Knowing how to administer pet first aid is important when you’re a pet parent. Younger cats and dogs, in particular, are natural explorers; they want to try new activities, wander off to different places, and even inadvertently consume toxic substances. Unfortunately, their innate curiosity sometimes makes them prone to injuries and illnesses. Performing basic pet first aid when they’re hurt will mitigate the effects of the accident and even help save your pet’s life.

How To Do Pet First Aid For Common Injuries In Dogs And Cats

Cuts

For superficial cuts, clean it with saline solution and make sure to flush out all the dirt debris around the area. If something is stuck deep within the skin, DO NOT pull it out. Let the vet do it.

If it’s bleeding profusely, you can stop it by applying pressure and a firm bandage. If the bleeding continues even after a reasonable amount of time, seek veterinary assistance.

Wounds

When pet play becomes too rough or turns into a fight, they tend to scratch or bite each other, resulting in scrapes and wounds. Minor wounds can be treated with antiseptic, wound gel, bandages and medications.

When it’s a larger wound or if it results in a nasty infection, take your dog or cat to the vet immediately. Signs that it’s infected include swelling, redness, heat in the area, abscess or pus discharge, and lethargy due to pain.

Burns

Treat burns immediately by cooling the area with water or ice pack for at least 10 minutes. DO NOT apply butter or tight bandages as they may get stuck on the burnt part of the body. Use silver sulfadiazine ointment (commonly sold as Silvadene) and cover the burn wounds loosely with sterile, dry dressing to minimise infection. Seek veterinary care right away.

Broken Bones

Trauma such as falls from heights or being hit by a vehicle are common causes of fractured bones in dogs and cats. To spot the condition, look for any swelling, deformity, or bones sticking out of the skin. Pay close attention to your pet’s behaviour, such as crying, limping or difficulty getting up.

When transporting them to the vet clinic, move them slowly and with extra care. DO NOT try to try to put the bone fragments back. You can use a blanket as a makeshift stretcher when carrying them to the car.

Keeping them in a stable position is imperative, so hold them while in the vehicle on your way to the vet. It’s ideal to have someone else drive while you carry your injured fur baby.

Poisoning

If you suspect your pet to have ingested something toxic, identify the substance and take them to the vet immediately. When not addressed quickly, poisoning can be fatal.

DO NOT attempt to do mouth to snout resuscitation because you may be putting yourself at risk of becoming contaminated as well.

Choking Relief

Quick action and pet first aid are vital if your pet is choking on something like a toy or food. For large dogs, stand behind them, wrap your arms around their belly, and give a strong, upward thrust, similar to the Heimlich manoeuvre.

For smaller dogs, lift them by their hind legs and give a few gentle shakes. For cats, hold them securely with their back against your body and apply a few quick thrusts just below the rib cage. Check your pet’s mouth once the object is expelled to ensure it’s clear.

Managing Shock

Shock can happen from trauma, pain, or blood loss, so it’s essential to recognise the signs. Watch for rapid breathing, weak pulse, pale gums, or signs of lethargy. Keep your pet calm by speaking gently, and if they feel cold, wrap them in a warm blanket to help stabilise their body temperature. Administering pet first aid promptly can make a significant difference, so be prepared to take swift action if these symptoms appear.

Breathing Difficulties/Pet Stops Breathing

In emergencies where your pet isn’t breathing, pet first aid, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), may be necessary.

First, check for any breathing signs. If they’re not breathing, position your dog on their side or your cat on their back. Place your hands over their heart, just behind the front legs, and start chest compressions at 100-120 per minute. After every 30 compressions, close their mouth, cover their nose, and give two gentle rescue breaths, watching the chest rise. Keep a vet or animal clinic on the line during CPR for essential guidance and support.

Heatstroke

If your pet shows signs of overheating, like heavy panting or drooling, get them into a cool, shaded area immediately. Place damp towels on their belly and under their legs to cool them down, and offer small sips of water or ice chips.

Avoid overcooling, and contact your vet immediately—even if they seem better—since heat stroke can have hidden risks. Staying alert to these signs and acting quickly can make all the difference.

Seizure

Whilst seizure in pets is uncommon, witnessing your furbaby going through it can be extremely upsetting. Manifestations of seizures are muscle twitching, a vacant look, collapsing, urinating, drooling, and rolling eyes. Stay calm and clear the area of children and other pets. Ensure there’s plenty of space around them to prevent injury, and keep the room dark by turning off lights. Avoid wrapping them in blankets or restraining them. Monitor the seizure duration, and if it lasts more than five minutes or if there are multiple seizures, contact your vet immediately. Afterwards, comfort your pet as they may be disoriented. Always seek veterinary care, as seizures may indicate a more serious issue.

Four Tips When Performing Pet First Aid

1. Stay calm and prevent panic. Use a soothing voice to appease your pet.
2. Be wary of your safety. Pets tend to be aggressive when in pain. They might bite and scratch so opt to use a muzzle or a restraint when treating them.
3. Prevention is always better than cure. Remove toxic plants, food or other substances from your home. If you need the items, make sure you keep them in an area where your pets can’t reach.
4. Have a pet first aid kit ready at all times. You can include the following items:
   • Gauze pads
   • Adhesive tape
   • Cotton swabs
   • Disposable gloves
   • Scissors
   • Tweezers
   • Saline solution
   • OTC antibiotic ointment
   • Alcohol wipes
   • Contact information of veterinary emergency clinics

Being a responsible pet parent means ensuring the safety of your animal buddy at all times. Know how to provide the right pet first aid so you can feel confident that you can protect your pets from any untoward accidents or harm.

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