Always have your veterinarian's contact details accessible. Keep them on your cell phone and perhaps a business card on your fridge. Always provide these details to any pet-sitters as well.
Keep a stocked first aid kit at home that can also be used while traveling with pets
Find a waterproof container and mark it boldly with‚ First Aid‚ on all sides to make it easy to locate. These are suggested items to include in the kit:
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Veterinarian's phone number
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Poison control association contact details
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Your pet's medical records
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Gauze and crepe bandage to wrap wounds
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Adhesive for bandages
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Nonstick bandages to protect wounds or control bleeding
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Towels or cloth
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Latex Gloves
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Splints
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Betadine Solution
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Ear Cleaning Agents ‚read leaflet and medicate accordingly.
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Activated charcoal to absorb poison (Don't try to induce vomiting of poison without getting advice from a vet or local poison control center)
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Large syringe without needle or eyedropper (for oral treatments)
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Muzzle (soft cloth, rope, necktie) or use a small towel to cover a small animals head. (Do not use in case of vomiting) Use only if Necessary.
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If a stretcher is needed, use a board, or door or something firm if there is a suspected spine condition.
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Scissors
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Do NOT use human painkillers or medication unless veterinary advice has been sought. You will need to inform the vet of any medication given to the animal before arrival at the veterinary practice.
Hot spots are focal skin infections that feel warm to the touch, but are not associated with burns. They are commonly round, red, moist and painful, causing the dog to lick and chew the area. Cut hair away from the area and clean well with warm water. Take the animal to a vet.
If your dog gets a cut anywhere on his body the first step is to apply clean gauze on the wound immediately with digital pressure to stop the blood flow. Wrap a crepe bandage around the wound and take your pet to the vet. Do not give any food or water incase general aneasthetic and surgery is required.
If your pet is bleeding from the mouth try keep him or her quiet and calm and apply digital pressure to the bleeding area, if it continually bleeds take the pet to the vet.
In the event of your pet getting involved with a traffic accident, your pet will be in pain and confuse, he may even try to bit you when handled. Observe for obvious injuries, such as cuts, factures, fractured spin (dragging hand quarters or unable to move) the animal has suffered. If you identify a potential fracture in the forelegs wrap the leg in a splint. Do not wrap to tightly, all you need to is immobilize the fracture and prevent dangling. Take the animal to a vet.
If you suspect your animal has been bitten by an insect, take him to a vet for medication immediately as insect bites can be fatal.
Seizures - Keep away from any potentially harmful objects and take your animal to a vet.
Heatstroke - Ensure animal has sufficient ventilation and use a moist towel to cool the animal down and take to a vet.
Shock - keep the animal calm and warm and take the animal to a vet.
