Cat & Dog First Aid

Mar 15, 2022

Cat & Dog First Aid

Did you know that 38 percent of American households own a dog and 25 percent own cats? With pet ownership rising at such a drastic rate it is important for pet owners to be prepared should an accident or emergency occur.

Common Pet First Aid Needs

Just like humans, it is possible for pets to need first aid in an emergency. Common pet emergencies may include poisoning, seizures, and fractures, bleeding, burns, choking, and no signs of breathing. If you know your pet has consumed something poisonous such as cleaning products, wash their skin with soap and water as soon as possible and flush their eyes out with water if necessary. If a seizure occurs do not try to restrain the pet. Once the seizure is over keep the pet as warm as possible. If a pet is experiencing external bleeding use gauze to wrap the wound and help stop the bleeding. If a burn occurs flush the affected area with water immediately. If your pet is choking use caution while trying to calm them down so they don’t bite you out of panic. Gently try to remove the lodged object once they are feeling calmer. Lastly, if your pet is not breathing, check to see if they are unconscious. Perform rescue breathing until their chest expands.

Cat and Dog First Aid Course

Remember that first aid is not a substitute for a veterinary visit but can help save the pet’s life before they can get to a veterinarian. Being prepared as a pet owner is important. Cardio Partners offers a Cat and Dog First Aid online course to help pet owners be equipped to deliver first aid if an emergency occurs. This course was designed by the American Red Cross to help pet owners understand pet vital signs, identify breathing emergencies, how to treat wounds, bleeding, and seizures, and learn preventative care.