Do you know what to do in case of a pet emergency? Here are some common first aid tips, disaster tips and symptoms to look out for!
Pet First Aid Tips-
- To test if your pet is dehydrated- pull up the skin between the shoulder blades, the skin should return to normal. If it stays your pet may be dehydrated.
- Signs of poisoning- seizures, vomiting, listlessness, drooling/foaming at the mouth, dilated pupils, internal or external bleeding or other abnormal behavior.
- Signs of heat stroke- collapse, bloody diarrhea or vomiting, increased heart rate, increased salvation, excessive panting, body temp 104F or greater.
- Wound care- apply direct pressure using gauze or a clean cloth over the bleeding area. Flush wound with water or saline solution to remove debris. For deep wounds keep pressure on area until you get to the vet.
Thing to consider packing in your pets First aid kit-
-absorbent gauze pads
-adhesive tape (hypoallergenic)
-antiseptic wipes and spray
-blanket or old towels
-cotton balls or swabs
-disposable, non-latex, powder-free gloves
– Gauze roll
-grooming clippers
-hydrogen peroxide
-ice pack
-nail clippers
-nylon leash
-pet carrier
-petroleum jelly
-thermometer
-rubbing alcohol
-scissors (with blunt ends)
-sterile saline solution (eye wash)
-tweezers
-syringes (baby dose size)
Emergency and traveling kit supplies to consider-
-Always bring pets indoors at the first sign or warning of a storm of disaster
-3-7 days’ worth of canned food or dry food (be sure to rotate every 2 months)
-Disposable litter tray
-Litter or paper toweling
-Liquid dish soap and disinfectant
-Disposable garbage bags for clean-up
-Pet feeding dishes
-Extra collar, harness, leash
-Photocopies of medical records
-Weeks’ worth of medication (rotated to prevent expiry)
-Bottled water (at least 7 days’ worth for each person and pet; replace every 2 months)
-Travel bag, crate or sturdy carrier
-Flashlight
-Blanket/ pillow case
-Favorite toy
-Recent pet photo (in case you are separated)
-Make sure all pets wear collars and tags with up-to-date identification information. Your pet’s ID tag should include their name, your name and telephone number and any urgent medical needs. (Microchipping your pet is also a more permanent form of identification)
-Store emergency kit and leashes as close to an exit as possible
-Always plan for the worst case scenario, preparing ahead of time will help minimize evacuation time
Info source: ASPCA – pet care – disaster preparedness (aspca.org)
