Pet First Aid Awareness - Tips to Prevent and Treat

April is National Pet First Aid Awareness Month. That’s the month that’s dedicated to teaching pet parents the crucial skill of providing emergency care to their animals. Now that spring is here, many people will have their pets outside enjoying some fun in the sun. We’ll give you actionable tips on being prepared in the event of any mishaps.

1. Accident prevention

You’ve heard the adage that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. We all know accidents will happen, but there are ways to minimize the chances of danger. Keep cleaning products, plants, and toxic foods, like chocolate and foods with xylitol, out of your pet’s reach. You’ll also want to be careful about the toys you give your pets. Certain chews cause digestion issues and blockages in pets. Be sure you give them safe toys, like a KONG Wobbler Dog Toy that dispenses treats when it wobbles, for hours of pet- playing fun.

2. Have a first aid kit

First aid kits aren’t only for humans. Keeping useful items like scissors, bandages, cotton swabs, and disposable gloves may come in handy in the event of an accident. Also in your kit should be some OTC antibiotic ointment and saline eye solution. If you travel with your pet, make sure to have any medications they take in your first aid kit. If you get stuck in transit, having extra meds can be a lifesaver for them.

3. Take a Pet First Aid class

Since pets are family, you want to know how to handle emergencies when you can’t get to a vet right away. Many areas have classes that teach you how to handle these situations. Check with your local vet, pet shops, and Humane Societies. Some online courses are available that may give you a broader understanding so you can recognize problems immediately and act.

4. Keep emergency contact numbers

When an emergency happens, you need to act fast. The last thing you want to do is try to remember important phone numbers. You also don’t want to take the time to do an internet search. Having emergency numbers ready will give you a faster response time. Those numbers include your veterinarian and a poison control center.

5. Check for injuries

Sometimes pets will act differently and you, as a pet parent, know something seems off. There could be soft tissue trauma from a fight, rough play, or strain. That’s most common with dogs. When there’s trauma to these tissues, you may notice your pet limping, cowering, or not wanting to move. Something as simple as a torn nail can also cause these symptoms.

Remaining calm during an emergency

When the worst happens, your pet will look to you for help. It’s critical to stay as calm as possible to work through the issues. Your fur baby will sense your anxiety, so your being calm will help your pet feel better, too. Call your vet and use these tips to get the emergency under control quickly. Ask your veterinarian any questions you have. They’re happy to help educate you on how to handle different situations to obtain the best results for your pet.