As a concerned pet owner, you do everything you can to keep your pet healthy and happy. Despite your best efforts, however, illness and injury may occur. Knowing what to do in these situations can go a long way toward helping your pet recover. Here are a few first aid tips that can help you be prepared:
Remain Calm
A pet’s sudden injury or acute illness can be very upsetting. You must remain calm when something happens so you can think clearly and take the appropriate action.
Breathing Problems
In an emergency, it is essential to ensure that your pet is not having any problems breathing. If it appears that your pet is having difficulty, this requires immediate veterinary attention to ensure that the airway is not obstructed.
Bleeding
Stop any severe bleeding by placing direct pressure over the area and holding it for at least 5 to 7 minutes. You can use a gauze pad, clean cloth, or paper towels to do this.
Minor wounds can be gently cleansed with soap and water and/or covered with a clean dressing.
Pulsating, forceful bleeding indicates rupture of an artery. This requires direct pressure over the area of bleeding while transporting the pet for immediate veterinary attention.
Fractures
Broken bones need immediate veterinary attention.
Transporting Injured Animals
Injured animals are likely to be in pain. Small dogs and cats should be transported in a suitable pet carrier while larger animals can be placed on a stretcher made of a bed sheet if they are not able to walk. Keep animals warm and as comfortable as you can while you are transporting them to your veterinarian or nearest emergency veterinary facility.
Be Careful
No matter how gentle animals are, pain can cause them to bite. Muzzle your pet before moving.
Being a well-informed pet owner is always a good way to protect your pet’s health and well-being. Knowing what to do in an emergency is an important part of this. It can make a big difference in the outcome and speed your pet’s recovery.
