Pet First Aid

If you are a parent, then you know how handy a first aid kit can be to take care of a skinned knee or splinter in the finger.  What would you do however if your dog came into the house with a bloody paw because he tore his toe nail or had a puncture wound from running into a branch on a bush or tree? 

 

 

Photo from www.organicsurvivalistsite.com

 

I thought a blog on Pet First Aid might be handy information for you to keep on hand.  With the rescue work we do we have seen our fair share of pet injuries.  I remember when we first started our rescue work.  I would freak when a dog came in with a bloody paw and off to the vet we would go.  Usually it was something I could have taken care of at home and saved the cost of the vet visit.  Over the years our vet has taught us a lot about taking care of injuries.  My husband has also become an avid researcher and often will treat a dog exactly the same way our vet would.

 

 

Photo from www.doggenie.com

 

So what are some things you should keep on hand for a first aid kit for your pets?

• Pet First Aid Book
• Gauze pads and rolls
• Adhesive tape or vet wrap (like an ace bandage that sticks to itself)
• Antibiotic ointment
• Peroxide
• Cotton balls and swabs
• Ice pack
• Stethoscope
• Digital thermometer
• Corn Starch (to stop bleeding if you cut a toe nail or trimmed a beak too short)
• Disposable gloves.
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• A Muzzle
• Towels
• A blanket
• A pillow case (for confining and treating a cat)
• Ear cleaning solution
• Pen light or small flash light

These items will help you do basic first aid and stabilize a pet that does need to make a trip to the vet.  You might also check with your vet to see what items you should have on hand for your specific pet.  You could also purchase a first aid kit at your local pet store.  You might also check to see if your community or vet has education on pet CPR.

 

Photo from www.aplaceforpaws.com

 

As well as a first aid kit you should have the following phone numbers at hand in case of an emergency.

• Your vet
• Closest Emergency Vet
• Pet Poison Hotline – 888-426-4435

Depending on the injury, sometimes you can treat it at home.  A small cut or torn toe nail can be cleaned and wrapped with the dressing changed daily until it heals.  Keep an eye on it though and if it shows signs of infection, contact your vet.

 

Photo from cats.lovetoknow.com

 

Other more serious injuries can be stabilized until you get to the vet. The American Veterinary Medical Association offers some great tips on basic first aid.  I urge all my readers to take a few moments right now to read this.  You never know when this information will come in handy and in an emergency you aren’t going to have time to look online.

 

 

Every pet owner should have basic education on first aid care for their pets.  It could make a difference in saving your pets life.  So please take the time to read the link above and put together a first aid kit.

Be Well & Be Happy,

Pet~Pourri