First Aid Tips for Pet Owners

The following are some tips that will help you deal with minor problems your pet may have.  Please remember to contact your veterinarian once you have administered first aid, just as you would for a human.  Also, always call before you head off to your vet's office - if you do not, they will not know to expect you, and might not be able to help your pet as quickly.  Also consider taking the Red Cross Pet First Aid class that is being offered in many areas now so you will be prepared in case you ever need to be.

Is it an emergency?

Many times, we have to help determine this for pet owners.  Here are some guidelines we often use.  First, is your pet still active and alert?  Is your pet well-hydrated (see below)?  Is your pet's appetite still good?  Can you find a pulse on your pet?  Are the mucous membranes (gums, insides of eyelids) pink?  If you answer no to any of these questions, your pet probably needs attention immediately.  If all these questions are answered yes, you may still want advice on your pet's condition.

How do I tell if my pet is dehydrated?

(This is for dogs, cats and other mammals; not useful for birds and reptiles)
There are three things you need to check to see if your pet's hydration and circulation are good.  Do these on a regular basis so you will be able to tell what normal is like.  First, pull up the skin between your pet's shoulders so it is like a tent and then let it go.  Does the skin pop right back to normal, or does it slowly sink into place?  Second, lift up your pet's lip and look at the gums.  Are they wet and moist, or are they dry and tacky?  Are the gums pink or are they pale, purple or blue (this does not apply to black-gummed animals like chows and some other breeds--instead, look on the inside of the eyelids)?  Finally, let's test the circulation.  Place your finger on the gum over the big upper canine tooth for a second or two, and then remove your finger.  The gum will be white at first.  Does the color return to pink in less than two seconds, or does it take longer than that?  If you answer yes to the first part of each of these questions, your pet is doing well.  If no, you should call your veterinarian.

Common Problems:

Cuts:  Apply direct pressure to stop bleeding.  You can clean the wound with a small amount of peroxide (too much will dry the wound and inhibit healing).  Once the wound is clean, you can apply triple antibiotic ointment once or twice a day.  If blood loss continues despite direct pressure, call your veterinarian and discuss the need for treatment.  Large wounds may require sutures, but this must be done within 24 hours of injury.

Choking or not Breathing:  If still gagging or coughing, watch to see if you pet can clear its airway on its own.  If your pet is not breathing, 1) Touch eyeball and see if there is a response; 2) Examine mouth for something blocking the airway (pull the tongue forward); 3) Close your pet's mouth, cup his or her nostrils in your hand and breath in; 4) Call your veterinarian.

Diarrhea:  If your pet is still active and appetite is still good, try a bland diet such as boiled chicken and plain rice (no salt or butter) or baby food (check the label to make sure there is no onion in it).  For dogs, try 1/2 teaspoon Pepto Bismol per 10 pounds of body weight.  Cats should never have Pepto because it is similar to aspirin and may cause death.  If diarrhea has not resolved in 24 hours, or if there is blood present, contact your veterinarian.

Vomiting:  Try bland food (as above).  Search the house for any missing or broken toys, socks, or other things your pet may have eaten--if you find something, call your veterinarian.  For cats, offer hairball preventative.  If pet vomits more than once, or if your pet stops eating, call your veterinarian.  If vomiting in a dog is accompanied by swelling of the abdomen, this may be a sign of bloat or torsion of the stomach, which is a medical emergency.  Call right away, and be ready to head out the door.

Bee Stings:  Apply cool compress to the area.  For dogs, you can give Benedryl (one 25 mg tablet for dogs 25 pounds and over; 1 teaspoon per 12 pounds for smaller dogs).  Do not use Benedryl in cats.
Snake Bite:  Same as for bee sting, but call your veterinarian for additional treatment.

Vaccine Reaction:  Facial swelling or difficulty breathing within 2-3 hours of receiving vaccine can happen.   Call your veterinarian immediately.

Hit by Car (or other trauma):  Muzzle the animal, even if you know the animal and it is usually easy to deal with.  A painful animal may bite out of fear.  Use a shoestring if you do not have a muzzle.  If your pet cannot walk, use a blanket or a stretcher.  Use direct pressure to stop any bleeding.  Call your veterinarian before heading in for treatment.