Pet First Aid Tips

Do you have a 24 hour emergency veterinary clinic in your neighborhood? Do you know where its located? Many communities don't have access to 24 hour pet health care, so what do you do if your cat starts choking? You can be trained in pet first aid by the Red Cross. Here are some basic first aid tips for pets.
So lets say Fido cuts his leg. Put direct pressure on the wound with clean gauze. Then, wrap a roll of gauze firmly around the leg. Make sure its not so tight it's cutting off circulation. Use the end of the gauze roll to make a knot. Have the knot over the wound so it can provide more pressure.
What about poisoning? If your pet has gotten into something toxic, the best thing to do is induce vomiting. When we use the word toxic, we typically think of chemicals or medicines. But when we're talking about animals, there's much more to consider as toxic. Things like garlic, chocolate, onions, grapes, raisins and even coffee grounds can be toxic. Always have these items stored away safely.

Do you know how to give CPR to your dog or cat? The process is similar to that for humans but with a few differences. For medium to large dogs you lay the dog on its right side. Look for signs of breathing by the chest moving. Check for a pulse on the femoral artery of the rear legs. If there's no breathing, blow into the nostrils and then give three compressions pushing in two to three inches, then another breath. Repeat if necessary. For cats and small dogs you blow one breath into the nostrils and compress both sides of the chest in about one-half inch five times. Then repeat, if necessary.
Knowing these basic first aid steps for your pet might one day save their life. For further information on first aid for your pet, call your local Red Cross.