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Posts Tagged ‘Pet CPR’

Pet First Aid. By Our Animal Loving Student Pharmacist, Kristy Jackson.

Pet first aid app

April is National Pet First Aid Awareness month. We all love our furry friends, but do we know how to take care of them in case of an emergency? We may not want to think about something bad happening to our pets, but, in case something does, it is important to be prepared.

Here are some tips and tricks that can be used when caring for your pet during an emergency.

American Red Cross

The American Red Cross has a great app on Google play and Apple app stores that can be easily downloaded onto your smart phone for free. The app contains a section for dogs and a section for cats. The app includes important information and various videos for you to learn how to handle emergencies. The app also contains an emergency tab where you can preload your veterinarian’s phone number so you can call at the click of a button. You can even upload your pet’s medical records onto the app. Check out the app here:

Supplies for a Pet First Aid Kit

Having a pet first aid kit together and ready to use in case of an emergency is a good way to be prepared. Some basic supplies that can be included in a kit are listed below.

  • Phone numbers for your veterinarian and animal poison control center (888-426-4435)
  • Gauze, nonstick bandages, adhesive tape and towels – to wrap and protect wounds
  • Milk of magnesia – to absorb poison (always call your vet or animal poison control before treating your pet)
  • Hydrogen peroxide 3% – to induce vomiting
  • Digital “fever” thermometer – must take temperature rectally
  • Eye droppers or large syringe – to give oral treatments or flush wounds

Pet CPR

Knowing basic CPR for your pet is also very important and can help save your pet’s life in times of an emergency. Before you start giving your pet CPR you need to follow the ABCs:

  • A: airway
    • Check your pet’s airway. Lay them on their side. Tilt their head back and pull their tongue out. Use your finger to check for any foreign objects.
  • B: breathing
    • If your pet is not breathing, begin rescue breathing. To do this, gently close the pet’s mouth and extend the neck to open the airway. Then cover the nose with your mouth and exhale until you see the animal’s chest rise. Give the breath over one second.
  • C: check circulation
    • Check your pet for a heart beat. If there is no heart beat, chest compression should be started.

There are different ways to do chest compression on an animal since there are many types of animals. In order to preform CPR properly on your pet, look over the procedure for your type of pet. This information can be found on the app from the American Red Cross mentioned above.

The best thing to do for your pet is to be prepared for an emergency. If you prepare beforehand, you will have a better chance of doing the right thing for your pet and possibly saving their life.

Remember, April is National Pet First Aid Awareness month, so make sure you do what you can to protect your furry friends.

Sources:

  1. Pet first aid supplies checklist. Avmaorg. 2016. Available at: https://www.avma.org/public/EmergencyCare/Pages/Supplies-Checklist.aspx.
  2. Pet Disaster Preparedness | Animals, Dogs, Cats | American Red Cross. American Red Cross. 2016. Available at: http://www.redcross.org/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/pet-safety.

Pet CPR