Pets are naturally curious and active, which means injuries and emergencies are inevitable. Knowing how to administer first aid can significantly affect your pet’s treatment outcome, and possibly save their life. Our Bartow Animal Clinic team’s guide to basic pet first aid covers when to administer assistance, basic principles, what a first aid kit should include, and where to learn more.

When to administer pet first aid

First aid can help you stabilize an injured pet before transporting them to our veterinary clinic or a local veterinary emergency facility. Notably, home first aid does not replace professional veterinary medical care, but instead, can reduce distress and help ensure better treatment outcomes for injured pets or those in an emergency situation. Knowing how to administer first aid and planning for the unexpected can also help you stay calm and collected in an emergency, allowing you to handle the situation more effectively. Example situations where first aid may be necessary include bleeding, choking, poisoning, fractures, burns, or seizures. 

Basic pet first aid principles

Knowing pet first aid basics can help you respond effectively in an emergency. Staying calm is crucial, as your pet will feed off your reactions, and calming them down will be difficult if you appear distressed. When your pet is injured, assess the situation to determine severity and prioritize injuries. Understand that injured and stressed pets may bite, so move cautiously and use a muzzle if needed. Then, take action to stabilize each injury, which may include:

  • Applying direct pressure with a clean cloth or gauze to control bleeding.
  • Assessing breathing and heart rate and performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), if necessary. 
  • Creating a splint or thick bandage to immobilize injured limbs. 
  • Making a stretcher or backboard to transport unconscious, immobile, or critically injured pets.
  • Calling our team for assistance.

Where to learn pet first aid

You should perform the first aid actions listed above only if you have received the proper training and feel comfortable doing so. Do not attempt CPR on pets without first becoming certified. Several organizations, including the American Red Cross, offer online and in-person first aid courses that typically cover CPR, wound care, and handling various emergencies. You can also purchase books and online materials to learn on your own.

How to make a pet first aid kit

A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for addressing pet emergencies. You can purchase a pre-made kit or stock your own, which should include the following essentials:

  • Adhesive tape and bandages
  • Sterile gauze pads and rolls
  • Antiseptic skin wipes, solution, and cream
  • Sterile saline
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Tweezers
  • Blunt-ended scissors
  • Digital thermometer
  • Antihistamines
  • Muzzle
  • Disposable gloves
  • Emergency contact numbers, including poison control

Example pet first aid scenarios

Here are a few examples of pet emergencies and what you should do in each scenario before seeking veterinary care:

  • Choking—Gently open your pet’s mouth to check for obstructions, removing visible objects if that’s possible without your pet biting down. If a small object is lodged in the airway, perform the Heimlich maneuver by applying gentle pressure below the ribcage on small pets. For larger pets, you can use a bit more force.
  • Poisoning — Identify and collect details about the ingested substance and immediately contact a poison control line. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a veterinary professional. 
  • Burns — Flush the affected area with cool water for several minutes, allow the area to dry, and then cover with a sterile, non-adherent bandage.
  • Seizures — Do not try to restrict a seizing pet’s movements, and avoid going near the mouth. Gently push pets away from dangerous or sharp objects to a flat surface. Time the seizure and take note of your pet’s behavior immediately afterward.
  • Trauma — Significant falls or hit-by-car trauma can cause internal and external injuries. Carefully move injured pets by keeping them flat on a blanket or board. Recruit a helper to sit near them and discourage movement during transportation.

Preparation is key to remaining calm in an emergency. Learning to administer first aid can empower pet owners to stabilize their furry pal while en route to our Bartow Animal Clinic or a nearby emergency hospital, thus improving the chances of a good outcome. Contact us if your pet becomes injured or ill, for help with building your first aid kit, or to learn more about local first aid classes.