Basic Small Animal First Aid

Bites and fight wounds:

• Clean wounds with warm water
• Cover to protect from further contamination
• Seek veterinary attention if bleeding is persistent, wounds involving the head (eyes, ears, nose, throat), penetrating injuries to the chest, abdomen or groin.

Bleeding:

If blood “spurting”, pooling, or soaking bandage seek veterinary attention. Meanwhile:

• Cover with clean absorbent compress (cotton pad) and apply direct pressure or bandage firmly in place.
• If severe bleeding from a limb, apply a tourniquet above the wound just tight enough to staunch the flow. *Loosen it after 20 minutes.

Bloat (“GDV”):

• Dog has a bulge behind the rib cage, has tried (unsuccessfully) to vomit several times, stomach is swollen and dog may collapse.
• Requires immediate veterinary attention!

Breathing difficulties:

If “open-mouth-breathing” (esp. cats) and appears in distress, get to a veterinary clinic without delay!

Burns and scalds:

• Cool area with cold water or cover with wet towels.
• If a chemical burn, run cool water over burn for 15 minutes.
• If skin sloughs, cover with cleanest material available.
• In all cases contact your veterinarian.

Seizures:

• Most will last under 2 minutes
• Keep hands away from the mouth, move away from stairs, and provide padding between thrashing limbs and floor.
• If suspect blood sugar is too low (young puppy, diabetic) rub syrup on the gums.
• If last longer than 5 minutes or multiple seizures in rapid succession, your pet requires immediate veterinary attention.
• If not prolonged, contact your vet and book appointment at earliest convenience.

Persistent vomiting or diarrhea:

• Can be sign of poisoning, intestinal blockage, or infection.
• Contact your veterinarian if you notice blood in the stool/vomit, if it persists for longer than 6-12 hours, or if your pet becomes weak.
• Consult your veterinarian before giving human medications.
• Do not force your pet to eat or drink as this may exacerbate the problem.

Eye injuries:

• Can potentially cause blindness or rupture the eye if left untreated.
• Very painful.
• STOP them from rubbing their face or scratching the eye.
• If the eye has popped out of the socket, keep it moist with contact lens solution (saline) get to the vet immediately.
• If there is green/yellow discharge from the eye and you can’t get into the vet right away, Polysporin eye/ear drops can be used (BUT they sting!). Make an appointment at your earliest convenience.

Heat stroke:

• Usually caused by leaving your dog in the car, or in some cats falling asleep while sunning themselves.
• Signs: excessing panting, weakness, and distress progressing quickly to collapse and unconsciousness.
• Cool down either by submersing in a tub of lukewarm water or applying wet towels to legs/body. AVOID using ice or ice/water as this can cool them too quickly.
• Offer water as soon as stable.
• Take to the vet ASAP.

Poisoning: