Pet First Aid for Common Emergencies

Being prepared for emergencies and other eventualities that may arise with your furry friend is essential as a pet owner. To achieve this, you must learn basic pet first aid techniques. These can help provide immediate care until you can get your furry friend to a veterinarian. Here are six common pet emergencies and how to handle them:

Pet Bleeding

In this case, press directly on the injury using a sterile bandage or cloth. Lifting the wound above the heart helps slow the bleeding. Seek assistance from your pet's doctor if the blood flowing out is severe or does not stop within a few minutes.

Pet Choking

Choking can be fatal. Try removing the object choking your pet by opening its mouth gently. Next, use your fingers to remove any noticeable obstructions. If this does not work, give your pet a sharp blow between the shoulder blades or perform the Heimlich maneuver. Seek immediate veterinarian care if your pet cannot breathe and is still choking.

Pet Seizures

You should keep your animal companion from injuring themselves if they are experiencing a seizure. You can do this by moving any nearby objects out of the way. More importantly, do not try to restrain them or put anything in their mouth.

Instead, keep them calm and quiet until the seizure has passed. However, seek medical attention from your veterinarian if the seizure lasts longer than five minutes or if they experience multiple seizures in a row.

Pet Poisoning

Call your pet doctor or a poison control unit immediately if you suspect your furry friend has ingested something poisonous. Avoid inducing vomiting unless directed to do so by a pet care professional. If your pet is having seizures or is unconscious, seek veterinary care immediately.

Pet Burns

If your furry friend suffers burns, start emergency treatment by flushing the area. To do this, use cool water directly on it for no less than 10 minutes. Avoid applying any ointments or ice to the burned area. Cover the wound with a sterile bandage and seek veterinary care.

Pet Heatstroke

Hot summers can be difficult for your pet. They can exhibit signs of heatstroke, like

• Excessive panting

• Drooling

• Vomiting

If this is the case, move them to a cool place immediately. Apply cool water to their body, especially around the head and neck. Avoid using ice-cold water, as it can worsen the situation. Seek veterinary care immediately.

Conclusion

Being prepared for pet emergencies is crucial for pet owners. Familiarizing yourself with pet first aid techniques and knowing when to seek veterinary care is imperative. But these techniques are not a replacement for professional veterinary care.

However, they are essential for immediate care until your pet receives medical attention. Just stay calm and take immediate action. Call your pet doctor or take your pet to the clinic for comprehensive treatment. Also, do more research on your beloved pet to help ensure their health and safety. As part of your family, your pet deserves all the medical care you can give them, including pet first aid.

For more on pet first aid, visit Greenwood Village Veterinary Clinic at our office in Greenwood Village, Colorado. Call (303) 771-6304 to book an appointment today.