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First Aid Kits and Emergency Treatments - Prepare Now!
Those who have faced emergencies can tell you it is essential to get your first
aid kit together and get familiar with first aid measures BEFORE you are
confronted with an accident, emergency or sudden illness. Many situations
require fast and correct action to prevent further injury, infection or death.
So assemble a first aid kit now, so that you’ll be ready when your pet (or a
human) needs immediate help.
Be sure to read through the First Aid Kit list that follows. It will give you an
idea of the situations that can and do come up. Being prepared can keep a
manageable incident from becoming health-threatening. It will reduce the chance
of infection and further complications... reduce stress for everyone...cut
recovery time...and empower you to effectively help. Being prepared can even
make the difference between life and death.
FIRST AID KIT
Keep a first aid safety kit on hand at home and in your car. Take the one from
your car with you when you travel with your pet.
Each kit should include the items listed. It might sound like a lot of stuff,
but when an accident occurs, these items can help you save the health or life of
an animal...or a human.
Waterproof Kit Container:
Write on the container, in indelible ink, the phone numbers for your vet, the
closest emergency animal hospital, and poison control hotlines. Also list your
own name, address and phone numbers.
First Aid Guides:
Animal first aid book, such as “The First Aid Companion For Dogs and Cats”, Dog
Owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook (http://www.doctordog.com/dogbook/dogch01.html),
and Cat Owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook (http://www.doctordog.com/catbook/catch01.html)
CPR instructions – download the online brochures listed later in this tipsheet.
Essential Vet and Contact Info:
Prepare and make copies of a list including:
Phone number for your vet, the closest emergency animal hospital, and poison
control hotlines (such as the 2 listed in this tipsheet).
Your own name, address and phone numbers.
Your emergency contact person’s numbers, in case you are incapacitated.
The name, age, breed, sex, identification (such as microchipping information),
and any health problems (especially useful information if your petsitter or
emergency contact needs to call an emergency medical service about your pet.
A copy of your pet vaccination records.
Photo of each pet in case it is needed for ID or other purposes.
Kit Supplies:
Scissors
Tweezers (flat slant tip instead of the rounded variety)
Sterile needle (to remove splinters and tick heads)
Turkey baster or bulb syringe (for flushing wounds and administering
medications)
Eyedropper
Rubber gloves
Nail clippers
Comb
Rectal thermometer (normal body temperature of dogs and cats is 100.5 to 102.5
F; take your pet’s temperature under normal conditions to get a baseline for
comparison in case he gets sick or injured)
Disposable safety razor (for shaving fur from around a wound)
Towel (at least 2)
Paper towels
Blanket (the compact thermal blanket works well; uses include keeping an injured
animal from going into shock)
Bandanna and/or nylon stocking (many uses, including muzzling or securing a torn
earflap)
Strips of cloth
Dog booties or little socks (to cover wounded paws or to protect so you won't
need to treat)
Flashlight
Matches
3x3 sterile gauze pads
Rolled gauze (for bandaging, stabilizing joints, making a muzzle)
Adhesive first aid tape (in narrow and wide widths)
Cotton rolled
Cotton balls
Bandages (including self-clinging or vet wrap and waterproof types)
Anti-bacterial wipes or pads
Q-tips
Hot/cold pack
Ice pack
Hydrogen peroxide 3% USP (to induce vomiting and to use on infected wounds;
check the expiration date from time to time and keep only fresh solution in your
kit)
Activated charcoal tablets (effective in absorbing many toxics)
Syrup of Ipecac (to induce vomiting).
Betadine solution (a type of antiseptic iodine medicine for wounds to deter
infection)
Antibiotic ointment (such a Neosporin)
Rubbing alcohol (apply on skin as body cooling agent to aid heat stroke or
fever; helps break down oils; acts as a drying agent between toes and skin
folds; but do not use on wounds as it can damage skin and is not an appropriate
antiseptic)
Bag Balm (especially useful for treating paw pads)
Petroleum jelly (helpful aid for taking temperature)
Sterile saline eye solution (to flush out eye contaminants and wounds)
Artificial tear gel to lubricate eyes after flushing
Eye ointment with no cortisone
Epsom salt (mix 1 teaspoon in 2 cups of warm water for drawing out infection and
bathing itchy paws and skin)
Baking soda (good for soothing skin conditions)
Styptic powder (to stop bleeding of torn toenails, etc.)
