First Aid in Small Animals

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Just like kids, Pets of any age get abrasions, cuts, injuries, get involved in fights and sometimes bite each other. As a Parent you give first aid to your child when injured, so you can give first aid to your injured pet, when in need.

‘DO NOT PANIC‘ – This is the first and most crucial thing you must do while giving first aid is not to panic. Panicking will make injured pet loss his calm and it’ll not be easy for you to administer right medicine or make a fuss of the injury.

First Aid Kit – Always have your FA kit ready. It must include – Antiseptics, Cotton, Tweezers, Bandages, Wound Dressing, Wound Wash, Gloves, Blunt edge scissors, Self-adhesive tape.

Check For Vitals – Heart Rate, Pulse Rate, Temperature, Respiratory Rate, Level of consciousness and pain, capillary refills and mucous membrane colour.

Check your pet’s mouth and look for any object such as ball or any thing which might cause choke. Remove the object using a tweezers or pliers. If the animal is unconscious, sweep the fingers inside the throat and look for any lodged object and remove it.

Identify the Injuries – Bites, wounds, burns, broken bones, seizures, poison and toxins, abrasions, hypothermia. Identifying the injury is very necessary to apply first aid.

Chlorhexidine, Betadine, Isopropyl Alcohol are needed to treat wounds, cuts, and abrasion.

In case of Burn first aid requires Saline Solution. Saline Solⁿ can be prepared by using 4 cup of water add 2 teaspoons of salt and boil it, cool it down and apply on the burn wound.

Ophthalmic (Eye) Injury – Use Contact lens solution, Boric Acid. If an irritating chemical or product accidentally gets into eyes, wash or use sponge and damp with saline solution.

Broken Bones – Very Painful condition, use muzzle and then stabilise the bone using splinters. Look for pale gum which indicates blood loss or shock. Bandages can be used to cover wounds, left open can cause severe infection.

Heatstroke – Look the common signs of Heatstroke, Excessive panting, trouble breathing and collapse. Move the pet to the shade or indoors. Turn on the fan, put water towel on start cooling, wet the paws, feet and fur slowly. If conscious give them cool water to drink.

In case of eye injury, permanent blindness may occur, broken bones make cause severe infection and bone deformities.

Perform CPR if needed. Perform First Aid with caution and hygiene.

As a Pet parent it is your responsibility to learn first aid and CPR. You can be a lifesaver to your pet in case of emergencies.

After giving First Aid Contact your Vet and rush to the Vet Clinic or Hospital for further treatment. Any delay in treatment may cost you the life of your pet.

Take some time to learn First Aid and CPR, it saves life and it works.

The Geek Veterinarian