Emergency Pet Care and First Aid
No one wants to think about it, but emergencies can happen to our beloved pets at any time or place. It is important to know the appropriate steps to take so that you are calm and in control of the situation when something goes wrong. First aid is immediate and temporary care that you can provide to an injured animal prior to transporting them to a veterinarian for continued medical care.
Prepare a first aid kit!
Whether you have a new addition to the family or a pet that has been with you for years, it is important to always be prepared for accidents and emergencies. In a waterproof bag or box, make sure you have the following items always on hand:
- Medical tape
- Disposable gloves
- Bandage scissors
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Triple antibiotic ointment
- Blanket
- Phone number for your veterinarian and a 24-hour emergency clinic
- Health and vaccination records
- Thermometer
- Gauze squares
- Cling wrap or vet wrap
Recognizing that something is wrong:
You are the one person in the world who knows and understands your pet the best. It is important to have a feel for what is normal and what is abnormal in their behavior and health. Use that knowledge and your common sense when attempting to recognize a medical emergency. Watch for:
- Crying, whining, or yelping
- Bleeding or obvious deformities
- Unusual odors in the pet’s environment (e.g. gas, smoke, or chemical)
- Unusual behaviors such as dizziness, confusion, tremoring or vomiting
- Signs of shock (e.g. rapid, weak pulses, unconsciousness, cool limbs, or difficulty breathing)
