A scraped knee, stubbed toe, and cut finger are often inevitable parts of being human, which is why most people keep a first-aid kit at home. These problems are often minor and don’t require a trip to the doctor if you know how to care for them properly.
Pets face similar issues. It’s always wise to get advice from your vet, but knowing basic pet first-aid gives you extra tools to keep your furry friends happy and healthy.
Your Basic Pet First-Aid Kit
Knowing how to administer first aid to your dog or cat is essential, but you won’t get very far if you don’t have the right supplies. You can make it easy by purchasing a pet first-aid kit that comes fully equipped with everything you could possibly need, or get a basic one for minor mishaps.
It’s also a good idea to keep a larger, comprehensive kit at home and maintain a smaller first-aid travel kit when you’re on the go with your pet. When you hike with your dog or bring your pet on a road trip, having the right supplies for an emergency can make all the difference.
Whether you purchase a ready-made kit or plan to assemble your own, use this list to make sure you have what you need when it comes to first-aid for your pets. (If you have a first-aid kit for the humans in your home, you might discover that you have plenty of these items already.)
- Digital thermometer
- Extra leash and harness
- Gauze
- Clean towels
- Disposable gloves
- Blunt-tip scissors
- Self-adhering tape or bandage wraps
- Nonstick cloths or bandages
- Small flashlight
- Cotton balls and swabs
- Adhesive tape to secure gauze or bandages
- Tweezers
- Muzzle if you need to prevent your pet from biting (never muzzle a pet that is vomiting or choking)
- Eye dropper or no-needle syringe (to give your pet medication or to flush out wounds)
- Lubricating jelly
- Saline solution
- Extra pet waste bags or sealable plastic bags (in case you need to collect a sample quickly)
- Activated charcoal (used to absorb poison — only give to your pet if your vet or the animal poison helpline instructs you to do so)
- Pet-friendly antibiotic ointment
- Styptic powder (Helps stop bleeding from small wounds, used commonly during nail trims if a nail is cut too short)
- 3% hydrogen peroxide (your vet or the poison center may instruct you to use it to induce vomiting, however, never do so without explicit instructions to use it)
Keep a licking mat, chew toy, or an interactive treat toy near the kit. These items provide a distraction for your pet and give them a way to remain calm in a stressful situation.
In addition to these supplies, have a copy of your pet’s medical records, current medications, and the phone numbers for your vet and local emergency animal hospital displayed clearly. Other important information includes contact numbers for the Pet Poison HelplineⓇ (855-764-7661) or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435), local animal control, and your non-emergency police services.
What You Need to Know About First-Aid for Pets
It’s always in your and your pet’s best interest to contact your vet if your pet experiences any injury or major problem like heatstroke, choking, or a seizure. Although some minor issues, like a small cut, are easy to address quickly and confidently on your own, many are best checked out by a medical professional.
However, anytime your pet hurts themselves or experiences a health emergency, it’s necessary to take immediate action. Administer first-aid during or before the time you’re transporting your dog or cat to the vet or hospital to prevent further injury or worse.
Here are 11 common medical emergencies and the pet first-aid basics you need to know when they happen. No matter what the situation, seeking veterinary care is always a must when you need to perform first-aid.
Call your vet immediately to determine if you need to bring your dog or cat into the clinic. If you’re unsure about the severity of a situation, err on the side of caution and head to the vet. (Depending on the situation and how your pet reacts, be prepared to put a muzzle on your pet to protect yourself. However, don’t muzzle a pet that is choking or vomiting.)
1. Your Pet Ingests or Comes in Contact with Poison
Follow the instructions on the label for what the product recommends to do if the product comes in contact with your skin or eyes. For example, if it says to wash the area thoroughly with soap and water, do so. If your pet swallows something toxic, contact your vet or the emergency poison line immediately.
Be ready to tell them the type of poison, how much, and any symptoms your pet is experiencing. Bring a sample of the food or toxin with you to the vet, including anything your pet vomited. Do not give your pet anything to make them throw up unless a veterinarian specifically tells you to do so.
2. Your Pet Fractures or Breaks Something
Lay your pet on a flat surface, trying not to move the injured area. If you’re capable of splinting the affected body part do so, but if you’re uncertain, don’t. Poor splinting could make the problem worse. Keep your pet comfortable and contained on the way to the vet or animal hospital to prevent further injury.
3. Eye Injuries
If you notice something in your pet’s eye, flush with saline solution to try and remove it. Do not use your fingers or anything else to grab the object. Use a collar to prevent your pet from rubbing their eyes.
4. Minor Burns
Rinse the area with room temperature water and apply a damp towel to the area (room temp). Do not use ice or ice packs.
5. Your Pet Is Bleeding
Apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth to slow bleeding for at least three minutes before checking the area. If blood soaks through the cloth, apply more bandages on top instead of replacing it. Removing the towel could disrupt clotting.
If you notice signs of internal bleeding, such as bleeding from the nose, pale gums, or coughing up blood, keep your pet calm and warm to avoid shock. Other signs of internal bleeding are a rapid pulse, blood in the urine, and weakness or collapse.
6. Snake or Insect Bites
Most insect bites are harmless, but if you suspect a bee sting, spider bite, or something similar, apply a cold compress to the area. Watch your pet for signs of a reaction as you call your vet and transport your pet for care. If you see a stinger, use a credit card or fingernail to scrape the stinger away. Don’t try to pull it out with your fingers.
If a snake bites your pet, take a photo if possible to identify the snake and bring your pet in for a thorough check. Always assume the snake is poisonous instead of guessing or wasting time trying to find the information. You don’t want to delay any necessary treatment.
7. Your Pet Has Heatstroke
Move your dog or cat to a cool, shady spot. Use a fan if one is available. Apply towels soaked in room temperature water to their groin, neck, and armpits. Wet the towels every few minutes to keep them cool, but not cold.
8. Your Dog or Cat Goes Into Shock
Use blankets to keep your pet warm, and keep them calm. Keep your pet’s head level if they are unconscious.
9. Your Pet Stops Breathing or Has No Pulse
When your pet stops breathing, open their mouth and gently pull their tongue forward to look inside their throat. Use a flashlight to help you see if any foreign objects are present. If so, remove it if possible.
If your pet still isn’t breathing, hold their mouth closed and breathe into their nose. Watch their chest to make sure it expands. Provide ten breaths per minute until your pet breathes on their own or you reach the animal hospital.
If your dog or cat has no pulse, perform the rescue breaths, then add these steps for pet CPR.
10. If Your Pet Has a Seizure
Don’t restrain your pet, but move any objects out of the way to prevent injury. Time the seizure and monitor your pet. Your vet will want to know the frequency and duration of the episodes. Keep your pet warm following the seizure.
11. Your Dog or Cat Is Choking
If you can see the object and remove it easily, do so, but be wary of pushing it further down your pet’s throat. It’s possible to dislodge the item in smaller cats and dogs by picking them up by the thighs and swinging them gently. If that doesn’t work, apply pressure to the abdomen, pushing forward, just below the ribcage.
For larger dogs, if they can get in an upright position, perform the Heimlich by placing fists below their ribcage and pushing up and forward. For prone dogs, put one hand on their back and use the other to push the abdomen upward.
First-Aid Basics Every Pet Parent Needs to Know
These first-aid basics and a stocked pet first-aid kit are essential things to have on hand when you’re a pet parent. Keep the kit in an accessible place and let everyone in the home know where it is. Check out the rest of the Neater Pets blog to learn more ways to take care of your fur babies, and be prepared for every situation.
