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Articles » Home-&-Family » Pets >> View Article
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| Pet First Aid |
By:
Debbie Foster |
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Do you have a 24 hour emergency veterinary clinic in your vicinity? Do you know how to get there? Many places don't have access to 24 hour pet health care, so what do you do if your dog cuts his paw? First aid classes for pets and pet first aid books are available through the Red Cross. Knowing some pet first aid helps.
Let's start with a simple cut on your pet's leg. Put direct pressure on the wound with clean gauze. Then, take a roll of gauze and wrap it tightly around the leg. Be sure it's secure but circulation is still good. Use the end of the gauze roll to make a knot. Have the knot over the wound so it can provide more pressure.
What about poisoning? If your pet has gotten into something toxic, the best thing to do is induce vomiting. When we use the word toxic, we tend to think of chemicals or medicines. But when we're talking about animals, there's several more things to consider as toxic. Things like garlic, chocolate, onions, grapes, raisins and even coffee grounds can be toxic. Always have these items stored away safely.
Would you be able to give CPR to a choking pet? There are a few differences based on the size of the dog as well as for cats. For medium to large dogs you lay the dog on its right side. Look for signs of breathing by the chest moving. Check for a pulse on the femoral artery of the rear legs. If there's no breathing, blow into the nostrils and then give three compressions pushing in two to three inches, then another breath. Repeat if necessary. For cats and small dogs you blow one breath into the nostrils and compress both sides of the chest in about one-half inch five times. Then repeat, if necessary.
Being aware of these first aid tips could be the difference in your pet's life. For further information on pet first aid, contact your local Red Cross. |
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