Pet First Aid Basics

My first aid training started 15 years ago when I started my first “career” job at a healthcare organization. Even though I wasn’t seeing patients I was given the opportunity to get my CPR certification and learn a few fun things like taking vitals, finger stick blood tests, etc. When I worked at REI I was able to up my first aid game by receiving a Wilderness First Aid certification, a cert specific to backcountry first response and really taught me how to dial in a first aid kit and how to not only provide basic care but also manage an emergency situation while being miles away from help.

Enter my career in pet care! When I started as a pet sitter I knew it was important to extend my first aid skills from human to animals so I can be ready to handle all sorts of situations and really determine if a pet is in distress and how to help them until they can get veterinary care. Both my certification in Pet First Aid from the American Red Cross and my Pet Sitter certification have expanded my knowledge and confidence in handling pet related emergencies. I encourage all pet owners to get certified as well!

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has some great basic tips for getting started. Check out their site! Topics include:

· Poison or toxin exposure

· Bleeding and bites

· Heatstroke

· Shock

· Seizures

· Choking

· Not breathing

· No heartbeat

While these topics can be scary, its so important to recognize signs and symptoms and be able to provide aid. It’s a good reminder that any first aid should be followed by immediate veterinary care. First aid is not a substitute for veterinary care, but it may save your pet’s life until it can receive further treatment.

The AVMA also has a great resource for what to include in a first aid kit for your pet! Whether you keep one in your car, in a camping kit, or just in a closet at home, its always good to have nearby for emergencies (and many of these items cross over into a human kit as well!):

· Important phone numbers (regular vet, emergency vet, poison control)

· Pet medical records, especially for any medication or chronic illness

· Digital thermometer

· Muzzle to prevent bites

· Spare leash and collar

· Gauze roll

· Clean towels

· Nonstick bandages or strips of clean cloth

· Self-adhering tape for bandages

· Scissors

· Disposable gloves

· Small flashlight for examining eyes, wounds, etc

· Tweezers

· Activated charcoal to absorb poison (only use if instructed by a vet or poison control)

· Hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting (same advice as above!)

· Saline solution

Always keep safety in mind when providing first aid to an animal (or a human!). Survey the scene to make sure first that you as the rescuer are safe, then make sure the animal and others are in a safe spot too. Especially for pets, pain can cause fear and confusion. Avoid over petting or hugging an injured animal. Keep your face away from your pet’s mouth. Apply a muzzle if a bite is threatened. And whenever possible ask for help for moving an animal, especially larger ones.