» Pet First Aid

ANIMALS
American Animal Hospital Association tips And treatmen for pet emergencies

In an emergency, first aid is not a substitute for veterinary treatment. However, if you are unable to get your pet to a veterinarian, knowing basic first aid could save your pet’s life. Always seek veterinary care following first aid attempts.

BITE WOUNDS
Treatment/Action
Approach the pet carefully to avoid getting bitten. Muzzle the animal. Clean the wound with large amounts of water. Wrap large open wounds to keep them clean. Apply pressure to profusely bleeding wounds. Bite wounds often become infected and need professional care.
Call veterinarian.

BLEEDING
Treatment/Action
Apply firm direct pressure over the bleeding area until the bleeding stops. Avoid bandages that cut off circulation.
Call veterinarian immediately.

BREATHING (pet stops breathing)
Treatment/Action
Check to see if the animal is choking on a foreign object (see CHOKING).
If an object is removed from the throat and the animal still is not breathing place the animal with its right side down. Close the animal’s mouth and exhale directly into the nose, not mouth, until the chest expands. Cover the nose with a handkerchief or a thin cloth if preferred. Exhale 12 to 15 times per minute. At the same time, apply heart massage with the other hand. The heart is located in the lower half of the chest behind the elbow of the front left leg. Place hand over the heart and compress the chest 1 to 2 inches for large animals, 1inch for small animals. Apply heart massage 70-90 times per minute.
Call veterinarian immediately.

BURNS (chemical, electrical and heat)
singed hair, blistering, swelling, redness of skin
Treatment/Action
Flush burn area immediately with large amounts of cold water. Apply im pack for 15-20 minutes.
Call veterinarian immediately.

CHOKING
difficulty breathing, excessive pawing at mouth, blue lips and tongue.
Treatment/Action
Look into the mouth to see if foreign object in throat is visible. Clear the airway by removing the object with pliers or tweezers, being careful not to push it farther down the throat. If the object remains lodged, place your hands on both sides of the animal’s rib cage and apply firm, quick pressure. Or place the animal on its side and strike the side of the rib cage firmly with the palm of your hand 3 or 4 times. Repeat this procedure until the object is dislodged.
Call veterinarian immediately (see BREATHING).

DIARRHEA
Treatment/Action
Withhold food for 12-24 hours. Give ice cubes only.
Call veterinarian.

FOREIGN OBJECTS IMBEDDED
» Porcupine quills
Sharp, hollow shafts.
Treatment/Action
Quill cannot be pulled out without anesthesia.
Call veterinarian.

» Foxtails
A barbed seed sometimes visible in eye, nose, mouth, throat or skin causing severe irritation.
Treatment/Action
Foxtails are usually too deep to remove without general anesthetic.
Call veterinarian.

FRACTURES
pain, inability to use leg
Treatment/Action
Muzzle animal and control bleeding. Watch for any sign of shock. DO NOT TRY TO RESET A FRACTURE. Transport the animal to the veterinarian immediately using a stretcher.
Call veterinarian immediately.

HEAT STROKE
rapid or dificulty breathing, vomiting, high body temperature, collapse
Treatment/Action
Place animal in a tub of cold water, gently soak with a garden hose or wrap in a cold, wet towel.
Call veterinarian immediately.

INSECT BITES
onset of swelling, itching and pain within one hour of bite
Treatment/Action
Remove stinger and apply cold packs. If isolated from veterinary care, a topical cortisone or an anti-intlamnmtory ointment can be rubbed on area of bite. A previously prescribed antihistamine may be given orally.
Call veterinarian.

POISONING
vomiting, convulsions, diarrhea, salivation, weakness, depression, pain
Treatment/Action
Write down what the pet ingested and how much. Immediately call the veterinarian or poison control center. Do not induce vomiting or attempt treatment without direction from the doctor. In the case of poisoning on the fur/skin from oils, paints or chemicals, wash the animal with mild soap and rinse well.

SEIZURES
salivation, loss of control of urine or stool, violent muscle twitc hing, loss of consciousness
Treatment/Action
Move pet away from any objects that could be harmful. Use a blanket for padding and protection. Do not put yourself at risk by restraining the animal during the seizure. Time the seizure; it usually lasts only 2 or 3 minutes. Afterwards, keep the animal calm, quiet and cool.
Call veterinarian immediately.

SHOCK
irregular breathing, dilated pupils
Treatment/Action
May occur with serious injury or fright. Keep animal gently restrained quiet and warm with head elevated.
Call veterinarian immediately.

SNAKEBITE (poisonous and nonpoisonous)
rapid swelling, skin puncture, pain, weakness, shock
Treatment/Action
Stop all exercise to prevent spread of venom. Clean area. Many poisons damage nerve or body tissue on contact.
Call veterinarian immediately.

VOMITING
Treatment/Action
Withhold food for 12-24 hours. Give ice cubes for two hours after vomiting stops. Then slowly increase the amount of water and foods given over a 24-hour period.
Call veterinarian.