Pet First Aid for Dogs and Cats

It’s after hours for your veterinarian, and a long way to the emergency veterinary hospital. Your beloved but occasionally klutzy dog has managed to find something to cut herself on, and it’s bleeding pretty badly. Would you know what to do?

I started pet sitting last year and asked myself a similar question. Would I know what to do with someone’s injured, much-loved pet? The answer was that I didn’t feel confident enough to answer in the affirmative.

So, last winter, on my birthday, I signed up with St. John’s Ambulance to take a Pet First Aid course. I learned a lot and followed those teachings up with purchasing a Pet First Aid Kit from them, as well. I would highly recommend taking the same or a similar course to give you peace of mind and maybe even give your pet another chance. (I am not affiliated with St. John's Ambulance in any way).

In lieu of that, or at least until you can register, I thought I would suggest a few tips to keep “Fido” and “Luna” safe.

Common Pet Emergencies and First Aid Responses

Emergencies can strike unexpectedly, and knowing how to respond can save your dog or cat’s life. Below are five common emergencies for dogs and cats, with detailed first aid steps tailored to each species’ unique needs. Always prioritize safety for yourself and your pet, and contact a veterinarian as soon as possible.

1. Wounds and Bleeding

Symptoms:

• Dogs: Visible cuts, scrapes, or punctures (e.g., from fights or sharp objects); blood on fur or paws; limping or licking excessively.

  
  

• Cats: Small puncture wounds (e.g., from bites, often hidden under fur); matted fur with blood; hiding or hissing when touched.

  
  

First Aid for Dogs:

1. Restrain Safely: Use a leash or muzzle (if trained) to prevent biting due to pain. Avoid muzzling if the dog is vomiting or has breathing issues. A quick muzzle for small dogs and cats can be a nylon stocking. Place hand in stocking, and use your stockinged hand to grab the scruff of your dog's or cat’s neck. Use your other hand to pull the top of the stocking over your pet’s head.

2. Control Bleeding: Apply firm pressure with clean gauze or a cloth for 3-5 minutes. For limb wounds, elevate the leg slightly if possible.

3. Clean the Wound: When the bleeding has slowed, rinse with saline solution or clean water to remove debris. Avoid hydrogen peroxide, as it can damage tissue.

4. Bandage: Cover with a non-stick bandage and secure loosely with vet wrap or tape. Check for swelling every 15 minutes to ensure circulation.

   
   

First Aid for Cats:

1. Restrain Gently: Wrap the cat in a towel (burrito-style) to minimize stress and scratching, leaving the wound exposed.

2. Control Bleeding: Press gently with gauze, as cats have thinner skin and less blood volume. Avoid excessive pressure.

3. Clean Carefully: Flush with saline to avoid infection, as cat bites are prone to abscesses. Do not scrub.

4. Bandage Sparingly: Cats often resist bandages; use a light non-stick pad if needed, but prioritize vet care due to infection risk.

   
   

When to Seek Vet:

• Deep wounds (over ½ inch), heavy bleeding not stopping after 5 minutes, or signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus within 24 hours).

• Cat bite wounds require urgent vet attention due to high abscess risk.

• Any wound near the eye, chest, or abdomen.

  
  

2. Choking

Symptoms:

• Dogs: Pawing at mouth, gagging, drooling, or difficulty breathing; may collapse if airway is fully blocked.

• Cats: Open-mouth breathing, retching, or frantic behavior; may hide if distressed.

  
  

First Aid for Dogs:

1. Assess Safety: Approach calmly to avoid startling the dog. If the dog is conscious, do not restrain tightly.

2. Check Mouth: Gently open the mouth (if safe) and use tweezers to remove visible objects (e.g., bones or toys). Avoid pushing debris deeper.

3. Modified Heimlich (Only if Trained): For small dogs, lift the hind legs, head down, and apply gentle abdominal pressure. For large dogs, stand behind, place fists below the rib cage, and give 3-5 quick upward thrusts.

   
   

First Aid for Cats:

1. Avoid Mouth Manipulation: Cats’ airways are small, and reaching inside can worsen obstruction. Do not attempt unless trained.

2. Encourage Natural Clearing: Gently tap between the ribs cage with an open palm (3-5 times) to stimulate coughing. Keep the environment calm.

3. Positioning: Hold the cat upright with its head slightly downward to aid dislodging, but avoid excessive tilting.

   
   

When to Seek Vet:

• Seek vet care even if successful, as swelling or trauma may occur.

• Signs: Blue gums, tongue, or collapse indicate oxygen deprivation.

  
  

3. Poisoning

Symptoms:

• Dogs: Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, drooling, tremors (e.g., from chocolate or xylitol), or seizures.

• Cats: Vomiting, hiding, loss of appetite, or coordination issues (e.g., from lilies or antifreeze); rapid breathing or dilated pupils.

  
  

First Aid for Dogs:

1. Identify Toxin: If possible, note what your dog ate (e.g., grapes, rat poison) and estimate quantity/time. Take packaging or samples to the vet.

