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Committed to educating the Filipino pet community on proper pet care, the Pet Food Institute (PFI) shares some tips on how to administer basic first aid to pets.
Always Be Ready with a First Aid Kit
A pet’s first aid kit is like a superhero’s utility belt and much like any other superhero, pet owners must always have their utility belt on hand in case of an emergency.
The following should be in their pet’s first aid kit:
- Bandages
Bandages are very important because these help control the bleeding and will keep wounds clean until they can be treated by a veterinarian. Hence, this is a must-have in every pet’s first aid kit. Some owners are hesitant to use bandages out of fear that this would stick to their pet’s fur and would hurt their beloved companion. If this is the case then owners may opt to use a non-adhesive wrap as it doesn’t stick to animal’s fur thus eliminating the possibility of hurting one’s pet.
- Thermometer
Like bandages, thermometers are a must in a pet’s first aid kit. This tool will help owners determine if their pet has a fever. Experts recommend temperature to be taken rectally, as it is more accurate.
- Restraints
Regardless of how friendly a pet may be, animals may still try to bite when in pain. Owners can slip in a leash or a muzzle inside their pet’s first aid kit to avoid getting bitten when administering first aid.
- Water
Water can be used to flush out wounds, sooth burns, or cool off an overheated pet. Owners must remember to have an abundance of this in their first aid kit.
Be Calm but Act Fast
During pet emergencies, owners must stay calm but act fast. The first thing owners must do is to assess their pet’s condition: is their pet conscious? Is their pet bleeding? These are some questions owners can ask to assess their pet. This information are vital in order to properly tend to their pet’s need and they can properly inform their vet of the situation. Bleeding, choking, and heatstroke are some of the most common problems pets encounter. These are the following steps owners may do if their pet is faced with the following:
BLEEDING
One of the most common problems in pets is bleeding. If an animal is bleeding, owners must remember to apply direct pressure with a clean towel or cloth for at least 3 minutes before checking to see if the bleeding had stopped. If not, or in the cases of life-threatening wounds, immediately take one’s pet to the veterinarian.
CHOKING
Pets have a tendency to put things inside their mouth and though some owners may find this endearing, this is dangerous as it may lead to choking. If owners find their pet with items lodged down its throat the first thing to do is to look inside their mouth to see if the foreign object is visible. If it is visible, owners must assess if they can remove the foreign object with tweezers. Owners must remember to be careful in order to avoid pushing the object further down their pet’s throat. However, if owners cannot remove the foreign object or if their pet collapses, it is advisable to take their pet to the nearest veterinarian to be treated.
HEATSTROKE
Heatstroke, especially in hot countries like the Philippines, is one of the most common ailments among animals. Veterinarians often remind owners to rush their furry pals to the clinic during the first signs of a heatstroke. However, if this is not possible, owners must move their pets to a shaded area away from the sun. A cold towel must be placed around their pet’s neck and head and the towel must be hydrated and wrapped after a few minutes. To further cool down one’s pet, owners can pour or use a hose to keep cool water running over their pet’s body.
Call your veterinarian
Owners are reminded that though administering basic first aid to their pets may improve their chances at recovery, it may also cause damage if not administered properly hence veterinarians urge owners to immediately contact and bring their pets to the clinic at the first sign of trouble.
PFI is committed in informing pet owners about pet nutrition and proper pet care to keep pets healthy and happy. Through its local initiative, Well-Fed, Well-Nurtured campaign in partnership with the Veterinary Practitioners Association of the Philippines (VPAP), PFI seeks to advocate responsible pet ownership to the ever-growing Filipino pet community.
About the Pet Food Institute
Since 1958, the Pet Food Institute has been the voice of the U.S. pet food industry. PFI is the industry's representative before Congress and state legislatures, as well as state and federal agencies; public education and media relations resource; organizer of seminars and educational programs; and liaison with other organizations. PFI represents the companies that make 98 percent of U.S. dog and cat food, an industry with more than $20 billion in U.S. retail sales and $1.3 billion in exports in 2015.
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