How to Provide First Aid to Your Pet

Providing first aid to your pet can make a huge difference in the outcome of an injury or accident involving your furry family member. Having a first aid kit specifically for your pet will enable you to be prepared to help him in an urgent situation. Learning to give animal CPR is also useful, you can usually find a Red Cross Pet CPR class by checking the Red Cross Web Site. Being prepared can save your pet's life and your emotional well being.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pet First Aid Kit
• Muzzle
• Splints (may improvise with sticks or even magazines)
• Tools for transport-crate, blanket, lumber, rug
• Phone number for 24 hour pet hospital

1. Be prepared with a pre assembled pet medical supply kit. You may include- muzzle, slip lead, vet wrap, gauze rolls and pads, cotton, cotton swabs, rectal thermometer, water based lubricant, antibiotic cream, calamine lotion, petroleum jelly, antiseptic solution, pliers, tweezers, bandage scissors, eye dropper, saline eyewash, towels, pillow, and tube socks and a pencil.

2. You might also include a card in your first aid kit that has the number to your normal veterinarian and a the number of a 24 hour veterinary hospital.

3. A card with basic information about normal pet vital signs can be helpful as well. Dogs normal temperature is 101-102.5 normal heart rate is 70-160 beats per minute normal respiration is 10-30 breaths per minute. For cats the normal temperature is 101-102.5, normal heart rate is 160-240 beats per minute, normal respiration is 20-30 breaths per minute.

4. Muzzle (or swaddle a cat) your pet if he is in distress, the most mild mannered pet will bite when he is in pain or terrified. Take your pet's temperature with the rectal thermometer, write down the number.

5. Check heart rate by placing your hand on your pet's chest just behind her elbow. Count your pet's breaths by watching the rise and fall of her ribs. Count each of these rates for fifteen seconds and then multiply the number by four to calculate the rates. Write them down on the card

6. If your pet needs CPR- clear the mouth and windpipe. Hold his tongue outside of his mouth and close his mouth. Hold his mouth closed and breath 5 breaths into both nostrils. Repeat is he does not resume breathing. Breaths per minute is determined by weight 1-10 lbs. (consider using a straw) 30 breaths per minute, 11 to 60 pounds 16-20 breaths per minute, over 60 pounds 12 breaths per minute. It is highly recommended that you learn this technique in a clas taught by the Red Cross.

7. Heart compressions will be necessary if your pet's heart is not beating. Depress chest 1.5 to 3 inches with one or both hands. If pet is under 5 lbs place ahnds around rib cage and massage heart gently. Compressions per minute are based on weight. 5-10 lbs. 120-140 compressions per minute, 11-60 lbs. 80-100 compressions per minute, 60lbs. and up 60 compressions per minute. It is highly recommended that you learn this technique in a clas taught by the Red Cross.

8. Bleeding injuries require immediate attention is the blood is bright red and spurting. This is an arterial bleed, it is hard to stop and needs veterinary attention right away. Other types of bleeding may be stopped by placing guaze over the wound and applying compression for five minutes. Clean wound with soapy water and wrap once bleeding has stopped.

9. Heatstroke is dangerous and will require vigilant temperature monitoring. Move your pet to a shady or coll area and bathe in TEPID water. Once your pet's temperature is down to 103 degrees you may dry her and transport to the veterinarian.

10. If your dog is limping, and you suspect a fracture--use a magazine or sticks to stabilize limb. Hold the temporary splint in place with bandage material and see vet immediately.

11. Wasp stings wash with vinegar or lemon juice. Bee stings- apply baking soda and water paste. Treat swelling with a cold pack, and hydrocortisone cream.

Tips & Warnings

• Muzzle your pet is necessary
• Keep your face away from your pet
• Wrap small dogs and cats
• Call the vet and let him know you are on your way
• Do not talk to your pet, your voice will tell him you are anxious
• Do not hug your pet

[dawnzlight]

on 11/12/2007 Good article!