Knowing a few basic animal first aid procedures can save your pet’s life, but remember that first aid is not a substitute for veterinary attention.

Toxic Exposure

Signs: Red Eyes, Whining, Pawing at Nose

– Call veterinarian immediately.

– Follow instructions on packaging for rinsing/decontamination.

– Keep product out of eyes, mouth or nose.

Poisoning

Signs: Vomiting, Diarrhea, Foaming at the Mouth, Gagging

– Call your veterinarian or Animal Poison Control Center hotline (888.426.4435)

– Identify name, description of the substance, the amount ingested and how much time has passed.

– Have the product container/packaging available for reference.

– Collect any material your pet may have vomited or chewed, and place it in a plastic seal-able bag to take to your vet.

Seizures

– Do not restrain the animal.

– Move objects out of the way that the animal could run into or injure itself with.

– Speak to the animal in loud, but reassuring tones.

– Time the seizure.

– Keep pet warm and quiet after seizure is over.

– Call veterinarian.

Choking

Signs: Difficulty Breathing, Choking Sounds, Blue Tinged Lips/Tongue

– Use caution – a choking pet is more likely to bite in his panic.

– If the pet can still breathe, keep it calm and get it to a veterinarian. If possible, have another person call the vet while you help your pet.

– Look into the pet’s mouth to see if a foreign object is visible.

– If you see an object, gently try to remove it with pliers or tweezers, but be careful not to push the object further down the throat. Don’t spend a lot of time trying to remove it if it’s not easy to reach – go to your vet.

– If you can’t remove the object or your pet collapses, lay your pet on its side and strike the rib cage firmly with the palm of your hand 3 – 4 times. Keep repeating this until the object is dislodged or until you arrive at the veterinarian’s office.

Heatstoke

Signs: Excessive Panting, Rapid Heart Rate

– Move the animal to a shaded are and out of direct sunlight.

– Place a cool, wet towel around its neck and head (Do not cover your pet’s eyes, mouth or nose)

– Remove the towel, wring it out, re-wet it and re-wrap it every few minutes as you cool the animal.

– Pour or use a hose to keep water running over the animal’s body (specially the abdomen and between the hind legs)

– Transport the pet to a veterinarian as soon as possible.