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Pets

Pets

Pets | Get a Pet Kit | First Aid for Pets


Always have your veterinarian's phone number programmed into your home and cell phone for easy access in case of an emergency or disaster. You should contact veterinarian ASAP. Here are some ways to help your pet survive if you can't reach a veterinarian.

Bite Wounds

  • Approach the pet carefully to avoid getting bitten
  • Muzzle the animal
  • Check wound for contamination / debris.
  • If significant debris clean wound with saline
  • If not available, regular water may be used
  • Wrap large open wounds to keep clean
  • Apply pressure to profusely bleeding wounds. Do not use a tourniquet. Wear gloves when possible
NOTE: Bite wounds can become easily infected

Bleeding

  • Apply firm and direct pressure on bleeding area
  • Hold the pressure for at least 10 minutes
  • Don't cut off circulation when bandaging
NOTE: If you release pressure occasionally to check wound it may not clot.

Stops Breathing

Check for choking on a foreign object.

If an animal is NOT BREATHING:

  • Place it on a firm surface with its left side up.
  • Check for a heartbeat by listening at the area where the elbow touches the chest.

If you detect HEARTBEAT but NOT BREATHING:

  • Close the animal's mouth
  • Breathe directly into its nose--not the mouth--until the chest expands
  • Repeat 12 to 15 times per minute

If you detect NO PULSE:

  • Apply heart massage at the same time
  • The heart is located in the lower half of the chest, behind the elbow of the front left leg
  • Place one hand below the heart to support the chest
  • Place other hand over the heart and compress gently.

NOTE: Cats or tiny pets:

  • Compress the chest with the thumb and forefingers of one hand.
  • LARGER ANILNALS - Apply heart massage 80-120 times per minute for larger animals
  • SMALLER ANIMALS - Apply heart message 100-150 per minute for smaller ones
  • Alternate heart massage with breathing.

Burns

Types of Burns:

  • Chemical
  • Electrical
  • Heat

Symptoms:

  • Singed hair
  • Blistering
  • Swelling
  • Redness of skin

Treatment:

  • Flush the burn immediately with large amounts of cool, running water
  • Apply an ice pack for 15-20 minutes
  • NOTE: Do not place an ice pack directly on the skin
  • Wrap the pack in a light towel or other cover.
  • Brush them off any dry chemicals on the skin
NOTE: Water may activate some dry chemicals.

Choking

Symptoms:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Excessive pawing at the mouth
  • Blue lips and tongue
  • NOTE - protect yourself animal may be more likely to bite

If PARTIAL BREATHING is detected:

  • Try to keep the animal calm
  • Look into the mouth for VISIBLE foreign object in throat
  • Clear the airway by removing the object with pliers / tweezers - DO NOT push object farther down the throat.

If object is lodged too deep or if the pet collapses:

  • Place your hands on both sides of the animal's rib cage
  • Apply firm, quick pressure
  • Place the animal on its side
  • Strike the side of the rib cage firmly with the palm of your hand 3 or 4 times
  • Repeat this procedure until the object is dislodged

Diarrhea

  • WATER - keep animal well hydrated to prevent organ failure
  • DO NOT FEED for 12-24
  • NOTE: signs of straining may be diarrhea rather than constipation

Fractures

Symptoms:

  • Pain
  • Unable to use a limb
  • Limb appears to be at odd angle

Treatment:

  • Muzzle the pet
  • Look for bleeding - control bleeding
  • Watch for signs of shock.
  • DO NOT TRY TO SET THE FRACTURE by pulling or tugging on the limb.
  • See Veterinarian immediately if possible

Heatstroke

Symptoms:

  • Rapid / labored breathing
  • Vomiting
  • High body temperature
  • Collapse

Treatment:

COOL ANIMAL by:

  • Place the animal in a tub of cool water
  • Carefully soak the animal with a garden hose
  • Wrap it in a cool, wet towel.
Stop cooling when rectal temperature reaches 103 degrees Fahrenheit.

Poisoning

Symptoms:

  • Vomiting
  • Convulsions
  • Diarrhea
  • Salivation
  • Weakness
  • Depression
  • Pain

Treatment:

  • Record what the animal ingested and how much
  • Immediately call your veterinarian OR poison control
  • DO NOT induce vomiting.

NOTE: In case of toxins or chemicals on the skin from oils, paints, insecticides and other contact irritants, request directions and how to wash the toxin off.

Seizures

Symptoms:

  • Salivation
  • Loss of control of urine or stool
  • Violent muscle twitching
  • Loss of consciousness

Treatment:

  • Move animal away from objects that could be harmful during seizure
  • Use blanket for padding and protection
  • DO NOT restrain the pet during the seizure.
  • Time the seizure - NOTE: usually last only 2 to 3 minutes
  • Afterwards, keep the animal calm and quiet.

Shock

Symptoms:

  • Irregular breathing
  • Dilated pupils
  • NOTE: Shock may be from serious injury or fright
  • Keep the animal gently restrained, quiet, and warm, with the lower body elevated.

Vomiting

  • HYDRATE with ice cubes for two hours after vomiting stops
  • Slowly increase the amount of water and foods given over a 24-hour period.
  • DO NOT FEED for 12-24 hours

Muzzle Technique

  • Use a strip of soft cloth, rope, necktie, or nylon stocking
  • Wrap around the nose, under the chin and tie behind the ears
  • Be careful handling weak or injured pets - NOTE: normally docile pets will bite when in pain
  • Allow animal to pant after handling by loosening or removing the muzzle
  • DO NOT muzzle animal if vomiting

NOTE: Cats and small pets may be difficult to muzzle - A towel placed around the head will help control small pets.

Stretcher Technique

A door, board, blanket, or floor mat can be used to transport injured or weak animals.

 

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