Milk of magnesia (for stomach upset and certain types of poison ingestion)
Pepto Bismol (for stomach upset and some types of poison ingestion; do not give
to cats)
Kaopectate (OK for cats and dogs)
Benadryl (for bug bites and stings)
Gentle pet sedative such as Rescue Remedy (available at health food and some pet
supply stores)
Aspirin (for dogs only, 1 tablet per 60 pounds; do not use acetaminophen or
ibuprofen; do not give aspirin to cats; since aspirin and other pain relievers
can be toxic to any pet, consult your vet and first aid books)
Can of soft pet food (can help reduce the effect of a poisoning)
Mild grease-cutting dishwashing liquid such as Dawn (to clean contaminated skin
or sticky substances)
Plastic baggies
Muzzle (an injured or scared animal may try to bite)
Nylon leash
Pet crate or carrier (a safe, calming place for your pet and a safe way to
transport)
Also have in your car:
Bottled water
Bowl or other container to use for water
Spare leash
Other suggested items:
Slicker brush
Tick scoop (handy little device for removing ticks)
Treats containing sugar (in case the animal experiences hypoglycemic or low
glucose episode)
Betadine Swab Sticks
Panalog (a healing cream)
Nexaban (a type of skin glue to glue a wound closed if necessary)
Penlight (to see how the pupils respond to light; in normal animals, pupils
decrease in size when exposed to light)
* If you prefer to purchase a ready-made kit, good choices include:
Medi+ Pet Deluxe First Aid Kit
http://www.naturespet.com/firstaidkit.html
The Hiker First Aid Kit for Canines
http://www.ruffwear.com/products/firstaid
* If someone is taking care of your pet while you're away: show them where you
keep the first aid kit and vet records, your vet and emergency animal hospital
info, how to contact you, and the name and phone number of a friend or relative
in case you are unavailable. In addition, let your vet know in advance who you
have authorized to take your pet to the vet in your absence, and that you will
pay for any emergency visit.
FIRST AID TREATMENT
* Hit by a car, hard falls or other high-impact injuries: Rush the animal to the
closest animal hospital. First, place the dog on a firm surface, such as a
plywood board. If a board is not available, place the animal in a blanket. Keep
the animal as steady as possible to prevent further injury.
* Poisoning:
If there is any possibility that your pet came into contact with a poison, go to
the vet immediately, since the onset of symptoms could be delayed a day or even
two...and by then, it may be too late.
If you cannot get to the vet immediately, waiting for a ride, or are stranded,
you can call either of these 24-hour emergency hotlines staffed with experienced
veterinarians: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center 1-888-4-ANI-HELP or
1-888-426-4435 National Animal Poison Control Center 1-800-548-2423
Fees apply to these nonprofit hotlines, which are staffed by veterinarians. Call
immediately, and have this info ready:
* Your name, address and telephone number.
* The type of the poisonous substance the pet was exposed to. Be as specific as
possible about the subtance, the amount ingested or contacted, the time since
exposure, etc. Have the container/packaging available, because the label will
identify the product’s active ingredients.
* The species, breed, age, sex, weight and number of animals involved.
* The symptoms the animal is experiencing.
* Antifreeze poisoning:
If you suspect your pet may have ingested antifreeze, take him to the vet or
emergency animal hospital immediately! Immediate treatment is essential to
prevent a painful death. Initial signs include excessive thirst and urination,
lack of coordination, weakness, nausea, tremors, vomiting, rapid breathing and
heart rate, convulsions, diarrhea and paralysis. Not all signs may be evident.
The final stages of poisoning are characterized by oral and gastric ulcers and
renal failure, followed by death.
Ethylene glycol is the toxic component in antifreeze. Vets have a test kit to
confirm the presence of the poison in the body. If positive, ethanol (vodka or
wood grain alcohol) or a newer antidote will be administered intravenously. The
goal is to prevent the ethylene glycol from metabolizing to its toxic
components. Dialysis can be used to remove the ethylene glycol from the blood
stream.
If you are delayed in getting to the animal hospital, it is often recommended to
induce vomiting immediately. And some people have had success giving their dogs
vodka or other alcohol orally, followed by water. The alcohol reportedly
interferes with the body’s processing of the ethylene glycol before it fully
metabolizes. However, it is imperative to first call a vet for guidance, and if
your vet is not available, call your nearest emergency animal hospital and/or
one of the phone hotlines listed in this tipsheet.
