The active and inquisitive nature of pets can get them involved in an accident within or outside the house. Every pet parent hopes that this does not happen but it is better to be prepared just in case. Most emergencies will require immediate veterinary attention but before that, the pet will need to be stabilized.
You might need a functioning first aid box in your home for some emergencies. Before attempting to offer any first aid, if the condition is such that is causing pain to the pet, you need to muzzle the dog. Usually, dogs going through pain tend to react by biting, even their parent.
Common pet emergencies and the required first aid care:
Choking: Open the mouth to see if you can pull out the object choking the pet. Be careful while at it so that you don’t push it deeper down the throat. You can use a plier or tweezer to dislodge the object. If you can’t see or remove the object, place your pet on the side and apply pressure with both hands on the other side. This is aimed at pushing out air from the lungs which could help push out the object from inside. Keep repeating this till the object is dislodged or until you get veterinary intervention.
External Bleeding/Wounds: Gently wash the area with normal saline or clean water (if the pet permits) to clean out the debris on the bleeding site. Use a sterile dressing or cotton pad to apply pressure on the site till the blood start clotting, then secure the pad with a bandage, a clean sock, or t-shirt till you get to the hospital.
Internal Bleeding: Pets that are bleeding from the mouth, nose, rectum, urinating blood, or generally pale should be kept in a warm and quiet environment till they are transported to the hospital.
Burns: Pet should be muzzled and the burn site flushed with a lot of water. In more severe cases, ice water should be used on the site.
Shock: This often occurs after an extreme fright or severe injury. The pet should be kept in a quiet and warm place. In an unconscious pet, keep the head at the same level as the body and transport him to the Vet immediately.
Heatstroke: Pet should be moved immediately to a shaded/cool area and out of direct sunlight. A cold or cool wet towel should be placed around the neck, head, abdomen, and between the thighs. The towel should be rewet regularly and reapplied. Do not fully dip your pet in water to avoid a sudden cold shock.
Car accident: Slide the pet into a towel or blanket. Don’t lift the animal by the body part. Visit the hospital immediately.
Poison: If you suspect your dog has inhaled or ingested a poison, withdraw food and visit the hospital immediately.
Seizures: An episode of seizure will generally last for about 3 mins. Ensure that the animal is safe during the episode and remove any object around the animal that could cause an injury.
