Below are some common dog and cat injuries, and ways you can help your pet until you can get to a veterinarian.
Automobile accident
Find or create a firm surface (such as a stretcher, board, mat, or even a blanket held taut). Slide it under the animal and lift gently. Keep animal warm while you take him to a vet or animal emergency clinic.
Bites and cuts
Wash with mild soap, rinse well, and pat dry with a clean towel. Gently dab with hydrogen peroxide. Apply an antibiotic salve. (For punctures or large wounds, get immediate veterinary attention.)
Bleeding
Apply direct pressure with a clean cloth.
Bloat
A dog’s distended abdomen may be a symptom of a life-threatening illness. Get to a veterinarian immediately.
Broken bones
Do not move or disturb the bone. Splint fractures with a magazine or newspapers loosely rolled around limb. Tape just above the splint, continue down the leg; do not cover toes. Do not attempt to splint a struggling animal.
Burns
Apply cool compresses. Don’t immerse animals that have burns over large areas; they may go into shock. Dress small burns with sterile nonstick bandages. Do not apply ointments, butter, or petroleum jelly; they retain heat and attract infection.
Choking, coughing, or gagging
Choking may signal a tracheal obstruction or defect. Coughing is common after strenuous exercise and should subside when the pet rests. Frequent coughing may signal illness.
Eye injury
Check for obvious foreign bodies, such as a small stick or hair; flush with mild saline drops. Scratches or irritations may require medicated eyedrops or salves. Cover eye with damp gauze to prevent pet from rubbing.
Frostbite
Discoloration indicates freezing injury. Get pet into a warm place. Warm injured skin slowly with tepid water.
Heatstroke
Soak overheated pet in tepid water; provide fresh drinking water. Never leave pets in cars. Provide well-ventilated outdoor shelter in hot weather.
Insect stings
A swollen muzzle or face indicates a possible sting. Apply a paste of baking soda and water, or a topical antihistamine. Respiratory difficulty signals allergic shock; get to a vet.
Poisoning
Three common poisons are antifreeze, rodenticide, and moldy garbage. In all cases — even if only a suspicion — get immediate veterinary care. Also, call the 24-hour hotline of the ASPCA’s National Animal Poison Control Center, 800-426-4435. Symptoms take as long as 24 to 72 hours to manifest, which may be too late for lifesaving treatment.
Vomiting
If it occurs more than once, or is projectile, call your vet. Never muzzle a vomiting animal; he could suffocate.
Source: Better Homes & Gardens