* When to induce vomiting:
For many types of poisoning, it is advised to induce vomiting, soon after
ingestion before the chemical can do damage. These include ingestion of arsenic
(in rat and mouse poisons), chocolate, insecticides, lead, matches, medications
(except tranquilizers), plants, shampoo, shoe polish, slug and snail bait,
strychnine and weed killers. However, unless you are stranded somewhere, induce
vomiting only under the direction of a vet, physician or poison emergency
hotline staff member. It is critical to properly identify the ingested
substance.
To induce vomiting in pets, give the animal household hydrogen peroxide 3% USP
by mouth, using a syringe or turkey baster. Do not try to pour it down his
throat. Instead, pull his lips away from the side of the mouth to make a pocket,
in which you will deposit the liquid. It is suggested to use 1 teaspoon per 5
pounds of the animal’s weight, to a maximum of 3 to 4 tablespoons. Before
dosing, first give the animal a little bread or other soft food so there is
something to bring up along with the stomach contents. If he has not vomited
after 15 minutes, repeat the dose of hydrogen peroxide one more time. After
vomiting, some folks recommend giving the animal a teaspoon of Epson salts mixed
in some water to help empty the intestine.
Activated charcoal is also used to induce vomiting in pets. It has the ability
to absorb and deactivate many toxins, preventing the poisons from reaching the
blood stream. Activated charcoal tablets also help when you don’t have access to
a clean water supply. Mix a tablet of activated charcoal in 2 teaspoons of
water. Give 1 teaspoon per 2 pounds body weight and follow with a pint of water.
While syrup of Ipecac been used to induce vomiting, a growing number of
veterinarians, physicians and FDA/public health officials discourage its use for
people and animals.
Do not feed salt water or mustard, or stick a finger down the throat; these
methods are ineffective and potentially dangerous.
* When NOT to induce vomiting. Do not induce vomiting if the animal is
lethargic, unconscious, convulsing, having a seizure or is in shock. Do not
induce vomiting if the animal ingested an acidic or alkaline product such as
drain cleaner, household cleansers and paint thinner. Caustic and corrosive
substances can burn the throat and stomach on the way back up, compounding the
injury. Also, do not induce vomiting for ingestion of tranquilizers, bones,
sharp objects or petroleum products such as gasoline or lighter fluid.
* If the ingested substance was gasoline, kerosene, an acid or alkali, or a
corrosive: Try to give the animal milk to dilute the toxin in the stomach.
* If you know the substance was an acid: First, rinse the mouth. Then feed the
dog Milk of magnesia or Pepto Bismol using bulb syringe or eyedropper aimed the
back of the mouth. Dose 2 teaspoons per 5 pounds of body weight. (For cats, 1
teaspoon Milk of magnesia per 5 pounds; do not give Pepto Bismol to cats,
although Kaopectate is OK.) This helps neutralize the chemicals and reduce the
burn.
* If you know the substance was an akali: First, rinse the mouth. Then mix a
tablespoon vinegar with a tablespoon of water and feed the mixture to your pet
using a bulb syringe or eyedropper aimed at the back of the mouth. An alternate
solution is 1 tablespoon lemon juice mixed with 1 teaspoon of sugar. This helps
neutralize the chemicals and reduce the burn.
Note: Since cats groom themselves, they can ingest poisons such as sprays that
get on their fur. So be sure to wash the pet’s fur.
Remember, for any poisoning, get to the vet as soon as possible. Temporary first
aid measures alone are not enough.
* Wounds:
Be careful, since any animal in pain may try to bite. Muzzle your pet by using a
strip of soft cloth, gauze, rope, necktie or nylon stocking. Gently wrap around
the nose, under the chin and tie behind the ears. Do not obstruct breathing. A
towel placed around the head will help control small pets.
Wash your hands if possible to avoid further contamination. Wear gloves if you
have them. Carefully check the wound. Clip the fur back as needed to clear the
area around the wound. Clean out debris using ample amounts of saline, balanced
electrolyte solution or Betadine antibacterial scrub (or Betadine solution
diluted with water to the color of tea). If these are not available, use regular
water.
