Simple Yet Important First Aid Techniques for Pets

Part of being a responsible animal owner is looking after their best interests at all times, even when they would prefer another option. For example, too many treats for your beloved pooch can lead to all manner of health implications and issues, so you must avoid overfeeding them even when they are giving you their best ‘puppy dog eyes’.
Another incredibly vital thing to know as a responsible pet owner is the basic first aid techniques that are species, and sometimes even breed, specific. Continue reading to learn about the simplest yet most important first aid techniques for pets.
If Your Pet Is Bleeding
There are plenty of reasons why your pet may cut themselves, run into something, or otherwise have another accident while playing that results in some level of external bleeding.
Obviously, as with all advice within this article, the top priority is to rush your pet to an emergency vet, such as Katy vet hospital, as these first aid techniques are purely to do the best you can until a vet can take them in.
For external bleeding, it is important to first flush the wound with warm water and then a pet-safe antiseptic solution, except in the case of a deep wound, which needs to be left to be treated by a vet. Pressure should then be applied to the wound, and if you are lucky, the bleeding will stop within a couple of minutes which will show you that the wound is relatively minor.
If Your Pet Is Exposed to Fire
Unfortunately, whether you are the proud owner of a cat, rabbit, or dog, there are millions of reasons why they could expose themselves to the dangers of getting burnt.
Should your pet suffer a burn, avoid putting any kind of lotion or cream on the area and instead rinse with cold water before applying a cold compress. It is vital to keep your animal as calm as possible before you make your way to the vet and not to overreact and panic yourself, as this worry and stress can make your pet panic even more and possibly hurt itself in other ways.
If Your Pet Is Choking
There can be nothing scarier than seeing your pet choking on a bit of food, a piece of cardboard, or something you have accidentally left on the floor.
Open your pet’s mouth quickly and calmly, making sure not to move the obstruction further back into their mouth, and quickly see if you can remove the object by pulling it out of their mouth. If this is not possible, you need to try a dislodging maneuver which involves holding them upright with their back firmly pressed against your chest.
Hold one hand into a fist straight under their ribcage and press your thumb against their abdomen before placing your other hand on top of your enclosed fist. Thrust five times in and upwards towards their head and mouth in an effort to force air out of their lungs and subsequently dislodge the foreign object.