Pet First Aid Tips You Need to Know
Want to be prepared for any situation and keep your pet safe and healthy? Check out these tips.
- Never leave your pet in the car. We know, we know – it’s tempting to leave Fido in the car while you run some errands, but this can be very dangerous. Cars heat up quickly, even when the windows are rolled down. He could get dehydrated. Don’t do this in the winter, either (trust us, it’s just as bad). No matter how much he might love rides, keep him at home in the air conditioning. It’s better in the long run.
- Keep your dog on a leash. When you’re out on your daily stroll, never let your pet loose and allow him to run ahead of you, especially in a high traffic area. He could easily run into the road and get hit by a car.
- Don’t share human food. Some pets can’t get enough of food, whining and crying if you so much as open the fridge door. Don’t give your pet French fries, cake, candy, garlic, chocolate, pizza, or any other food meant for humans. Not only is this bad for your pet’s health, but many foods are poisonous for animals.
What to Put in a First Aid Kit
- Ice pack
- Disposable gloves
- Leash (you might need to transport your pet in a hurry, this will eliminate any chances of a runaway)
- Adhesive tape
- Gauze
- List of emergency numbers (your vet, family members and friends who can assist you, etc.)
- Cotton balls
- Towels
- Treats and extra food (you never know when you might find yourself running low on food and unable to run to the store)
- Copies of medical records
Signs It’s Serious: How do you know when your dog is in trouble and you need to call the vet or emergency clinic? Look for these signs:
- Bloody stool
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Excessive drooling
- Inability to stand up or walk
- Excessive drinking
- Lack of appetite
- Seizures
- Irregular heartbeat
- Nosebleeds
- Bruising
- Inability to sit still
- Blue gums
If you think something is wrong, don’t wait. Especially in the case of poisoning, the situation won’t fix itself. Never try to induce vomiting or use human medicine to help your pet without a vet’s permission – this will make things worse. No matter what, try to stay calm so you won’t make any hasty mistakes.