After irrigating the wound, apply antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin to the
wound.
Note: Do not pour hydrogen peroxide into an open wound; it is better for wounds
that have become infected. Do not use alcohol on wounds, as it damages tissue
and retards healing.
Wrap open wounds to keep them clean. Make sure bandages are not cutting off
circulation; in most cases, it’s best to wrap lightly. Change bandages
frequently to aid in healing, gently re-applying antibiotic ointment as needed.
As soon as you finish treating the wound, loosen or remove the muzzle. Bite
wounds often become infected, so call your veterinarian, who may dispense
prescription antibiotics.
Another home remedy for treating wounds: mix 1 teaspoon Epsom salt in 2 cups of
warm water and soak to draw out infection.
If the Wound is Bleeding:
Place clean gauze or fabric over the wound and apply firm, direct pressure over
the bleeding area until the bleeding stops. For serious bleeding, hold the
pressure for at least 10 straight minutes, since continually releasing the
pressure to check the wound will hamper clotting. When bleeding stops, continue
with the steps in the previous section.
Avoid tourniquets unless absolutely necessary. If you must apply one, consider
this information from http://www.dog.com/vet/firstaid/01.html:
Apply a tourniquet between the heart and the wound if the bleeding is coming
from an artery and on the side away from the heart if it is coming from a vein.
Arterial blood is bright red, tends to spurt out with significant force, and
pulses with each heart beat as it bleeds. Venous blood (blood from a vein) is
dark red and may flow rapidly but does not actually spurt or pulse. Because
venous blood is on its way back to the heart from the rest of the body, the
tourniquet is applied below or "distal to" the wound, i.e., if the wound is on a
leg, the tourniquet is applied on the side closer to the foot. Make the
tourniquet just tight enough to stop most of the bleeding. Loosen it every 10 to
15 minutes for 5 to 10 seconds to allow the blood to circulate again into the
extremity. You can use almost any cloth, rope, sock, or stocking as a
tourniquet, as long as it is long enough to go around the extremity and be tied
securely.
* Puncture Wounds:
Clean the wound and the surrounding skin with an antibacterial solution such as
Betadine, applying by dabbing with a gauze pad. Use warm damp compresses for
puncture wounds, since you want to delay formation of a scab that could seal the
infection in under the skin. This will also increase blood flow to the wound
area, which aids healing. It is recommended not to bandage over puncture wounds.
* Paw Treatment:
A home remedy for treating paw pad and other wounds: mix iodine and water to the
point at which it looks like tea. Add some Epsom salt to clean out the wound and
bandage it with gauze. You can also apply Bag Balm to help chaffed and injured
paws heal. Put on a dog bootie or small sock to protect injured paw pads.
* Burns (chemical, electrical, or heat):
Symptoms include singed fur, blistering, swelling, redness of skin. Flush burns
immediately with lots of cool, running water. Apply an ice pack for 15 to 20
minutes. Do not place an ice pack directly on the skin. Instead, wrap the pack
in a light towel or cloth.
Neutralize acid on skin by rinsing with a solution of baking soda and water.
Neutralize alkali substances with a weak vinegar-water solution. Blot dry, apply
antibiotic ointment and tape gauze dressing loosely around the affected area.
Olive oil can also be applied.
Brush off any dry chemicals that are on the skin. Beware, water may activate
some dry chemicals. Call your veterinarian immediately.
* Choking:
Signs include pawing at the mouth, gagging, gasping, breathing difficulty, odd
neck posture, abnormal gum color (blue, gray, white), unconsciousness. Open the
mouth and try to pull out the tongue to check for an obstruction. Sweep inside
with a finger if you cannot see anything. If you see or feel the object, remove
it if you can do this without causing throat trauma.
If you can’t clear the airway or the animal is struggling, hold the pet upside
down by his back legs if you can. Or use a Heimlich-type maneuver and push up
with your fist held under the animal’s belly, just behind the ribcage. Do not
apply too much force or you can injure the animal. Go to the vet ASAP.
* Drowning:
To resuscitate, place your pet on a flat surface, open his mouth, pull the
tongue forward, and clear away any debris in his mouth. If he is still in
distress, hold him by his hind legs and gently swing him back and forth in an
attempt to clear the water from his lungs and stomach. If the pet is too large
to lift, place him on his side and press upward on his midsection or abdomen. If
necessary, perform the Heimlich-like maneuver described in the “Choking”
section, and take him to the nearest vet.
