Providing Companion Animals With First Aid
Injuries and emergencies happen unexpectedly, and the urgency of the matter, along with the emotional connection, can make them difficult to navigate. Knowing what to expect, the steps to take, and how to perform basic animal first aid and CPR on your cat or dog can help reduce the panic you may otherwise feel in these situations. While you should always seek veterinary care in an emergency, first aid can provide your pet with much-needed care while you get them to your closest emergency animal hospital – potentially saving their life.
When would a dog or cat require first aid?
There are many different situations in which pets may require first aid, including but not limited to:
- Breathing difficulties or choking
- Trauma
- Foreign body
- Seizures
- Heatstroke
How to Handle a Pet Emergency When Every Second Counts
It can be difficult to see your four-legged friend struggling with pain or illness. Managing the situation efficiently will allow for an ideal outcome:
- Call our team of emergency veterinarians in Halifax right away for guidance.
- Follow our staff's advice and apply any recommended first aid.
- Be careful. Your pet may be scared in an emergency and bite or scratch anyone trying to provide comfort or first aid.
- Calmly and safely transport your cat or dog to our veterinary clinic for medical emergency care.
What are the main principles of first aid for pets?
Certain principles have to be followed regarding first aid for dogs or cats. These are similar to the steps listed above, including:
Remain Calm in an Emergency
Emergencies can be very stressful, especially if you aren't sure of the cause or what to do when one happens.
By remaining calm, you also help your pet to relax.
Assess the Situation
Assess whether the situation can be managed at home with first aid or if you should go to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital.
Emergencies can quickly become overwhelming for pet owners. Knowing the signs and what to do next can make a difference. If in doubt, you should always have your pet examined.
Applying First Aid for Dogs & Cats
A well-stocked pet first aid kit includes bandages, adhesive dressings, gauze swabs and more.
Apply a clean, thick gauze pad over any cuts or scrapes, and maintain pressure on the wound until the bleeding stops and clotting begins. Keep the pressure on for at least three minutes before assessing whether the blood has clotted.
Clean open wounds with a saline solution and apply a bandage to protect the area. Keep the bandage clean and dry.
If you suspect your pet has broken bones, locate a flat surface, such as a board or stretcher, and use this to transport your pet.
If you are unsure of the extent of their injuries, try to keep them still while you reach out to the animal hospital for further instructions.
Contact Coastal Care Veterinary Emergency & Referral Hospital
Contact our emergency veterinary hospital in Halifax for advice on what to do next and to provide information to our team before your arrival.
This allows us to be prepared to provide medical care for your pet.
How do you give CPR to companion animals?
If your companion is unconscious and does not have an audible heartbeat, you will need to begin CPR right away. Here are the steps to perform CPR on cats and dogs:
1. Check for breathing and a heartbeat.
Listen for a heartbeat and watch your cat or dog's chest for breathing. If your pet's chest is not moving and you can't hear a heartbeat, begin chest compressions.
2. Do chest compressions.
Depending on the size and species of pet, place your hands as follows:
For cats, small dogs, and deep-chested dogs (like Irish wolfhounds, greyhounds, etc.): Place the heel of one of your hands directly over the pet’s heart and your other hand directly over the first hand.
For barrel-chested dogs (like boxers, pugs, etc.): Place the dog on its back, place one hand over the widest part of the sternum, and put your other hand directly over the first hand. Lock your elbows, and make sure your shoulders are directly above your hands.
Then, push hard and fast, performing approximately two compressions per second (100 - 120 compressions per minute), compressing 1/3 to 1/2 the width of your pet’s chest.
Allow the chest to fully rise again before beginning the next compression. Perform 30 chest compressions.
3. Perform rescue breaths.
Close your cat or dog's mouth and tilt their head back. Cover their nose with your mouth and exhale until you see your pet’s chest rise. Repeat this a second time.
4. Continue performing CPR.
Continue a cycle of 30 chest compressions and two breaths. Perform this cycle every two minutes.
5. Check for breathing and a heartbeat.
Stop every two minutes to check if your cat or dog is breathing or has a heartbeat.
6. Bring your cat or dog in for emergency veterinary care.
Continue performing the steps for CPR as listed until you reach our emergency veterinary hospital.
The veterinary team at Coastal Care Veterinary Emergency & Referral Hospital offers emergency care for cats, dogs, and exotic pets from Halifax, Dartmouth, and across the Maritimes. We're here to help 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your veterinarian.