Pet First Aid Tips

It’s every pet owner’s worst nightmare–their pet has gotten into something he shouldn’t, or is injured, and they don’t know what to do. It’s important to be aware of common accidents and injuries pets can face in their own home, and how you can treat their injuries and illnesses. Here are some simple pet first aid tips that will help you stay prepared.

Have Key First Aid Items on Hand

Use a pet first aid checklist to make sure that you have key first aid items on hand, all in one place, and you always know where they are. The most important items are:

● Non-stick, sterile bandages and gauze

● Tweezers

● Adhesive tape for bandages or gauze

● Activated charcoal

● Milk of magnesia

● Hydrogen peroxide 3%

● Eyedropper, oral syringe, or turkey baster

● Digital thermometer

● Muzzle

● Ice pack

● Antibiotic spray or ointment

● Alcohol wipes

● Saline eye solution and artificial tear gel

● Styptic powder

Know How to Stop Bleeding and Induce Vomiting

You should know basic pet first aid, including how to stop bleeding and induce vomiting. To stop bleeding, use a clean, thick gauze pad to cover the wound and apply pressure until the blood starts clotting. For minor bleeding or if the gauze doesn’t work, use styptic powder. For major bleeding, use a tourniquet and take your pet to the emergency veterinarian immediately. Do not use a tourniquet for more than 60 min. For poisoning, call your veterinarian for steps to induce vomiting. First call poison control, and then follow up with your veterinarian immediately afterwards. 

Recognize Pet Emergencies 

You should be aware of the warning signs of a pet emergency that requires professional medical attention from a veterinarian. Watch out for:

● Bloated or swollen abdomen

● Trouble breathing, extreme coughing, or choking

● Severe pain

● Seizures

● Trouble walking

● Disorientation, dizziness, or loss of consciousness

● Uncontrollable vomiting or diarrhea 

● Injury or inflammation of eye

If your pet is suffering from an emergency and needs more than simple at-home first aid, please bring him to an emergency veterinary hospital as soon as possible.

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