If you’ve ever had a dog who thinks the garbage can is an all-you-can-eat buffet or a cat with a fascination for electrical cords, you know accidents happen. Pet first aid is one of those things you hope you never need, but being prepared is always a good idea. Our Skyway Animal Hospital team is here to prepare you for any pet mishap by explaining how to put together a well-stocked first aid kit and offering basic pet first aid tips.

Creating a pet first aid kit

Before your pet has an “adventure,” put together a first aid kit before they have a mishap. While a first aid kit doesn’t replace the need for a vet visit, the supplies can help alleviate issues and bring you peace of mind until you get your pet to our office or the nearest animal emergency hospital:

  • Bandages and gauze — Perfect for those times when your dog decides the rose bush is a worthy opponent.
  • Hydrogen peroxide — Great for cleaning wounds when your pet challenges the neighborhood squirrel and loses.
  • Tweezers — For removing splinters or ticks that your cat insists on collecting.
  • Digital thermometer — Not your pet’s favorite thing, but necessary to determine whether your furry pal has a fever. Remember, pets have higher average body temperatures than people.
  • Pet-friendly antiseptic wipes — Because your pet’s hygiene standards might be lower than yours.

You can customize a first aid kit to suit your pet’s unique quirks. If Mr. Whiskers likes to climb trees, you might want to include extra bandages. If your dog thinks every puddle is an invitation for a mud bath, you might want to include some extra cleaning supplies.

Handling common pet injuries

Pets are like toddlers—they find danger in the most unexpected places. Here’s how to handle some of the common emergencies your furry pal might encounter:

  • Cuts and scrapes — For minor cuts, clean the wound with antiseptic wipes and apply a bandage. If the cut is serious, call our Skyway Animal Hospital team.
  • Toxic substance ingestion — If your pet has swallowed something harmful or toxic, such as chocolate or certain plants, call the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Poison Control Center immediately. 
  • Choking — If your furry pal is choking, carefully open their mouth and try to remove the object. If you can’t, perform the Heimlich maneuver for pets and bring your furry pal to Skyway Animal Hospital or your local animal emergency hospital right away.
  • Heatstroke — Pets can overheat quickly. If your furry pal overheats, move them to a cool place, offer small amounts of water, and place cool—not cold—towels on their body. Then, seek immediate care.
  • Seizure — If your pet has a seizure, keep them safe by moving objects away and keeping their head cushioned. Time the seizure and call us as soon as the episode is over.

Knowing when to call the vet

Determining whether your pet’s injury or illness is serious can be difficult. Here’s a general rule: If you’re worried, call us. Our Skyway Animal Hospital team is here to help you through any pet emergency. We’d rather hear about a false alarm than have you try to handle a serious situation alone. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Here are a few scenarios where a vet visit is necessary:

  • Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Uncontrolled bleeding
  • Swelling or pain
  • Unusual behavior or lethargy

Keeping your furry companion safe is a full-time job, but you can handle most emergencies with a little preparation and a good first aid kit. Now that you’re equipped with this knowledge you’re ready for whatever your pet throws your way—be it their love for trash or their curiosity for climbing. If you ever feel in over your head, contact us. Our Skyway Animal Hospital team is just a phone call away, ready to assist you and your pet through any adventure or misadventure. So hug your pet a little tighter tonight, and rest easy knowing you’re prepared to administer first aid care.