In the UK and many other countries, April is National Pet First Aid Awareness Month. The goal is to teach pet owners how to handle emergencies and administer basic first aid before access to expert veterinarian treatment.
Why it is important
Pet first aid is essential because it can help keep minor injuries from worsening and save your pet's life in an emergency. First aid knowledge can save your pet's life, and prompt treatment can stabilize them before you can take them to the veterinarian. Deathly scenarios can be avoided by being aware of CPR and choking response as well as in situations where prompt medical attention is essential, such as heatstroke, convulsions, or poisoning.
Understanding first aid helps stop minor wounds from getting worse and lowers the risk of infection by cleaning and treating them. By knowing how to treat a sprain or broken limb, additional harm can be avoided. First aid can help reduce pain and discomfort before your pet receives expert care. Knowing what to do in an emergency also lessens panic and helps you remain composed and move quickly. With increased knowledge of pet first aid, you'll know when to visit the veterinarian right away and when to treat at home.
The knowledge could be crucial when travelling or engaging in outdoor activities because medical attention might not always be readily available when hiking, backpacking, or camping. Your pet will be safe in far-off places if you have a first aid kit and know what to do.
Pet first aid kit
The importance of a pet first aid kit is equal to that of a human one. Being ready can make all the difference in your pet's health and possibly save their life because accidents and emergencies can happen at any time.
Burns, bites, poisoning, injuries, and other crises can occur when you least expect them. A fully kitted first aid kit enables you to take immediate action before you reach a veterinarian. Basic care, even for a short while, can keep problems from growing worse and having the appropriate resources at your disposal keeps you composed and self-assured. In an emergency, you already have what you need, so you don't have to rush to obtain supplies.
Essentials for a first aid kit:
Bandages and gauze - can be used to cover wounds
Antiseptic wipes - to clean wounds
Tweezers - to extract ticks or splinters
Thermometer - to check for fever (normal temperature for dogs and cats is 38–39°C)
Saline Solution suitable for pets - for cleaning wounds and eyes
Hydrogen peroxide - can be used only as directed by a veterinarian; in poisoning situations, it causes vomiting.
Muzzle or soft towel - when hurt, even the most friendly and calm pet can bite
Vet contact information - emergency numbers saved on your phone
Knowing pet basic first aid procedures
Before professional veterinary care is accessible, knowing how to handle crises can save your pet.
Choking
Symptoms include gagging, collapse, breathing difficulties, and pawing at the lips. The first approach would be to look for any visible obstructions in the mouth and, if it's safe, try using tweezers to remove it. Consider the Heimlich manoeuvre, which involves holding the pet upside down and applying hard pressure behind the ribs, if the choking persists, however, it is important to note that performing it incorrectly can cause harm. For large pets, push forward and upward with your hands slightly below the ribs. If it doesn't work, get emergency veterinary attention immediately.
Poisoning
Removing your pet's access to the poison is the first step if they do become poisoned, even by ordinary poisons like chocolate, onions, grapes, antifreeze, pharmaceuticals, deadly plants, or anything else. Call your veterinarian or animal poison helpline right away and do not induce vomiting unless directed by a veterinarian. Rinse well with water and consult a veterinarian if poison is on the skin.
Bleeding (external wounds)
You can stop bleeding by applying direct pressure with a clean cloth if your pet has cuts, bites, or broken nails.
Use a bandage or gauze wrap to stop bleeding, and if at all feasible, raise the damaged area. Immediately visit the veterinarian if the bleeding is serious and persists.
Broken bones or fractures
Limping, swelling, visible bone, and resistance to movement are all indicators of cracked and broken bones. Keep your pet as motionless as you can and do not attempt to reset the bone. To provide support, gently cover the injured leg with a towel, then carefully transfer it to the veterinarian.
Burns (heat or chemical)
Hot surfaces, fires, boiling water, and chemicals could all be the cause. Using cold water or a moist cloth to cool the area would be the first approach, but never use ice. If you have a chemical burn, cover it with a non-stick dressing and rinse the area well with water, and seek veterinary attention.
Seizures
They could be recognized by twitching, drooling, losing consciousness, or paddling legs. To avoid harm, keep your pet cool and move objects away. Avoid putting anything in the pet's mouth or attempting to hold it down. Note the length of the seizure and get veterinarian help.
Heatstroke
Excessive panting, drooling, weakness, vomiting, or even collapse would be symptoms. Moving the pet to a cool, shaded area would be the first step. Give them tiny quantities of water to drink and wet their fur with cool water—not ice-cold. Then take right to a veterinarian.
Hypothermia
Lethargy, shivering, weakness, and cold ears or paws are some of the symptoms. Moving the pet to a warm location, covering them with warm blankets (a hairdryer or other direct heat source should not be used), and providing warm water for them to drink would be the first course of action. For serious situations, seek veterinary care.
Eye injuries
Squinting, excessive tearing, redness, and swelling are among the symptoms. Avoid touching or allowing your pet to rub their eye if they have an eye injury. Use a pet-safe saline solution to flush if there is debris. Go to the veterinarian and cover with a fresh, moist cloth.
CPR
You should only administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if your pet is unconscious, not breathing, and has no pulse. The first step is to call your pet's name and give them a gentle shake to see if they are responding; if they are not, they are unconscious. If they don't react when you touch their paws or press on their toe pads, they are not responding. Examining the chest to determine whether it is rising or dropping would be the second step. Feel for breath with your palm close to their mouth or nose, or check a mirror for fogging. Proceed to the following step if there is no breathing for ten seconds. Finding your pet's pulse in the femoral artery, which is located inside the hind leg in small dogs and cats, would be the third step. Feel the area slightly behind the elbow on the chest of medium and large dogs. CPR is required if you are unable to detect a pulse within ten seconds. Start CPR right away (rescue breaths with chest compressions) if there is no pulse or breathing. If there is a pulse but no breathing, simply administer rescue breaths. Get to a veterinarian as quickly as you can while doing CPR.
If your pet is still breathing or has a pulse, if they are alert and responsive, or if you are not sure, do not conduct cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) as this can be harmful.
Conclusion
Having the proper first aid kit and being knowledgeable on pet first aid are not merely 'nice-to-haves'; they are essential for saving your pet's life.
Similar to humans, pets may experience unexpected mishaps like burns, bites, or poisoning from food, plants, or chemicals; choking or difficulty breathing; seizures or fainting; or wounds, scrapes, or bleeding. It can mean the difference between life and death to know what to do in the initial few minutes.
