Knowing a few basic animal first aid procedures can save your pet’s life, but remember that first aid is not a substitute for veterinary attention.
Toxic Exposure
Signs: Red Eyes, Whining, Pawing at Nose
– Call veterinarian immediately.
– Follow instructions on packaging for rinsing/decontamination.
– Keep product out of eyes, mouth or nose.
Poisoning
Signs: Vomiting, Diarrhea, Foaming at the Mouth, Gagging
– Call your veterinarian or Animal Poison Control Center hotline (888.426.4435)
– Identify name, description of the substance, the amount ingested and how much time has passed.
– Have the product container/packaging available for reference.
– Collect any material your pet may have vomited or chewed, and place it in a plastic seal-able bag to take to your vet.
Seizures
– Do not restrain the animal.
– Move objects out of the way that the animal could run into or injure itself with.
– Speak to the animal in loud, but reassuring tones.
– Time the seizure.
– Keep pet warm and quiet after seizure is over.
– Call veterinarian.
Choking
Signs: Difficulty Breathing, Choking Sounds, Blue Tinged Lips/Tongue
– Use caution – a choking pet is more likely to bite in his panic.
– If the pet can still breathe, keep it calm and get it to a veterinarian. If possible, have another person call the vet while you help your pet.
– Look into the pet’s mouth to see if a foreign object is visible.
– If you see an object, gently try to remove it with pliers or tweezers, but be careful not to push the object further down the throat. Don’t spend a lot of time trying to remove it if it’s not easy to reach – go to your vet.
– If you can’t remove the object or your pet collapses, lay your pet on its side and strike the rib cage firmly with the palm of your hand 3 – 4 times. Keep repeating this until the object is dislodged or until you arrive at the veterinarian’s office.
Heatstoke
Signs: Excessive Panting, Rapid Heart Rate
– Move the animal to a shaded are and out of direct sunlight.
– Place a cool, wet towel around its neck and head (Do not cover your pet’s eyes, mouth or nose)
– Remove the towel, wring it out, re-wet it and re-wrap it every few minutes as you cool the animal.
– Pour or use a hose to keep water running over the animal’s body (specially the abdomen and between the hind legs)
– Transport the pet to a veterinarian as soon as possible.
