Pet First Aid Tips

We all love our furry (or scaly in some cases) friends but they depend on us for more than just the love that we provide for them. They also need the care that only we can provide too. The month of April is considered the national pet first aid awareness month and there are things that you can do (even if you are not a vet or vet tech) as a responsible pet owner can do in some unfortunate situations.

If any unthinkable scenarios happen, do not panic as it will only exacerbate the situation. Moreover, panicking may not help you to make rational and sound decisions in a rush. Stay calm and consider a few things you can do to help your pet stay safe in case of an emergency as mentioned below:
‍Act immediately, but stay calm

• Call the pet emergency numbers/vet immediately
• Check for vital functions like heartbeat, breathing, etc.
• If a pet has choked on something, try to clear the airway for breathing
• Start emergency lifesaving procedures like CPR if required
• If a pet is bleeding, compress the bleeding by covering the cuts/wound
• Perform basic first aid as directed by the vet
• Rush to the nearest vet clinic as soon as possible
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Always remember, accidents happen and that’s inevitable. But knowing what to do when your pet is injured and how to avoid such injuries can help your pet stay happier and safer. Below are more tips and information regarding things you can do to prevent and/or react in an emergent situation.

2. Providing standard first aid and recognizing signs of illness or injury in pets

Common medical issues for pets (lease keep in mind, it may vary some depending on species)

• Split/cut too short nails
  
  • 1. Apply pressure – hold a clean cloth or bandage firmly on the bleeding nail tip for several minutes to slow down the blood flow.
  • 2. Styptic Powder – (available at pets stores/vet offices) apply it to the bleeding nail
  • 3. As an alternative, you can dip the nail into cornstarch or flour to help cloth the blood. DO NOT EVER USE SUPER GLUE
  • 4. Prevent your animal from licking or chewing on its paw as it can worsen the wound and lead to an infection (you may bandage it to help with that if necessary)
  • 5. Monitor for signs of infection and if bleeding doesn’t stop after 20-30 minutes of applying pressure or adding a clotting agent, seek veterinary care.

• Small scrapes or cuts
  
  • 1. Access the wound
    
    • Is it bleeding heavily? If so, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze for a few minutes to stop the bleeding.
    • Is there any debris or foreign material in the wound? If so, carefully remove it with tweezers or by rinsing the area with lukewarm water.
  • 2. Clean the wound
    
    • Gently rinse the wound with lukewarm water to remove any dirt or debris
    • Use a pet-safe antiseptic solution like diluted betadine or chlorhexidine to disinfect the area. Avoid using rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide as they can damage the tissue and delay healing.
  • 3. Treat the wound
    
    • Apply a small amount of antibiotic or antimicrobial ointment to the wound
    • Cover the wound with a sterile bandage to protect it from further injury and infection
    • In some instances, you may want to use a form of e-collar to prevent your pet from licking or biting at the wound
  • Monitor the wound
    
    • Check the wound daily for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or discharge
    • Change the bandage regularly to keep the wound clean and dry
    • If you notice any signs of infection or are worried it is not healing properly please seek veterinary care as soon as possible

Providing CPR for your Pet - click to download pdf

3. When to see a vet, emergency vet and tips/information to include/have on hand - popular warning signs to seek veterinary care

General sizes of illness or injury that need to be closely monitored and/or seek veterinary care

• Changes in appetite or drinking habits – a sudden loss of appetite, increased thirst, or changing in eating or drinking habits can often indicate a problem that you may not be able to see otherwise.
• Lethargy or decreased activity
• Changes in bathroom habits – sudden changes in urination or defecation patterns, such as accidents in the house, straining to urinate, blood in urion or changes in stool consistency warrants a vet visit.
• Vomiting or Diarrhea – frequent or persisten vomiting or diarrhea can be a sign of a variety of problems.
• Difficulty breathing – labored breathing/panting
• Skin issues or coat changes – excessive scratching, skin lesions, hair loss, or changes in appearanc of your pets coat can be a sign indicator of something underlying that is wrong.
• Unexplained weight loss or gain without a change in diet or exercise
• Limping or difficulty walking
• Eye problems – changes in eye color, discharge, or squirting can indicate an eye infection or other issues (such as upper respiratory infections)

Pre-vet visit preparations and tips

• Having a list of phone numbers and addresses of nearby emergency and specialty hospitals (within a 60-minute drive of your home) is key. Not all hospitals offer the same services—some primary care veterinarians have urgent care/emergency after hours and there are specific urgent care centers, emergency only centers, and specialty hospitals (emergency with other specialized services such as internal medicine, surgery, etc.).
• Print your pet’s medical records or have them easily accessible on your phone or electronic device.
• Note issues/concerns/questions regarding your pet – often when in difficult situations with our pet we can become emotional (naturally) and may not be able to remember everything by the time you actually get to the vet. (obviously for more emergent cases, this is not applicable but for routine visits its a good habit to get into)
• Practice car rides prior to a vet visit (if possible) to help calm the pet down while being in the vehicle. Sometimes calming pheromones can help keep pets calm while in the car. This along with their favorite blanket, toy, bed etc.