5 Pet First Aid Tricks
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While it’s often best to bring your pet to a veterinarian as soon as possible, VetStreet recommends these simple tips to help your pet before you can make it to the vet clinic.
Poisoning
Many people assume that inducing vomiting is the best solution if your pet has eaten something poisonous. VetStreet recommends never inducing vomiting unless you’ve been told to do so by a veterinarian. In some cases, vomiting may damage the esophagus or cause choking, because many toxins are corrosive.
If your dog ate something poisonous and your veterinarian instructs you to induce vomiting. The recommended dose is three percent hydrogen peroxide, based on your dog’s weight. Unfortunately, there are no at-home products safe for inducing vomiting for your cat, so get your feline to the veterinarian immediately.
Cuts, Punctures, Bites
All cuts, punctures and bites have the potential of getting infected, and it is best to have a veterinarian examine them. But, before you get there, VetStreet recommends doing the following if there is profuse bleeding:
“Cover the area with sterile gauze and a clean towel, and then apply direct pressure until a clot forms. If there is an object penetrating the wound, such as a stick, do not attempt to remove it.”
If the wound is not bleeding:
“Remove any debris and clean the area with sterile saline solution or clean water. (Do not use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, which can damage the tissue.) Apply clean gauze and wrap a bandage around it to keep the area clean and prevent your pet from licking it.”
Car Trauma
Many pets suffer internal injuries that aren’t obvious. If you’ve been in a car accident, it is always best to have your pet examined by a veterinarian. In the meantime, if you notice any broken bones, it’s best to minimize motion. Cover your pet with a blanket to help minimize shock. If your pet has sustained head injury, it’s best to keep his head slightly above his body during transport.
Choking
If your pet is choking but can breathe, your goal is to keep him (and you) calm on the way to the veterinarian clinic. If your pet’s gums or tongue are turning blue and he’s in distress, Vetstreet recommends:
“Placing your hand over the top of his muzzle and lifting it up to open the mouth (don’t cover or occlude the nostrils). For an object that is clearly visible, you can use needle-nosed pliers to remove it, but be careful not to force it farther down into the throat. Also, a pet in this situation may panic and bite, so be careful. If that doesn’t work, lay your dog on his side, and then place your hands at the very end of his rib cage. Push down and slightly forward, applying pressure in quick, firm strokes. If you are unable to dislodge the object, get to the veterinarian immediately.”
Seizures
Do not try and restrain your pet during a seizure. It is best to just keep him safe by moving objects out of his way to prevent further injury. Don’t panic. Even during a seizure, your pet is attuned to your energy. Provide comfort with a calm voice and soothing sounds.
Be prepared. Program these numbers into your mobile device, just in case you have any pet emergencies.
If your dog ate something poisonous and your veterinarian instructs you to induce vomiting. The recommended dose is three percent hydrogen peroxide, based on your dog’s weight. Unfortunately, there are no at-home products safe for inducing vomiting for your cat, so get your feline to the veterinarian immediately.
Cuts, Punctures, Bites
All cuts, punctures and bites have the potential of getting infected, and it is best to have a veterinarian examine them. But, before you get there, VetStreet recommends doing the following if there is profuse bleeding:
“Cover the area with sterile gauze and a clean towel, and then apply direct pressure until a clot forms. If there is an object penetrating the wound, such as a stick, do not attempt to remove it.”
If the wound is not bleeding:
“Remove any debris and clean the area with sterile saline solution or clean water. (Do not use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, which can damage the tissue.) Apply clean gauze and wrap a bandage around it to keep the area clean and prevent your pet from licking it.”
Car Trauma
Many pets suffer internal injuries that aren’t obvious. If you’ve been in a car accident, it is always best to have your pet examined by a veterinarian. In the meantime, if you notice any broken bones, it’s best to minimize motion. Cover your pet with a blanket to help minimize shock. If your pet has sustained head injury, it’s best to keep his head slightly above his body during transport.
Choking
If your pet is choking but can breathe, your goal is to keep him (and you) calm on the way to the veterinarian clinic. If your pet’s gums or tongue are turning blue and he’s in distress, Vetstreet recommends:
“Placing your hand over the top of his muzzle and lifting it up to open the mouth (don’t cover or occlude the nostrils). For an object that is clearly visible, you can use needle-nosed pliers to remove it, but be careful not to force it farther down into the throat. Also, a pet in this situation may panic and bite, so be careful. If that doesn’t work, lay your dog on his side, and then place your hands at the very end of his rib cage. Push down and slightly forward, applying pressure in quick, firm strokes. If you are unable to dislodge the object, get to the veterinarian immediately.”
Seizures
Do not try and restrain your pet during a seizure. It is best to just keep him safe by moving objects out of his way to prevent further injury. Don’t panic. Even during a seizure, your pet is attuned to your energy. Provide comfort with a calm voice and soothing sounds.
Be prepared. Program these numbers into your mobile device, just in case you have any pet emergencies.
- Your veterinarian
- The closest emergency veterinary clinic
- The ASPCA Pet Poison Hotline: 888-426-4435
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