As a responsible pet owner, you should be prepared for any untoward incident. A pet emergency might vary from a minor injury to a long-term illness. Being learned in advance how to respond to them can be a savior. Here is a checklist of what to do in case of an unanticipated accident with your pet. Here is a blog on 'Essential First Aid for Pets: Handling Pet Emergency at Home'; Check it out below!
Keep Calm and Assess the Problem
Severe injuries are easier to figure out but chronic diseases need time and expertise to understand the symptoms and behavioral changes. While responding to any emergency, remember not to lose your calm. If you panic, you are scaring away your pet and missing out on noticing the crucial symptoms. Remember to calm down your pet to keep close track of their problem. Since they might be agitated or unconscious, try making them feel safe and approach slowly to prevent them from biting you.
First Aid for Choking Dogs
If there occur any symptoms like noisy or fast breathing, frequent opening of mouth while breathing, or blue or gray gums, your dog is probably struggling to breathe. Check if anything is stuck in their mouth or try giving CPR. In case of any pre-existing condition like heart disease, asthma, or Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), it becomes important to analyze their breathing pattern and consult a vet urgently or as required.
First Aid for Dog Seizures
Dog Seizures can be distressing to witness but remember, not to lose your calm. Ensure that your pet doesn't harm himself by clearing up the surroundings. Turn off the lights, minimize the noise, make them feel cool by cutting off the exposure to heat, and note how long the seizure lasts. Your pet might be confused or dazed after fitting, so provide a comfortable recovery environment.
First Aid for Electric Shocks
If your pet has accidentally chewed electric cables or caught an electric shock, do not approach them directly unless the power is cut off. If you fail to turn the power off, try using a non-conducting material like wood to separate your electrocuted pet from electric exposure. Afterward, check their heartbeat and breathing. Examine them for injuries or burns and wrap them around a blanket to keep them warm. Give CPR if they are unable to breathe and immediately take him to the vet.
First Aid for Dog Wounds
Carefully check your pet for wounds, bleeding, and bruises. Apply gentle pressure to the bleeding area by holding a bandage over it. You can also use a clean cloth in the absence of a bandage. Try not to remove the fabric since it disrupts the clots and again causes the blood to flow. However, if the bleeding is internal, you may notice weakness, collapse, cold feet, pale gums, difficulty breathing, or a swollen belly, which is a sign to consult your doctor. Always keep an eye out for limping, groaning, or any other signs that can indicate that your pet is in pain. Early diagnosis and identification of the problem thus become necessary.
First Aid for Hypothermia
If your pet’s body temperature drops dangerously low or if you see conditions like a slow and irregular heartbeat, shivering drowsiness, or pale gums, it might be a sign of Hypothermia. Since hypothermia can cause electrolyte imbalances, blood clots, and reduced ability to fight infections, taking preventive measures is a must. Ensure to provide them with sufficient heat by wrapping them around blankets and giving them lukewarm water and healthy dog food.
First Aid for Dog Urinary Tract Infection
If your dog is unable to pass urine even after asserting pressure, check for symptoms like repeated straining, crying, vomiting, swollen tummy, or licking of genitals. However, if your dog passes comparatively smaller amounts of urine, it may have a urine infection or bladder problem. Their urinary tract might have been blocked which needs immediate veterinary surveillance.
First Aid for Dog Skin Infection
Bacterial and fungal skin infections are most commonly noticeable these days in dogs. It causes red, itchy, inflamed, flaky, crusty, or moist skin, making the dog scratch and harm itself. To disinfect the wound and prevent the spread of infection, apply an antiseptic ointment using a cotton ball. You can try the Ayurvedic Ointment for treating the skin of infected dogs- Eczo Pet which is enriched with anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties to ensure quick wound healing.
First Aid Pet Kit Must Haves
Here is a list of dog medicines you must have in your first aid kit.
- A Bandage is one of the most essential first-aid items. Self-adhering and water-repellent bandages are preferred for dogs since they do not stick to their fur.
- Ointment or Spray can treat cuts, sores, rashes, dry skin, and allergies. You can try Heal Pet, a dog ayurvedic medicine with a magical ingredient called Jatyadi Oil, a mixture of many herbs. It has antimicrobial and antiseptic healing properties and has been tested by veterinarians.
- Cotton Balls are naturally absorbent and organic. They are super soft and help clean the wound and apply the ointment.
- Milk of magnesia can be used to treat gastric problems, irregular and discolored stools, heartburn, and itching or bleeding anus area. Consult a vet for dosage recommendations or try Pacho Pet, which is an Ayurvedic digestive stimulant and bowel regulator enriched with Anthelmintic and anti-spasmodic herbs.
- Hydrogen Peroxide is a mild antiseptic that prevents any infection accompanied by minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. Its foamy texture helps to remove dead skin and thoroughly clean the wound.
Rush to a Veterinarian
In case of a pet emergency, it becomes essential to consult a veterinarian. While on the way to the doctor, support their back and do not let their head twist or drop if they are unconscious. Remember to bring any ongoing medications or if your pet has ingested any unwanted material, carry the packaging for ingredient assessment by the vet. Refer to the type of treatment and medication course as recommended by your vet.
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