* Electrocution:
Signs include panting, breathing difficulty, a burn across the lips and tongue,
and/or unconscious. It can happen if the pet chews on a power cord. Before
touching the animal, turn off power to the outlet and then unplug the cord.
Next, if the animal is conscious, rinse his mouth with cold water. Then perform
rescue breathing using mouth-to-snout resuscitation if the pet is not breathing
but does have a pulse...or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if he is not
breathing and has no pulse. See instructions for these life-saving techniques in
the online brochures listed in the next section).
Wrap the pet in a blanket to help prevent shock, and take him to the vet
immediately (you could perform resuscitation in the car if someone else drives).
Go to the vet even if your pet seems OK, since electrocution can lead to serious
internal problems that may not be evident for awhile. Also, check the mouth for
lesions for 3 weeks.
* The ABC’s -- Airway, Breathing, Circulation:
If your pet is not breathing but does have a pulse, you need to perform rescue
breathing using mouth-to-snout resuscitation immediately. If your pet is not
breathing and has no pulse, you must perform CPR immediately. Here are web links
to essential life-saving brochures about rescue breathing and pet CPR. Print out
2 copies for your home and car travel kit so you will be ready in an emergency
situation:
http://members.aol.com/henryhbk/acpr.html
http://www.rescuecritters.com/cpr.html
* Insect Bites and Stings:
Remove stinger with tweezers or by gently scraping away with a plastic card.
Bathe the area with a solution of baking soda and water, then apply ice packs
(lined with a towel or cloth) for 5 minutes at a time. Some people treat stings
with Benadryl. Typical dosages: for cats and dogs under 30 pounds, give 10
mg...dogs 30 to 50 pounds, give 25 mg...dogs over 50 pounds, give 50 mg. For
more Insect/Skin Remedies, see the link listed at the end.
Stings and bites can cause severe reactions. If there is major swelling, or the
animal seems disoriented, sick or has trouble moving or breathing, go to the vet
immediately.
* Itching, Poison Ivy, Rashes:
A good tip for soothing human as well as pet skin is to apply a mixture of
baking soda and water to the affected areas. Also, mix 1 teaspoon of Epsom salt
in 2 cups of warm water to bathe itchy paws and skin.
* Foxtails:
These barbed seeds from dried grasses and weeds can be easily inhaled by dogs.
They can lodge between toes and in ears, eyes, nostrils, mouth and throat, and
can even travel through orifices deeper into body, causing infections and
abscesses. Check your dog thoroughly after hiking for foxtails, ticks, etc. If
your dog is frantically pawing his nose, ears or eyes, shaking or rubbing his
head, sneezing for long periods, biting at his anus or has blood coming from his
nose, take him to a vet.
* Shock:
Symptoms include irregular breathing and dilated pupils. Shock can occur due to
a serious injury or fright. Keep the animal gently restrained, quiet and warm,
with the lower body elevated. Call your veterinarian immediately.
* Heat Stroke Prevention and Treatment:
To protect your pet from heat stroke, review the Summer Health and Safety
tipsheet on the PAW website. Heat stroke can be brought on by activity as well
as confinement outside in the heat, and the effects can be devastating. Be aware
of the signs of heat stroke:
** Excessive panting
** Labored breathing that may signal upper airway obstruction
** Bright red mucous membranes in the gums or eyes and/or bright red tongue
** Lethargy and weakness
** High body temperature
** Collapsing and seizures, even coma
If you notice any of these signs, get your pet inside and place a cool, wet
towel over him or submerge him in cool or lukewarm water. Do not use ice, which
can damage skin.
Take your pet’s temperature using a rectal thermometer. If the animal’s
temperature exceeds 105 F, get medical attention at once.
Provide drinking water, but do not force an animal to drink. You can apply
rubbing alcohol on the skin as a cooling agent. FYI, dogs cool themselves by
panting; this draws air over the moist membranes of the nose and tongue and
cools by evaporation. But panting works only for short periods. Prolonged
panting endangers the metabolic system. In addition, high humidity interferes
with the ability of panting to cool the body. * This information is not a
substitute for veterinary care. Contact your veterinarian or emergency animal
hospital immediately for any potentially serious injury, condition or illness.
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