You likely know what to do if you experience a minor injury, but do you know how to help your pet if they get hurt? Our first aid guide will prepare you to care for your furry friend until he/she can be evaluated by our veterinary team.
First aid kit
Every pet owner should have a fully stocked first aid kit available at a moment’s notice. Keep supplies in a small, sturdy container, like a toolbox, and ensure every household member knows where it is kept. Your kit should contain:
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Dose syringe or turkey baster
- Antibacterial soap
- Grease-cutting dish detergent, such as Dawn®
- Rubbing alcohol
- Digital thermometer
- Water-based lubricant, such as KY Jelly®
- Antihistamine recommended by our veterinarian
- Triple antibiotic ointment, such as Neosporin®
- Styptic powder or pencil
- Tick remover or tweezers
- Muzzle
- Latex gloves
- Sterile saline solution
- Leash or carrier
- Cotton balls or swabs
- Sterile gauze pads
- Instant cold pack
- Bandage material (cast padding, ace bandage, gauze wrap)
- Bandage tape
- Scissors
- Vaccination records
- A recent photograph of your pet
- Important phone numbers (ASPCA Animal Poison Control: 888-426-4435; our phone number: 425-255-8676, emergency veterinarian, local police department)
Inventory your first aid kit monthly. Replenish used materials and replace expired products.
Bleeding
If your pet is actively bleeding, carefully apply firm, steady pressure to the wound with gauze pads for several minutes. Be cautious, because pets who are feeling pain may be more likely to bite. After bleeding has stopped, remove the gauze and examine the wound. You can rinse the area with sterile saline, but don’t wipe the blood away, because you will remove the clot that has formed. If the wound is small and superficial, dry it and apply antibiotic ointment.
If the wound is deep, large, or has gaping edges, rinse it quickly, if possible, bandage it and seek help from us immediately. If stitches are needed, they must be placed within hours, because wound edges will not adhere to each other once they begin healing.
Burns
If your pet is burned and the burn appears to be minor, run the affected area under cool running water for 20 minutes. If you don’t have access to cool water, apply a cool compress to the area. Do not apply ointments, as this can lead to infection. Seek veterinary care immediately, as many burns require prescription medications to heal without becoming infected.
Bug bites
Pets often try to eat insects, so check your pet’s face and mouth for a small bump or a stinger if you think she’s been bitten. To remove a stinger, scrape a hard, plastic object like a credit card over her skin. Don’t try to remove it with tweezers or your fingers, because you can squeeze more poison into your pet.
Dogs and cats can be allergic to bug bites. After removing a stinger, monitor your pet closely for signs of an allergic reaction, which can include:
- Hives
- Swelling, especially of the lips, eyes, and face
- Vomiting
- Difficulty breathing
- Sudden collapse
If you notice signs of an allergic reaction, call us at 425-255-8676 to discuss next steps and to assess if your pet needs to brought in to be seen immediately.
Broken toenail
Toenails often catch on something or are trimmed too short accidentally. If the quick (the blood vessels and nerves in the nail’s center) is exposed, the nail will bleed and be painful. If your pet has torn her toenail, wrap the hurt foot in gauze and bring them on, because a local anesthetic or sedation may be needed to safely remove the dangling nail and treat the exposed nerve. For a nail trimmed too short, pack styptic powder into the exposed tip or apply a styptic pencil to stop the bleeding.
Toxin ingestion
Animals are notorious for eating toxic products. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Animal Poison Control Center, the toxins most commonly ingested in 2019 were:
- Over-the-counter medications
- Human prescription medications
- Toxic foods
- Chocolate
- Veterinary products and medications
- Household items, such as paint, glue, and cleaners
It isn’t only sad but also surprising that toxins most commonly ingested in 2018 included same items as top 5.
Please learn about potential toxins so you would know when to ask for help if your pet ingested one of these. If your pet has ingested a potential toxin, call ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435, or call us to see if it’s safe to induce vomiting. We can help guide you if it was possible to do so safely or will help suggest next steps to bring pet the our hospital for follow-up care to ensure all of the toxin was eliminated.
If you have questions about administering first aid in any situation to your pet, please call us at 425-255-8676.