins are on the skin or coat, ask your vet for directions on if and how to wash them off.

Heatstroke

The symptoms of heatstroke include rapid or labored breathing, vomiting, high body temperature, and collapse.

If your pet is suffering from heatstroke, place your pet in a tub of cool water, or gently wrap in a cool wet towel.

Do not an overcool animal. Stop when the rectal temperature reaches 39 degrees Celsius.

These situations may not require immediate veterinarian care, but it is best to consult the vet to be sure:

Vomiting

If your pet is vomiting, withhold food for 12-14 hours then slowly increase the amount of water and foods given over a 24 hour period.

Diarrhea

If your pet is suffering from diarrhea, withhold food for 12-14 hours, but not water.

Avoid home treatments as they can make the situation worse.

Consult the veterinarian for the best treatment for your pet.

Be safe, not sorry

Responsible pet owners keep their pets from harm by keeping them close at all times.

While outdoors, removing dangerous substances from their reach in the home.

Keeping all medical files and vaccines up-to-date and ensuring pets are clearly identified.

It is also beneficial in an emergency situation if your pet is healthy and happy. So make sure they get a nutritional diet, plenty of exercises and of course, lots of love.

Article by Blue Plus Vet