Bite Wounds
Approach your pet slowly to avoid getting bit. It may be necessary to muzzle the animal. Check the wound for contamination or debris. If significant debris is present, then clean the area with a large amount of saline or water if saline is not available. Wrap the wound to keep it clean. Apply pressure to bleeding wounds. Do not use a tourniquet. Bite wounds often become infected and need professional care. Call your veterinarian.
Bleeding
Apply firm, direct pressure over the bleeding area until the bleeding stops. Hold the pressure for at least 10 straight minutes(continually releasing the pressure to check the wound will hamper the clotting). Avoid bandages that cut off circulation. Call your veterinarian immediately.
Breathing Stops
Check to see if the animal is choking on a foreign object. If an animal is not breathing, place it on a firm surface with its left side up. Check for a heartbeat by listening at the area where the elbow touches the chest. If you hear a heartbeat but not breathing, close the animal’s mouth and breathe directly into its nose(not the mouth) until the chest expands. Repeat 12 to 15 times per minute. If there is no pulse, apply heart massage at the same time. The heart is located in the lower half of the chest, behind the elbow of the front left leg. Place one hand below the heart to support the chest. Place other hand over the heart and compress gently. To massage the hearts of cats and other tiny pets, compress the chest with the thumb and forefingers of one hand. Apply heart massage 80-120 times per minute for larger animals and 100-150 per minute for smaller ones. Alternate heart massage with breathing.
Please note: Even in the hands of well trained veterinary health professionals, the success of resuscitation is very low overall. Success may be slightly higher in the cases of drowning or electrical shock. Call your veterinarian immediately.
Burns (chemical, electrical or heat)
Symptoms: singed hair, blistering, swelling, redness of skin
Treatments: Flush the burn immediately with large amounts of cool, running water. Apply an ice pack for 15-20 minutes. Do not place an ice pack directly on the skin. Wrap the pack in a light towel or other cover. If the animal has large quantities of dry chemical on its skin, brush them off. Water may activate some dry chemicals. Call your veterinarian immediately.
Choking
Symptoms: difficulty breathing, excessive pawing at the mouth, blue lips and tongue.
Treatment: Be sure to protect yourself as well as the animal, as the pet will likely be frantic and may be more likely to bite. If the pet can still partially breathe, it’s best to keep the animal calm and get to a veterinarian as soon as possible. Look into the mouth to see if a foreign object is in the throat. If you can, clear the airway by removing the object with pliers or tweezers, being careful not to push it farther down the throat. If it is lodge too deep or if the pet collapses, then place your hands on both sides of the animal’s rib cage and apply firm, quick pressure. Or place the animal on its side and strike the side of the rib cage firmly with the palm of your hand 3 to 4 times. Repeat this procedure until the object is dislodged or you arrive at the veterinarian’s office
Diarrhea
Withhold food 12-24 hours, but not water. Sometimes pets that appear to be straining are sore from diarrhea rather than from constipation. You veterinarian can help you decide which it is and what will help. Fracture
Muzzle the pet and look for bleeding. If you can control bleeding without causing more injury, then do so. Watch for signs of shock. DO NOT TRY TO SET THE FRACTURE by pulling or tugging on the limb. Get to your veterinarian immediately.
Heatstroke
Symptoms Rapid or labored breathing, vomiting, high body temperature, collapse.
Treatment: Place the animal in a tub of cool water. Or, gently soak the animal with a garden hose or wrap it in a cool towel. Do not overcool the animal. Stop cooling when rectal temperature reaches 103 degrees.
Poisoning
Symptoms vomiting, convulsions, diarrhea, salivation, weakness, depression or pain.
Treatment Record what the pet ingested and how much. Immediately, call your veterinarian or poison control center. Do not induce vomiting. In case of toxins or chemicals on the skin from oils, paints, insecticides and other contact irritants, request directions on if and how to wash off.
Seizures
Symptoms salivation, loss of control or urine of stool, violent muscle twitching, loss of consciousness. Treatment Move the pet away from any objects that could be harmful during the seizure. Use a blanket for padding and protection. Do not put yourself at risk by restraining the pet during the seizure. Time the seizure. They usually last only 2 to 3 minutes. Afterwards, keep the animal calm and quiet.
Shock
Symptoms irregular breathing
Treatment Shock may occur as a result of a serious injury or fright. Keep the animal gently restrained, quiet, and warm, with the lower body elevated. Call your veterinarian immediately.
Vomiting
Treatment Withhold food for 12-24 hours. Give the pet ice cubes for 2 hours after vomiting stops, then slowly increase the amount of water and foods given over a 24 hour period. Call your veterinarian.