2. Call Vet or Poison Control: Contact your vet or VCA Canada at 1-800-213-6680 in Canada, or ASPCA Poison Control at 1-888-426-4435 in the United States. Do not act without guidance.

3. Prevent Further Exposure: Remove the dog from the toxin source and keep them calm.

   
   

First Aid for Cats:

1. Identify Toxin: Common cat toxins include lilies, ibuprofen, or antifreeze. Note exposure details for the vet or Poison Control.

2. Contact Vet or Poison Control Immediately Following Poison Identification: Cats metabolize toxins faster; do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

3. Do Not Induce Vomiting: Vomiting can harm cats, especially with acidic or caustic toxins. Offer water if the vet advises.

4. Clean Fur: If the toxin is on fur (e.g., antifreeze), wash with mild dish soap (e.g., Dawn) to prevent licking.

   
   

4. Heatstroke

Symptoms:

• Dogs: Excessive panting, bright red gums, drooling, or collapse; often after exercise in heat.

• Cats: Open-mouth breathing (rare in cats), rapid pulse, vomiting, or hiding; common in overheated homes or cars.

  
  

First Aid for Dogs:

1. Move to Cool Area: Get the dog to shade or an air-conditioned space.

2. Cool Gradually: Apply cool (not ice-cold) wet towels to the belly, armpits, and paws. Use a fan to aid evaporation.

3. Offer Water: Provide small sips of cool water, but do not force if the dog is vomiting.

4. Monitor Temperature: Use a rectal thermometer or temperature stickers; stop cooling if the temperature drops below 39.5°C or 103°F to avoid hypothermia.

   
   

First Aid for Cats:

1. Relocate to Cool Space: Move to a well-ventilated, cool area. Avoid extreme, sudden temperature changes.

2. Cool Gently: Dampen fur with cool water using a cloth (avoid submersion). Focus on paws and belly.

3. Minimize Stress: Keep handling minimal, as stressed cats overheat faster. Place in a quiet space.

4. Offer Water: Place water nearby, but don’t force drinking.

   
   

When to Seek Vet:

• If panting or lethargy persists after 10 minutes of cooling, or if the temperature remains above 40°C or 104°F.

• Signs like vomiting, seizures, or unconsciousness indicate severe heatstroke.

• Cats are especially vulnerable due to lower heat tolerance.

  
  

5. Fractures or Sprains

Symptoms:

• Dogs: Limping, yelping when touched, or holding a limb off the ground; swelling or unnatural angles (e.g., after a fall).

• Cats: Hiding, reluctance to jump, or dragging a limb; may bite if touched due to pain.

  
  

First Aid for Dogs:

1. Restrain Safely: Use a leash or muzzle to prevent movement. A quick muzzle for small dogs and cats can be a nylon stocking. Place hand in stocking, and use your stockinged hand to grab the scruff of your dog's or cat’s neck. Use your other hand to pull the top of the stocking over your pet’s head. Avoid aggravating the injury.

2. Immobilize Limb: Splint with a rigid object (e.g., rolled magazine, stick, or items available in First Aid Kit) padded with gauze. Secure loosely with tape, ensuring toes are visible to check circulation.

3. Limit Movement: Carry small dogs or use a blanket as a stretcher for large dogs to transport to the vet. You can also put a small dog on a baking tray and use gauze to gently attach him or her to the tray by wrapping the gauze around your dog and the tray.

4. Apply Cold Pack: For suspected sprains, use a wrapped ice pack (10 minutes on, 10 off) to reduce swelling.

   
   

First Aid for Cats:

1. Minimize Handling: Avoid touching the injured area, as cats may scratch or bite.

2. Contain Safely: Place the cat in a secure carrier to prevent movement. Pad with a towel for comfort.

3. Avoid Splinting: Cats resist splints, and improper application can worsen injury. Focus on transport.

4. Monitor Behavior: Note if the cat avoids eating or litter box use, indicating severe pain.

   
   

When to Seek Vet:

• Any suspected fracture (e.g., limb at odd angle) or persistent limping after 12 hours.

• Signs of shock (pale gums, rapid breathing) or pain unresponsive to rest.

• Cats hiding or refusing food post-injury need immediate evaluation.

  
  

*Additional Notes

• Safety First: Always prioritize your safety when handling injured pets. Even friendly dogs or cats may bite or scratch when in pain.

• Vet Contact: Keep your vet’s number and a 24/7 emergency clinic’s contact handy. Also, keep the number for Pet Poison Control, in your respective country, with your vet info.

• Training: Consider a pet first aid course (e.g., St. John’s Ambulance Pet First Aid) to practice techniques like the Heimlich or splinting, as improper methods can cause harm.

• Species Differences: Cats are more prone to hiding pain, so subtle signs (e.g., reduced grooming) warrant attention. Dogs tolerate bandaging better but may need more restraint due to size.