If something happens and you have any doubts as to the health of your companion
animal, please
GO SEE YOUR VET RIGHT AWAY! Don't even take the time to turn off
your computer! The following information is for minor first aid ONLY:
- Burns
Do not use ointments. Apply a cold compress to the burned
area and take the pet to a veterinarian ASAP.
- Choking
Open the pet's mouth and pull his tongue forward. If an
object is seen, and it is not string or a needle, try to remove it. Take
the pet to a veterinarian ASAP.
- Ear Mites
Call a veterinarian. Pets' ears are fragile, and therefore
should be treated only with directions from a professional.
- Fleas and Ticks
We received some great hints and help with this problem we end up dealing with so often! Please comment now on this article with your great tips and tricks for getting those nastly little buggers away from our furry friends and out of the house for good!
READ OUR TIPS ON FLEAS AND TICKS >>
- Fracture
Take the pet to a veterinarian ASAP. Keep the pet calm, wrap him in a
towel, and place a splint on the limb if possible.
- Heat Stroke
Symptoms: Gasping, panting, very warm skin, dry tongue, blue-gray
tongue, blue-gray gums, drooling, unconsciousness.
Take the pet to a veterinarian at once. If the
condition is not severe, soak the pet in cool water or
place a towel soaked in cold water on him.
- Insect Sting
If the pet is weak, vomiting, or having trouble breathing, rush him to
a veterinarian. If the stinger is visible, remove it by scraping it with a
dull knife. Do not use tweezers. Apply an ice pack.
- Motion Sickness
Stop the car and provide the pet some fresh air. Veterinarians can
offer medication before travelling.
- Object in Eye
Try to open the pet's eye. If object is visible and easily movable, try
flushing with warm water. Take the pet to a veterinarian.
- Overexposure to Cold
Symptoms: Very cold skin, ruffled fur, shivers, weakness, bloody stool,
unconsciousness, gums and tongue pale pink-gray in color.
If the condition is severe, immediately take the pet to a veterinarian,
making sure to keep him warm on the way. If the condition is not severe,
wrap the pet in a towel and apply a hot water bottle to him. Also try using
a blow dryer on him. If the pet is conscious, offer him some warm broth.
- Poisoning
Symptoms: Heavy salivating, vomiting, weakness, twitching, collapse, strange breath,
bluish gums and tongue.
Immediately call a veterinarian or poison control center. Then
take the pet and a sample of the poison to a veterinarian. Keep the pet warm, and be sure to prevent him from licking fur that has poison on it.
- Shock
Symptoms: Rapid or feeble heartbeat, shallow, rapid breathing, pale
pink or white gums and mouth, low body temperature, confusion, unconsciousness.
Take the pet to a veterinarian ASAP. Loosen his collar, clear his mouth
of all liquids, calm him, wrap him so that he is warm, and keep his head lower than his
body.
- Ticks
Soak ticks in alcohol or small amounts of tick spray. Wait thirty
minutes, and then carefully grasp the ticks with tweezers. Be sure to pull
them straight out. After removal, apply antiseptic to the bites, burn or
flush the ticks, and thoroughly wash your hands.
- Minor Wound
Clean wound with hydrogen peroxide. If there is bleeding, use
compression. If the bleeding continues, contact a veterinarian ASAP. (Deep
wounds may require antibiotics.)
- Serious Wound
If there is extensive bleeding, flap skin over or apply direct pressure
to the wound with clean material. Then take the pet to a veterinarian ASAP.