When your beloved cat or dog gets hurt, it’s important to act swiftly and calmly to provide first aid until professional veterinary care is available. Knowing the basics of first aid can save your pet’s life or prevent further injury. The aim of this article is to provide you with enough basic  first aid measures to help your pet until vet attention is provided.

1. Assessing the Situation

Before rushing to help, make sure you and your pet are safe. If your pet is in pain, they may react unpredictably. Approach with caution and speak softly to calm them down. If necessary, call a vet or emergency animal services for advice and help.

2. Breathing and Heartbeat Check

If your pet is unconscious, the first thing you should do is check their breathing and heartbeat.

  • Breathing: Watch for chest movement. If there’s no sign of breathing, attempt mouth-to-nose resuscitation.
  • Heartbeat: Place your hand on their chest or under the ribcage. If there’s no heartbeat, begin CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) while waiting for help.

CPR for Dogs:

  • Place the pet on their right side.
  • Place your hands over the chest, just behind the front legs, and apply firm pressure.
  • Give 30 compressions followed by two breaths.

CPR for Cats:

  • Place the cat on their side.
  • Use one hand to apply pressure over the chest, just behind the elbow.
  • Give 30 compressions followed by one breath.

Note: Always check for a pulse and breathing before performing CPR.

3. Bleeding Control

If your pet is bleeding, stopping the blood flow is crucial. Here’s how to manage it:

  • External Bleeding: Apply direct pressure to the wound using a clean cloth or sterile gauze. Elevate the limb if possible to reduce blood flow.
  • Severe Bleeding: If the bleeding is severe, please contact your vet for specific instructions. The location of the injury can affect how the bleeding should be controlled.
  • Nosebleeds: Keep the pet calm and apply a cold compress to the nose to reduce swelling.

4. Choking or Obstruction

Choking can happen if your pet swallows something they shouldn’t. If your pet is gagging, pawing at their mouth, or unable to breathe, try the following:

  • For Dogs: If the object is visible, carefully remove it with your fingers, making sure not to push it further down. If the object is not visible, perform the Heimlich maneuver by standing behind your dog, placing your hands just below their ribcage, and applying firm, inward pressure.

  • For Cats: The Heimlich maneuver can be tricky due to their small size. Try to dislodge the object by gently tapping the back and checking the mouth. If this fails, get to a vet immediately.

5. Fractures or Sprains

Fractures and sprains can occur from falls, accidents, or rough play. Here’s what to do:

  • Signs of Fractures or Sprains: Look for swelling, limping, or visible deformity.
  • Fracture First Aid: Protect the injured area by carefully wrapping it in a soft bandage or splint. Do attempt to position the area a certain way as this can cause further damage. Wrap the area as is and make sure the bandage isn’t too tight to prevent further injury. Transport your pet to a vet immediately.
  • Sprain Care: Rest is key. Avoid movement and try to prevent your pet from walking on the injured limb. Cold compresses can help reduce swelling.

6. Burns or Heatstroke

Heat-related injuries are common, especially in hot climates, and can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.

  • Heatstroke: Symptoms include excessive panting, drooling, weakness, vomiting, or even collapse. If you suspect heatstroke:
    • Move your pet to a cooler area immediately.
    • Offer small amounts of water.
    • Use a damp cloth to cool their body, especially the head, neck, and paws.
    • Take them to the vet for further treatment.
  • Burns: If your pet is burned, remove them from the source of heat and cool the burn with cool (not ice-cold) water for 10-15 minutes. Avoid applying creams or ointments unless advised by a vet.

7. Seizures

Seizures in pets can be alarming, but it’s important to stay calm and avoid panicking.

  • During a Seizure: Keep your pet safe by moving objects away from them to avoid injury. Do not try to hold them down or put anything in their mouth. Time the duration of the seizure and, if there’s multiple seizures, keep track of the time between them.
  • Post-Seizure: After the seizure, your pet may be disoriented or confused. Offer them a quiet, safe space to rest. Contact your vet for advice.

8. Allergic Reactions

Pets can have allergic reactions to insect stings, certain foods, medications, or other environmental factors.

    • Symptoms of Allergic Reactions: Swelling (especially around the face), hives, difficulty breathing, vomiting, or diarrhea.
    • First Aid: If you suspect an allergic reaction, take your pet to a vet immediately, especially if breathing becomes difficult. If the swelling is localized, a cold compress may help reduce discomfort.
  • Medications: Benadryl is safe to use for dogs. Please call your vet before use to ensure this is the correct medication to use for the reaction your pet is having and to get the correct dose. DO NOT give Benadryl to cats. 

9. Eye Injuries

Eye injuries, such as scratches or foreign objects, require immediate attention to prevent long-term damage.

  • Symptoms of Eye Injuries: Redness, squinting, excessive tearing, or discharge.
  • First Aid: Gently rinse the eye with saline solution or clean water. If there’s a foreign object, try to flush it out, but avoid rubbing the eye. Get to a vet as soon as possible.

With these basic first aid techniques, you can offer immediate care to your furry friends and give them the best chance at recovery in an emergency.