As a pet owner, there's nothing more heart-wrenching than seeing your beloved companion in distress. Whether it's a sudden injury, a severe illness, or an unexpected accident, emergencies can arise at any moment, leaving you with a critical decision that could mean the difference between life and death. This is where pet first aid comes into play - a vital set of skills that every responsible pet owner should possess.
By understanding and applying basic first aid techniques, you can provide immediate care that not only saves lives but also prevents minor injuries from escalating into major health crises. Moreover, knowing how to handle emergencies can reduce panic, protect both you and your pet from further harm, and even lower veterinary bills by preventing conditions from worsening. In this blog post, we'll explore the essential reasons why learning pet first aid is not just a good idea, but a crucial responsibility for anyone who shares their life with a furry friend.
Is it an emergency?
Sometimes it's difficult to know if your pet needs emergency attention. If in doubt, it's better to call your vet for advice, as they will be able to let you know how quickly your pet needs an appointment.
Some signs which may suggest an emergency include:
- weakness, struggling to get up, or having difficulty with balance
- repeated vomiting (particularly if they are young or elderly)
- large or deep wounds
- burns and scalds
- heavy bleeding
- being unable to use one or more legs
- a broken leg
- a suddenly swollen or bloated belly
- a painful or closed eye
- severe pain or discomfort
- being unable to pass urine
- difficulty giving birth
- having eaten something poisonous
- difficulty breathing or breathing with an open mouth
- collapse
- having suffered trauma (such as a road accident)
If it is not an emergency, there are things you can do to care for your sick pet while you wait for a vet appointment.
Dealing with emergencies
It is always important to ensure the safety of yourself and others when dealing with an emergency. Keep calm and assess the situation before you act. If you become injured yourself, you will not be able to help your pet. Remember - animals can lash out when they are scared or in pain.
When dealing with an emergency with your dog or cat, you should:
- approach your pet quietly and slowly, avoiding any sudden movements – an injured pet is likely to be frightened and in pain. Even if they're usually friendly, they may try to protect themselves by biting or scratching.
- contact your vet as soon as possible – they will be able to provide advice on what to do and how to get help
- call your vet before turning up – there may be no vet on-site during the weekends or in the evenings, and you may be referred to an emergency veterinary practice instead of your usual one.
If you find an injured pet that is not yours, you should still call for help but let the vet know that you are not the owner.
What to include in your pet first aid kit
Injuries or accidents can happen any time, whether you’re at home or out and about, so it’s sensible to have a first aid kit ready for your pet in case they need it.
- some non-adhesive absorbent dressings (5cm x 5cm) and conforming/open-weave bandages (2.5cm width) to cover open wounds
- sterile water (e.g. wound or eye wash) and cotton pads to clean cuts
- a box of sterile absorbent gauze
- blunt ended scissors, preferably curved
- a thick towel
- a pet cone
- a pen and paper
- your vet’s details (written on paper as well as saved in your phone)
Free pet first aid guides + courses
PDSA - PDSA vets have put together a special Pet First Aid guide with handy tips, advice and steps to follow if you ever find yourself in an emergency situation. The guide covers everything from heatstroke and traffic accidents to how to perform CPR and what you need inside your must-have pet first aid kit. Sign up here.
Blue Cross - Blue Cross have a comprehensive online guide covering what to do in all common emergencies from bleeding and burns to poisoning and fits. View the guide here.
Online Dog Choking Course - Delivered by First Aid For Pets, this free course features illustrated step by step directions, flow charts, diagrams, videos and test yourself sections. Fully compliant with RECOVER guidelines and Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966. Enrol online here.
Pet First Aid E-Book - A great introduction to Pet First Aid, this short guide includes some vital skills to help your pet in an emergency situation. The Pet Academy also offer some great low-cost first aid courses. Get access online here.
Low cost pet first aid courses
Online Feline First Aid (£35) - This 13 hour long course covers feline health, well-being and first-aid. Enrol online now.
Online Cat and Dog First Aid ($25)- In this 35 minute online course you will learn the basics of providing first aid care for your cat or dog and will learn how to best give care for common emergency situations. Enrol online now.
Online Pet CPR + First Aid Qualification (£26) - Learn Pet CPR & First Aid for Dogs and Cats. Get to know common injuries, grooming, safety considerations and more. Enrol online now.
Online Canine First Aid Qualification (£29.94) - This online Level 2 (VTQ) Vocational Training Qualification in first aid for dogs covers essential first aid training topics. Enrol online now.
Header image via Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash