First Aid Tips Every Pet Owner Should Know

This is Niko. He's doing great! Just recovering from eye surgery.

Whether it’s a puppy who plays a little too hard for his own good, or suddenly finding a bloody pawprint on the kitchen tile; we’ve all been in a situation where our animals need on-the-spot care. To keep our buddies happy (and unnecessary vet bills to a minimum); here’s some helpful pet first-aid tips that every owner should know:

(DISCLAIMER: This advice is for prevention/stabilization only. ALWAYS seek professional veterinary advice for severe or worsening conditions).

1. There’s an app for that: This quick list will hardly be comprehensive so, if nothing else, we encourage you to download the Pet First Aid app by the American Red Cross. That way you’ll always have ready access to information on common injuries and ailments at the tips of your fingers. 

We’re serious. Stop reading and get it now. There’s no ads, and no fees.

2. Build a Pet First Aid Kit: 
You’ll need:
-Gauze Pads, Non-stick bandages, and adhesive tape
-Hydrogen Peroxide (use with vet guidance only, please!)
-Pet Safe Antiseptic (like Vetericyn)
-Tweezers, medical scissors, digital 
-Muzzle 
-Saline eye wash, antiseptic wipes/spray (e.g., Vetericyn) 
-Gloves, blanket/towel, flashlight (& spare batteries)
-Tick remover (like ‘Tick Tornado’)
-Emergency contacts list (your vet, nearest emergency vet, poison control hotline) 
-Any prescription medication needed for your pet (provided no special storage requirements are needed)

Store everything in an easily accessible waterproof container. Be sure its included or readily available for any ‘bug out’ bags if your family needs to evacuate your home in case of a disaster or other emergency.

3. Signs of choking: Since animals can’t clutch at their throats like we can, the clues that your animal is choking can be more subtle.

Look for: Gagging, franticness (such as agitated pacing), agonized breathing, and bluish discolored gums.

What to do: If safe, open the mouth and use your fingers to sweep obstructions. If you cannot clear or see the obstruction, lift the animal by the hind legs and attempt to dislodge the obstruction with swift pats to the back and swaying the animal like a pendulum. If the animal is too large for that: attempt a canine Heimlich Maneuver by performing firm compressions just under their rib cage (best to put their back to your chest as you make the attempt.

If they become unresponsive: Begin canine or feline CPR (see attached videos)

If the obstruction is cleared: Bring to vet anyway. Inflammation, swelling, or other injury may still pose a risk.

4. Bleeding/Wounds: Many animals do not like to advertise that they are wounded. If you see any unexplained blood around the house, or your pet is hiding in an atypical fashion; it’s usually a good idea to check for injuries.

First: Project calm. A painful injury places your pet into a high-stress situation. Clear out any other pets or children whose curiosity might add to stress. Speak in a low, soothing voice, and make gentle and predictable motions. 

What to look for: Blood, limping, atypical gnawing, licking, or ‘worrying’ at an unusual  place.

What to do: Assess the severity of the injury.

Light scrapes or cuts: Clean with saline/water, apply pressure with clean cloth/gauze 5–10 min. Bandage lightly (not too tight).

Deep wounds or punctures: Elevate limb, apply firm pressure, don't remove any embedded objects. Transport to vet immediately. Tip: Prevent licking by fixing a cone around the neck or rolling a sock over the injury (be sure to wrap with tape).

Post Care: Contact your vet regarding wound care and managing infection risk.

5. Heatstroke: Remember that cats and dogs regulate their temperature through panting. You should note their regular patterns and pay special attention during hot days. They don’t sweat like we do, so an animal’s panting pattern is often your first best indicator for heat-related distress.

Brachycephalic (short-snout) breeds like pugs and bulldogs are particularly vulnerable.

What to look for: Heavy panting, drooling, weakness, vomiting, bright red gums.

What to do: Move to cool/shaded area, wet with cool (not ice-cold) water/towels, fan gently, offer small sips once stable. DO NOT immerse in an ice bath. Monitor their temperature; and seek veterinary advice ASAP! Heatstroke can be fatal!

6. Bee / Wasp Stings: Did you know dogs can have bee sting allergies just like humans? It’s true! Luckily, treatment is very similar.

What to look for: Excessive gnawing or scratching at a particular area without an obvious wound (particularly if recently outdoors). A large, irritated bump or swollen body parts (paws or snout being most common). Examine the sting site thoroughly. If the stinger is still present; scrape away with a credit card (Note: SCRAPE. Tweezing releases more venom).

If you see two nearby punctures; it is likely a snakebite and an immediate trip to the vet is indicated. 

What to do (if a sting and not a snakebite): Treat with Benadryl (with guidance) and monitor. Be aware of any agonized breathing and transport to vet if present. 

7. Ticks: One of the most overlooked and annoying pests to deal with are ticks. If your pup likes to romp in the tall grass; you’d best inspect them for any unwanted hitchhikers. in our area, ticks are year round, so don't assume just because it's a certain time of year that you'll be clear of ticks. 

What to look for: Run hands over fur after outdoor adventures (particularly in tall grass). You’ll feel the ticks if they’re there.

What to do: Distract or muzzle the animal (you DON’T want they chewing the tick). Part the fur until you have a good view of the tick. Tweeze or use your tick remover at the head of the bug (as close to skin as possible) and pull straight out (Do NOT tweeze at the body. Do NOT burn off. Do NOT coat in oil or jelly). Dispose of the bug in alcohol or tape to paper. Take a picture of the tick before disposing of the body in case your vet needs to know the species. Clean bite site with antiseptic.

After care: Preventative visit to vet is best. Monitor for any signs of infection such as lethargy, swelling, loss of appetite, pale gums, or sore joints. Immediately seek veterinary care if these symptoms develop.

8. Other common hazards:
Chocolate, chewing/bubble gum (or any product containing xylitol), grapes, rat poison: If you suspect your animal has ingested any of these; contact poison control without delay. DO NOT induce vomiting without guidance.

Waterplay: If you intend to allow your dog to enter a river, lake, or reservoir; be attentive to all hazard notices; such as waterborne pest, algae blooms, or other dangers. Understand that any body of water deep enough for submersion is an inherent drowning risk. 

Be attentive to any changes in health or behavior soon after waterplay and contact your vet immediately should such changes manifest. 

It can be scary when and emergency arises with our pets. But being prepared helps calm that panic and allows us to think more clearly. 

When hiring a pet care provider for your pet, be sure to ask about their Pet First Aid/CPR certification. If they give you a confused look or say they don't have one, look for a provider who does, like us!! We train our team in Pet First Aid/CPR regularly so we're always refreshed on the proper techniques and learn any updates. 

These courses are available to you as well!
For online trainings we recommend: https://www.petfirstaid4u.com/​
For in person trainings we recommend: https://pettech.net/

If you're in the San Jose area and looking for a Pet First Aid/CPR certified sitter, contact us today!
Book Now!!