 April is Pet First Aid Awareness Month so lets brush up on our pet first aid. Your cat ate the Easter lily, your dog injured a leg jumping from a boulder into the lake, your rat caught his foot in a gap and cut it. Do you know what to do in a pet emergency? Knowing first aid and having a well stocked first aid kit allows you to help your pet as quickly as possible without the panic of not knowing what to do. First aid administered quickly and correctly may save your pet’s life. Once you have given your pet first aid, take your pet to your veterinarian or a veterinarian emergency hospital.
In times of an emergency it is a good idea to already know what your pet’s normal heart rate, respiratory rate, pulse, temperature, and capillary fill rate are and how to check them. Pro Trainings offers an online first aid course to teach you how to know those with easy to follow videos. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center offers a suggested list of items that should be in a first aid kit. In addition, the ASPCA offers other resources about common pet toxins. If you suspect your animal has ingested a toxic substance, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. Pet Poison Helpline is another 24/7 Animal Poison Control Center, (855) 764-7661.A heads-up, a fee may be charged for the call to both centers. If you suspect your animal has ingested a pesticide you can call the National Pesticide Information Center at 1(800) 858-7378.  |
