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 animal.
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.
See also:
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