April is Pet First Aid Month

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| Print | By Jo Singer | April 15, 2009 12:58 PM

April is designated as "Pet First-Aid Month". The American Animal Hospital Association, (AAHA) states that 1-out-of-4 pets would survive an accident or illness if we, as pet owners are familiar with and capable of providing first aid when necessary. If we are able to render first aid to an injured pet, prior to getting emergency veterinary assistance, we can make a huge difference in the outcome which may save our pet's life.

15-FirstAid for Fido.jpg It is crucial for us to be familiar and confident with basic first aid. If we are able to keep a cool head, we are far more likely to be able to administer the care our pets need. Since our pets can "read" our emotions they are more likely to remain calm as well. Animals easily pick up on our anxiety and become more stressed.

It is essential to keep on hand, in a convenient location, a well stocked first aid kit which is dedicated only for our pets. I personally prefer pre-packaged first aid kits, which are available for sale at pet stores, or at some veterinary clinics. There are a wide variety of pre-packaged first aid kits available on the Internet. They contain the essentials and it is far easier to restock items when you already have a basic kit prepared as materials are used.

There is nothing more anxiety-provoking than having to find a roll of gauze, gauze pads or adhesive tape in an emergency situation. A basic kit should contain gauze pads, gauze roll/bandages, and roll of cloth, thermometer, tweezers, antibiotic ointment, Q-tips, instant cold pack, rags/rubber tubing for tourniquet, an Elizabethan collar and a comprehensive first-aid book for pets. Hydrogen Peroxide can be toxic to cats if ingested, so I do not consider it safe. Saline solution is a better alternative.

The director of general surgery services at Texas A&M University's College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Dr. Mark Stickney, offers the following tips to help pet owners prepare for emergency situations:

1. Build a relationship with your pet's veterinarian. Find out if the vet has an after-hour emergency service, and if not, who they recommend calling in case of an emergency.

2. As the warmer months approach, more pets will be affected by snake bites. Dogs tend to get bitten on their noses, faces, and front legs. In cases of poisoning or trauma, contact your veterinarian. The ASPCA has a Poison Control Hotline if your veterinarian is unavailable, and there is no veterinary Emergency clinic in your area: This hotline is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call: (888-426-4425. There is a $60.00 consultation fee which may be applied to your credit card

3. If an animal has been hit by a car or bike and is injured or bleeding, the first thing to do is put pressure on the area to slow the blood flow. Hurt dogs tend to bite, so having a muzzle is important. Learn how to transport an injured dog or cat. Information is available at: http://www.saferpets.co.uk/MovingAnInjuredPet.html

4. Less severe incidences such as minor cuts and scrapes are fairly common and can be handled much like treating a person. Avoid antibiotic cream anywhere a pet can lick it off.

5. Other suggested items include paperwork, including the pet's health record, medications, local and national poison control numbers, regular veterinary clinic hours and telephone numbers, and emergency clinic hours and telephone number."
For a top-notch Pet first-aid manual "First Aid for Pets", written and illustrated by Dr. Fiona Anderson, visit: http://www.petalert.com.au/faid/fa1.php

This informative manual may be printed and stored for future use.

How have you handled emergencies with your pets? Leave a comment and share your experiences.

RELATED TOPICS: Blogs (224) , First Aid & Emergencies (1)

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Vicki April 15, 2009 3:54 PM

Gosh, with all the dogs I have, every day is pet first aid day. I always have gauze, tape, salve, pet tape, etc. etc. I always keep things on hand in case I may need it for a dog or a horse. Keeping fingers crossed that I won't need it very soon.