Have first aid supplies ready for pets

Oakland Tribune, Sep 4, 2004 by Dee Harrell Mooring

CONTRIBUTOR

NO matter how hard we try to keep our companion animals safe, accidents happen. Scrapes, cuts, bumps and bruises are part of kittenhood and puppyhood just as they are part of childhood. Basic pet first aid and having the necessary supplies really comes in handy.

Some good first aid supplies are: scissors, gauze pads, vet wrap, iodine ointment, Opticlear, gauze rolls, antibiotic ointment and a good pair of tweezers.

If more serious accidents occur, knowing what to do could save your pet's life. The location of the nearest animal emergency clinic or the number for animal poison control just might be lifesavers.

Minor cuts and scrapes can be superficially cleaned, examined for thorns, etc. and left uncovered while nature take its course. Cuts often look much worse than they really are, especially when they are bleeding. Clean the area with water so that you can find the exact location of the cut. If the cut appears to be deep and continues to bleed, take your pet to the vet. Be mindful that animals in pain might even bite a beloved owner.

If a wound is bleeding profusely, try to staunch the bleeding by using clean towels or rags and apply pressure to the cut. If you are alone with your pet when he is injured, you can tie a pressure bandage to the cut so that it will free you to drive your pet to the vet or animal emergency clinic. Unless you have been thoroughly trained in the application of tourniquets, they are almost always a bad idea.

Sometimes your dog or cat might be injured, yet have no outward signs. If you know your dog or cat has taken a fall or been hit by something, a concussion or internal damage are real possibilities and he should see a vet right away. This is especially true if your pet has been hit by a car.

If your pet has suffered a broken bone, the best thing to do is immobilize the limb and keep her from trying to use it. If your pet is injured and cannot walk, do what you have seen the paramedics on TV do: Place something stiff (like a piece of plywood) under the animal, cover him with a blanket and transport him to the vet on this makeshift stretcher.

Many shelters and the Red Cross offer animal first aid training. At the very least, look up the location of the nearest animal emergency clinic and the animal poison control number.

Dee Harrell Mooring is executive director of Pets In Need, the first no-kill animal rescue and adoption shelter serving the Peninsula and Silicon Valley. Founded in 1965, Pets In Need receives no federal, state or local government support. Write to Info@PetsInNeed.org or visit www.PetsInNeed.org