To honor National Pet First Aid Awareness Month, it’s important we are properly prepared in the event our pet experiences a sudden medical emergency. Just as we keep a first aid kit handy for ourselves, having a well-equipped pet first aid kit and knowing basic first aid techniques can make all the difference in ensuring our pets receive timely care in times of need.
First and foremost, keep a list handy of 24-hour emergency veterinarians and prepare a pet first aid kit. Keep these
resources in easy-to-remember locations, and consult with your veterinarian about necessary kit supplies. Keep your pet calm. Just like humans, pets can experience heightened stress and anxiety during emergencies. Calming them helps to alleviate their fear and discomfort, making it easier to assess their condition and administer necessary treatment. An agitated or panicked pet can also inadvertently worsen their condition by thrashing around or attempting to escape.
In the same vein, when handling and transporting an injured furry friend, we risk injuring them further. Learn how to safely handle an injured pet and consult with your veterinarian as needed.
Familiarize yourself with basic first aid procedures for your pet regarding topics such as broken bones, bleeding, burns, seizures, heatstroke, choking, etc. A plethora of resources are available online specific to your pet’s species and size. Did you know you can get certified in administering life-saving CPR to dogs and cats? Sign up for a class online or find one locally in your community.
Lastly, it can be difficult to remember every symptom a pet can have and what it means. Thankfully, Red Cross offers an app all about first aid for pets. Download it today and keep vital information in your pocket in time of need. Thanks for reading!
Learn more at nocohumane.org. Judy Calhoun is the Executive Director at the Humane Society of Northern Colorado.