First Aid For Your Pet
	By Lynn Harris

Home  Feature Stories  Vet's Voice  Bird Beat  Fe-Lines  Aunt Debe  Agility Tips  Miss Behavior  Dogs-The Right Stuff  Archives  Calendar of Events  Pet Message Board  Ask the Vet  Animal Welfare  Favorite Links  Let's Go Shopping  About Us  Author's Bios  Advertising Info  Writer's Guidelines  Subscribe  Contact Us

Many minor pet injuries can be handled at home. First, assess the situation carefully and calmly. If the injury is minor and you feel confident in giving proper care to your pet, by all means, do so. If the situation is serious, take steps to stabilize the pet and transport him to your veterinarian immediately. First aid for pets is much the same as for humans. However, remember to keep your own safety in mind. An animal in pain may lash out violently, and you may end up in the emergency room getting stitches after leaving your pet at the vet clinic. If your pet is in a great deal of pain or you're uncertain of his reaction, place a soft muzzle on him to protect yourself. A roll of gauze, nylon stockings or bandanas work well. Be sure to tie it only as tightly as needed to keep the animal from biting, not so tightly as to cut off circulation. If the animal is in respiratory distress or has a very short muzzle, wrap a towel or blanket around his head with just the nose uncovered. Or wear heavy gloves. Cuts and scrapes: For minor cuts and scrapes, stop bleeding by applying direct pressure with gauze or a clean cloth. Cut away any hair that might get matted or interfere with the healing process. Clean the site with soap and water or 3 percent hydrogen peroxide, apply a mild antiseptic and bandage (small cuts and scraps can be left uncovered). Keep a careful watch for infection. If you later see swelling or redness, call your veterinarian. If the cut is severe with heavy bleeding, apply direct pressure to slow the bleeding (use a tourniquet only as a last resort-when it's a matter of life or limb) and transport to the vet immediately. Punctures/embedded objects: Check punctures to see if the object is still embedded. If it is and it's very small, remove it carefully with tweezers. If it's large, don't attempt to remove it, as that may cause increased bleeding. Instead, stabilize the animal, restrain him in a blanket or towel to keep him from removing the object (if necessary, "hog-tie" him by gently tying his legs together). Pack absorbent bandaging material around the wound, apply pressure to stem bleeding and transport to the veterinary hospital immediately. If the object isn't embedded, apply pressure to stop bleeding and clean the wound. Even small puncture wounds may become infected and require an antibiotic. Contact your veterinarian. Burns: Soothe small superficial burns with a cool wet compress. Cut away hair in the burned area and apply a burn ointment (never use lard or butter). If the burn is severe or covers a large area of the body, cool the area with a sterile cold compress, or clean, wet sheet and then get to the vet quickly. If it's a chemical burn, flush the area with cool water to remove the irritating substance and take him to the vet. Stings: If your pet has been stung by a bee or wasp, check whether the stinger is still embedded (only bees leave the stinger behind). If it is, use something like a credit card or dull knife to scrape it off. Using tweezers to pull it out may inject more toxin. Soothe the area with a cold compress and apply a paste of bicarbonate of soda or an analgesic ointment. You may want to give him benedryl to combat allergic reactions (contact your vet for correct dosage). If you notice symptoms of shock or serious allergic reaction, call your vet. Poisons: In the case of poison, waste no time in calling your vet. There may be instructions on measures to take before transporting the pet. If you have the container, have it handy when you call, and be sure to take it with you. Breaks: Broken bones should be immobilized, if possible, before transporting the animal. If it's a limb, you can make a splint out of two pieces of wood, tongue depressors or heavy cardboard tied on with gauze, tape or other bandaging material. If the bone is protruding, pack the area with sterile, absorbent bandaging materials to stem bleeding. If possible, use a wooden plank, blanket or coat as a stretcher and have another person help you carry the pet. If you must move him yourself, don't hold him around the abdomen. Pick him up with one arm under the fore legs and one under the hind limbs. Heatstroke: If your pet has suffered heatstroke, take immediate steps to lower the body temperature. Move him to a cool area and sponge or spray with cool water. If he's conscious, encourage him to drink small amounts of water and continue bathing him with cool water until his temperature returns to normal. If he's unconscious, soak him with cool water or place a cool, wet towel or sheet on him and transport to a clinic immediately. Shock: Always watch an injured animal for shock. Some symptoms are confusion, rapid shallow breathing, weakness and pale gums. He may be semiconscious or unconscious. Restrain the animal, if necessary, and lay him on his side on a blanket or jacket if the ground is cold or damp. Open his mouth and gently pull out the tongue to open the airway. If he's unconscious, elevate the hindquarters slightly. Cover him with a blanket but do not overheat. Transport to your vet as soon as possible. This article is meant to be a general guideline only and covers just a few of the more common pet injuries. You should get specific information from your veterinarian. There are also some good pet first aid books available and pet first aid classes provided by the American Red Cross. Back to Archives

Pet First Aid Kit  Following is a list of  items to include in a  first aid kit Latex Gloves Muzzle (or nylon stockings, etc.) Nylon leash Gauze pads, various sizes Roll Gauze, 2 inches wide Roll bandages, such as VetWrap Splint material (i.e. sticks, newspaper or cardboard) Adhesive tape, non-allergenic Non adherent sterile pads Small blunt-tipped scissors Grooming clippers or safety razor Compact thermal blanket Towel Rectal thermometer Water based sterile lubricant 3% Hydrogen Peroxide Rubbing Alcohol Epsom Salts Eye dropper or baby dose syringe Sterile eye lubricant Sterile eye wash Benadryl (ask vet about dosage) Glucose paste or corn syrup Styptic powder or pencil Expired credit card to scrape away stingers Petroleum jelly Penlight Clean Cloth Needle nose pliers List of emergency numbers: i.e. your veterinarian, emergency vet hospital, poison control. List provided by the American Red Cross.

Home | Feature Stories | Vet's Voice | Bird Beat | Fe-Lines | Aunt Debe | Agility | Miss Behavior Dogs-The Right Stuff | Animal Welfare | Favorite Links | Subscribe | Contact Us

	© Copyright 2000-01 Ashworth Publishing LLC (OK PetGazette) No part of this Web site may be reproduced, transmitted or stored in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without prior written permission from Ashworth Publishing LLC (OK PetGazette)