-
Recent Posts
Archives
- October 2022
- August 2022
- May 2022
- March 2022
- January 2022
- December 2021
- September 2021
- July 2021
- June 2021
- May 2021
- April 2021
- February 2021
- January 2021
- November 2020
- October 2020
- September 2020
- June 2020
- April 2020
- March 2020
- February 2020
- January 2020
- December 2019
- November 2019
- October 2019
- September 2019
- June 2019
- March 2019
- February 2019
- January 2019
- December 2018
- November 2018
- October 2018
- August 2018
- July 2018
- June 2018
- May 2018
- April 2018
- March 2018
- February 2018
- January 2018
- December 2017
- November 2017
- October 2017
- September 2017
- August 2017
- July 2017
- June 2017
- May 2017
- April 2017
- March 2017
- February 2017
- January 2017
- December 2016
- November 2016
- August 2016
- July 2016
- June 2016
- May 2016
- April 2016
- March 2016
- February 2016
- January 2016
- December 2015
- November 2015
- October 2015
- September 2015
- August 2015
- July 2015
- June 2015
- May 2015
- April 2015
- March 2015
- December 2014
- June 2014
- May 2014
- April 2014
- November 2013
- September 2013
- August 2013
- July 2013
- June 2013
- May 2013
- March 2013
- January 2013
- November 2012
- October 2012
- July 2012
- December 2011
- November 2011
- October 2011
- September 2011
- August 2011
- July 2011
- June 2011
- May 2011
- April 2011
- March 2011
- February 2011
- January 2011
- December 2010
- November 2010
Categories
Don’t fool around with Pet First Aid – Happy Pet First Aid Awareness Month!
Let me help you prepare in the event of a pet emergency!
As a pet parent, one of the first things that happen when we see one of our little ones (or big ones) in an emergency situation is PANIC! So, before you decide to run around in the back yard screaming and flailing your arms, RELAX. Just like with people, animals can also sense when we are panicked and worried. So stay calm and all will go MUCH smoother!
It’s important to start out by knowing where your nearest veterinary emergency hospital is located. Even when we are traveling, we should be aware of where we should go in case of a crisis. Remember that our pets, even though we see them as our kids, are not little furry people. We should NEVER give them any human drugs without consulting a veterinarian. Most of us do not understand the harm even one small dose of an human medication can cause them.
While many households have first aid kits, many do not have one for their pets. Every pet owner should have a first aid kit at home available just in case one should ever need it. I’ve created a simple checklist for you of the items to include in yours:
- Phone numbers
- Your family veterinarian
- Your local veterinary emergency clinic, like NorthStar VETS at 609.259.8300
- Animal Poison Control at 888.426.4435
- Digital thermometer
- Gauze of different sizes
- Non-adhesive bandaging material
- Adhesive tape
- Sterile saline
- Hydrogen peroxide (never give prior to consulting a veterinary medical professional)
- Leash
- Towel and/or blanket
- Any other item you feel you may need
Note: Always remember that when our pets are hurt and injured, they are painful! Painful pets can bite, even if they have never bitten in their lives. So be cautious when handling them. A muzzle, even one made out of roll gauze may not be a bad idea to use when handling them. Use caution when using the muzzle, making sure your pet can breathe well.
Please REMEMBER, Dr. GOOGLE is NOT always correct; do not believe everything you find on the internet. There are many reliable resources out there to help you. Good options include your family veterinarian, the American Veterinary Medical Association website, the American Animal Hospital Association website and the American Red Cross Pet First Aid app. If you are interested in educating yourself further on Pet First Aid you should consider attending an American Red Cross Pet First Aid & CPR course.
Several times a year, NorthStar VETS partners with a non-profit charity called VET I CARE to host a Pet First Aid lecture. Keep an eye out for the next one coming up!
Know that other than human medications there are many other common household items that can be toxic to pets. Some examples include:
- Chocolate
- Some plants/flowers
- Household cleaners
- Cigarettes
- Some nuts
- Some chewing gums
- And many many more!
For a full list of different toxins you can visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control website.
Every season brings a new concern for our pets. Be educated and prepared and you may one day end up saving your furry family member’s life!
Alexander Munoz, CVT
Alexander Munoz, CVT is the Director of Learning & Development for NorthStar VETS in Robbinsville, NJ. Alex has worked in the field of veterinary medicine for more than 10 years. He has worked in general practice, specialty medicine including emergency and critical care as well as in academia. He has a special interest in critical care medicine and teaching.
This entry was posted in Pets, Veterinary Medicine and tagged Alexander Munoz, NorthStar VETS, pet first aid. Bookmark the permalink.
Leave a Reply