First Aid And Emergency Care For Dogs And Cats

What is First Aid?  

 First aid is the immediate care given to a pet who has been injured or is suddenly taken ill. The immediate care includes: 

Primary Survey and Resuscitation 
  The primary survey is the first impression the first aid provider has of the situation, and the immediate action that is taken. A well-informed owner will be able to make a quick assessment of the scene and a quick examination of the victim. Immediate attention is given to the animal's level of consciousness, airway patency, breathing, and circulatory functions (including pulse). Resuscitation is the prompt treatment of life-threatening problems. 

Secondary Survey and Definitive First Aid 
  The secondary survey consists of an examination and assessment of the animals eyes, ears, nose, neck, chest, abdomen, back, extremities, and rectal temperature and the procedures to stabilize and protect the animal from further harm.

Transport 
  Many emergencies will require professional help. Knowledge of the proper way to transport the pet to a veterinary medical facility for professional care can prevent further injury, protect the owner from dangerous situations, and allow for timely care. 
 First Aid Kit

  Emergency supplies are a necessity. The following list will help you assemble the resources you need. 

• 1" and 2" adhesive tape 
• 2" roll gauze (for muzzle) 
• Newspaper 
• Rectal thermometer 
• Chlorhexidine or povidone iodine (antiseptic) 
• Elizabethan collar 
• Eye wash (saline in a squirt bottle) 
• Isopropyl alcohol 3% hydrogen peroxide (or syrup of ipecac) 
• 2" and 4" gauze 
• 3" x 3" or 4" x 4" gauze pads 
• Scissors - cotton balls and pledgets 
• Blanket with heat pack 
• Flat transport surface 
• Plastic food wrap (e.g., Saran- Wrap) 
• Petroleum or K-Y jelly 
• Ice pack 
• Activated charcoal 
• Tweezers 
• Bulb syringe 

  A complete first aid kit for your pet is a must. 

   Emergency numbers should be kept near your phone for easy access. Update numbers as necessary. 

General Directions for First Aid 
  A wide variety of problems arise that require first aid skills. Decisions and actions vary according to the circumstances, including: 

• Scene of the accident 
• Emergency equipment available 
• Species, size, age, temperament, and condition of the animal requiring first aid 
• Your emotional condition 
• Other emotionally stable people available to help you. 

  First aid begins with a quick but careful survey of the scene. Then quick decisions need to be made, depending on the circumstances. 

• Make sure the accident scene is safe before proceeding. Take steps to prevent further injury to you or your pet. 
• Enlist the help of others. 
• Call, or have someone call, your veterinarian or the emergency veterinary center. (Keep those phone numbers handy at all times!) Describe the animal, give a short description of what happened and what has been done. Give your name and telephone number. Don't hang up until the professionals have told you what to do. 
• Administer essential first aid. Carefully transport the animal to the veterinary facility for examination if there is any question as to the seriousness of the injury or sudden illness. It is highly recommended to telephone first in all but the most life threatening situations.