FIRST AID 

FOR YOUR PET

Any first aid administered to your pet should be followed by immediate veterinary care. First aid care is not a substitute for veterinary care, but it may save your pet's life until it receives veterinary treatment.

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BLEEDING

Press a clean, thick gauze pad over the wound, and keep pressure over it with your hand until the blood starts clotting. It will often take several minutes for the clot to be strong enough to stop the bleeding. Instead of checking it every few seconds to see if it has clotted, hold pressure on it for a minimum of 3 minutes and then check. If the bleeding is severe and on the legs, apply a tourniquet (using an elastic band or gauze) between the wound the the body, and apply a bandage and pressure over the wound. Loosen the tourniquet for 20 seconds every 15-20 minutes. Severe bleeding can quickly be life-threatening--get your pet to a veterinarian immediately if this occurs.

FRACTURES

Gently lay your pet on a flat surface for support. Consult with a veterinarian ASAP. While transporting your injured pet to a veterinarian, use a stretcher. You can use a board or other firm surface as a stretcher, or use a through rug or blanket as a sling. If possible, secure your pet to the stretcher for transport--this may be as simple as wrapping a blanket around it. Make sure you don't put pressure on the injured area or on your pet's chest.

HEATSROKE

Pets can succumb to heatstroke very easily and must be treated very quickly to give them the best chance of survival. If you cannot immediately get your pet to a veterinarian, move it to a shaded area and out of direct sunlight. Place a cool or cold, wet towel around its neck and head, making sure not to cover your pet's eyes, nose or mouth. Remove the towel, wring it out, and rewet and rewrap it every few minutes as you cool your pet. Transport your pet to a veterinarian as soon as possible.

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POISON

If you know your pet has consumed something that may be harmful, or if the animal is having seizures, losing consciousness, is unconscious, or is having difficulty breathing, immediately telephone your veterinarian, emergency veterinary clinic, or the Pet Poison Hotline (855)764-7661. 

If possible, have the following information available:

• Species, breed, age, sex, weight, and number of animals involved
• Symptoms
• Name/description of the substance that is in question, the amount the animal was exposed to, and the length of time of the exposure (i.e., how long it's been since your pet ate it or was exposed to it).
• Product container/packaging for reference

Collect any material your pet may have vomited or chewed and place it in a plastic sealable bag to take with you when you bring your pet in for veterinary treatment.

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SEIZURES

Keep your pet away from any objects (including furniture) that might hurt it. Do not try to restrain your pet during the seizure as there is a risk of accidental biting during/immediately after the seizure. Contact a veterinarian immediately if a seizure occurs. If a seizure lasts longer than five minutes or your animal has had more than one seizure in a 24 hour period emergency veterinary care should be immediately sought. 

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SHOCK

Shock can occur for many reasons including a significant injury, heat stroke, internal bleeding, or heart disease. Symptoms include weak pulse, weakness/unable to walk, difficulty breathing. Keep your pet restrained, warm, and quiet. If your pet is unconscious, be sure to keep its head level with the rest of its body. Transport your pet immediately to a veterinarian.