Are you thinking of adding a furry friend to your family?
A dog or a cat could be the perfect addition to your life, but before you rush out to buy the first pet you see, there are a few preparations you’ll need to make. All pets require a certain amount of maintenance and care. Even if you’ve never handled a pet before, knowing the basics of dog or cat first aid will ensure your new pet is happy and healthy.
Continue reading for some helpful pet first aid in an emergency.
Assess the Emergency
When assessing and treating a pet emergency, it’s important to first check the pet’s vital signs. Listen out for abnormal heart and respiratory rates, signs of pain, and weak or rapid pulses.
After assessing the signs, treatment should be a priority. You should provide oxygen for an animal that’s having difficulty breathing or set up an intravenous line for critically ill animals. You can also immobilize an injured patient by applying a bandage or wrapping it in a blanket to reduce movement.
Know When Veterinary Assistance is Necessary
Understanding your pet’s behaviors and movements can help you better detect any irregularities. If your pet is exhibiting dullness and a lack of appetite, appears lethargic and has difficulty breathing, it could be a sign to consult with a vet.
In addition to those symptoms, if your pet has been poisoned, has sustained trauma, or has a problematic wound, it is an emergency, and immediate medical attention is necessary. With a quicker response, the likelihood of a full recovery is much higher.
Create an Emergency Pet First Aid Kit
A cat or a dog first aid kit will have necessary supplies such as bandages, antiseptic cleansers, pet-safe gauze and tape, antibiotic ointment, scissors, an ice pack, a pet thermometer, a pet muzzle, an emergency blanket, and tweezers.
It is also crucial to have records of your pet’s normal vital signs and a comprehensive list of the contact information of your local veterinarian and the nearest emergency veterinarian clinics. Having a well-stocked emergency kit for your pet ready to go is a great way to help save your furry friend in case of a medical emergency.
Get a Pet CPR Certification
Getting a pet CPR certification is essential for anyone wanting to provide first aid to a pet in an emergency situation. By getting certified, pet owners are equipped with the knowledge to respond rapidly to situations such as choking, heatstroke, poisoning, fractures, and more.
Additionally, pet CPR certification courses cover topics such as how to perform chest compressions, rescue breathing, and proper animal handling. Knowing how to interpret a pet’s particular signs and symptoms will help ensure the pet’s life is saved. To get certified, take a test now here.
Establishing a First Aid Kit for Your Furry Friend
Overall, pet first aid is an incredibly valuable skill to possess. Take the time to familiarize yourself properly with the basics before any emergencies arise.
Taking precautions such as enrolling your pets in pet-first-aid classes can save you time in the future. Act now and equip yourself with the knowledge to give your furry family members the best care possible.
For more pet tips, check out the other articles on the blog!
