April is Pet First Aid Awareness Month. Our pets are part of our families, so it is important to care for them like you would a person. This month is the perfect time to catch up on skills to take care of your furry friends.
Here are some helpful first aid tips from the American Red Cross:
Is your pet dehydrated?
- Pull up on the skin between the shoulder blades. It should spring right back; if it stays tented this is a sign of dehydration.
Does your pet have poisoning?
- Signs include bleeding externally or internally, dilated pupils, drooling or foaming at the mouth, seizures or other abnormal mental state or behavior
If your pet has a seizure:
- Make sure they are in a safe place, but do not restrain them.
- Keep your hands away from its mouth as your pet may not know who you are during a seizure and could harm you.
Signs of heatstroke or heat exhaustion:
- Collapse; body temperature of 104 degrees F or above; bloody diarrhea or vomiting; wobbliness; excessive panting or difficulty breathing; increased heart rate; mucous membranes very red; and increased salivation.
If your pet was bitten by another animal:
- Provide vet attention to prevent the wound (even if minor) from becoming infected and to check for internal wounds.
- Never break up a dogfight yourself because you could be bitten.
If your pet is bleeding:
- Apply direct pressure using gauze over the bleeding site
- If blood soaks through, apply more gauze (do not removed soaked gauze) until you can reach a veterinary hospital
For more first aid tips and other information you can visit the American Red Cross.
