American Animal Hospital
Association Tips and Treatments
When your pet has an emergency, being
prepared is very important.
Before you need it, be sure you know how your
veterinarian handles emergencies or where you should go if you have
one.
For example, some veterinarians always have
someone on call, while others use special emergency hospitals for
things that arise after hours. AAHA-accredited hospitals are
required to provide 24-hour-a-day emergency care in one way or
another.
We cannot stress enough that you SHOULD NOT
get on-line during a pet emergency or when your pet is seriously
ill.
In an emergency, first aid is not a
substitute for veterinary treatment. However, before you are able
to get your pet to a veterinarian, knowing some basic first aid can
help. Always seek veterinary care following first-aid
attempts.
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BITE WOUNDS
Treatment/Action
Approach the pet carefully to avoid getting
bitten. Muzzle the pet. Check the wound for contamination or
debris. If significant debris is present, then clean the wound with
large amounts of saline or balanced electrolyte solution. If these
are not available, then regular water may be used. Wrap large open
wounds to keep them clean. Apply pressure to profusely bleeding
wounds. Do not use tourniquets. Bite wounds often become infected
and need professional care. Wear gloves when possible.
Call veterinarian.
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BLEEDING
Treatment/Action
Apply firm, direct pressure over the bleeding
area until the bleeding stops. Hold the pressure for at least 10
minutes (continually releasing the pressure to check the wound will
hamper the clotting). Avoid bandages that cut off
circulation.
Call veterinarian immediately.
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BREATHING STOPS
Treatment/Action
Check to see if the animal is choking on a
foreign object. If an animal is not breathing, place it on a firm
surface with its left side up.
Check for a heartbeat by listening at the
area where the elbow touches the chest. If you find a heartbeat but
no breathing, close the animal's mouth and breathe directly into
its nose-not the mouth-until the chest expands.
Repeat 12 to 15 times per minute. At the same
time, if there is no pulse, apply heart massage. The heart is
located in the lower half of the chest, behind the elbow of the
front left leg. Place one hand below heart to support the chest.
Place other hand over the heart and compress gently.
Cats and tiny pets receive heart massage by
compressing the chest with the thumb and forefingers of one hand.
Apply heart massage 80-120 times per minute for larger animals and
100-150 per minute for smaller ones. Alternate heart massage with
breathing.
- Please note
- Even in the hands of well-trained veterinary
health professionals, success of resuscitation is very low overall.
Success may be slightly higher in the cases of drowning or
electrical shock.
Call veterinarian immediately.
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BURNS (chemical, electrical, heat -
including heating pad)
Treatment/Action
singed hair, blistering, swelling, redness of
skin
Flush the burn immediately with large amounts
of cool, running water. Apply an ice pack for 15-20 minutes. Do not
place an ice pack directly on the skin. Wrap in a light towel or
cover. Large quantities of dry chemicals should be gently brushed
off the animal. Water may activate some dry chemicals.
Call veterinarian immediately.
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CHOKING
Treatment/Action
Difficulty breathing, excessive pawing at the
mouth, blue lips and tongue
Be sure to protect yourself as well since the
pet will likely be frantic and may be more like to bite. If the pet
can still partially
breath, it's best to keep the animal calm and get to a
veterinarian
as quickly as possible.
Look into the mouth to see if foreign object
in throat is visible.
If you can, clear the airway by removing the object with pliers or
tweezers, being careful not to push it farther down the throat.
If it is lodged too deep or if the pet collapses, then place
your
hands on both sides of the animal's rib cage
and apply firm, quick pressure.
Or place the animal on its side and strike
the side of the rib cage firmly with the palm of your hand three or
four times. Repeat this procedure until the object is dislodged or
you arrive at the veterinarian's office.
Call veterinarian immediately.
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DIARRHEA
Treatment/Action
Withhold food for 12-24 hours but not water.
Sometimes pets who appear to be straining are sore from diarrhea
rather than from constipation. Your veterinarian can help you
decide which it is and what will help. Trying at-home treatments
without knowing the real cause can just make things worse.
Call veterinarian.
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FRACTURES
Treatment/Action
Pain, inability to use a limb, or limb at odd
angle
Muzzle the pet and look for bleeding. If you
can control bleeding
without causing more injury, then do so.
Watch for signs of shock. DO NOT TRY TO SET THE FRACTURE by pulling
or tugging on the limb. Transport the pet to the veterinarian
immediately supporting the injured part as best you can.
Call veterinarian immediately.
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HEATSTROKE
Treatment/Action
Rapid or difficulty breathing, vomiting, high
body temperature, collapse
Place animal in a tub and run cool water over
it. Or, gently soak animal with a garden hose or wrap in a cool,
wet towel. Do not overcool the animal. Stop cooling when rectal
temperature reaches 103 degrees Fahrenheit.
Call veterinary immediately.
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POISONING
Treatment/Action
vomiting, convulsions, diarrhea, salivation,
weakness, depression, pain
Record what the pet ingested and how much.
Immediately call your veterinarian or poison control center. Do not
induce vomiting. In case of toxins or chemicals on the skin from
oils, paints, insecticides and other contact irritants, request
directions on if and how to wash the toxin off.
Call veterinarian.
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SEIZURES
Treatment/Action
salivation, loss of control of urine or
stool, violent muscle twitching, loss of consciousness
Move pet away from any objects that could be
harmful. Use a blanket for padding and protection. Do not put
yourself at risk by restraining the pet during the seizure. Time
the seizure.
They usually last only 2 to 3 minutes.
Afterwards, keep the animal calm and quiet.
Call veterinarian immediately.
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SHOCK
Treatment/Action
irregular breathing, dilated pupils
May occur with serious injury or fright. Keep
animal gently restrained, quiet and warm with lower body
elevated.
Call veterinary immediately.
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VOMITING
Treatment/Action
Withhold food for 12-24 hours. Give ice cubes
for two hours after vomiting stops, then slowly increase the amount
of water and foods given over a 24-hour period.
Call veterinarian.
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EQUIPMENT
Muzzle
Use a strip of soft cloth, rope, necktie, or
nylon stocking. Wrap around the nose, under the chin and tie behind
the ears.
Care must be taken when handling weak or
injured pets. Even normally docile pets will bite when in pain.
Allow the pet to pant after handling by loosening or removing the
muzzle. Do not use a muzzle in a case of vomiting. Cats and small
pets may be difficult to muzzle. A towel placed around the head
will help control small pets.
Stretcher
Use a door, board, blanket, or floor mat can
be used as a stretcher to transport injured or weak animals.
