Routine care such as checkups and vaccinations are great for keeping your pet healthy, but sometimes unexpected injuries and illness can occur. Here, our veterinarians in Brooklyn, talk about how to give your pet first aid and what steps you should take in an emergency.
Steps to Take in an Emergency
Knowing the steps to take in an emergency can help you to move swiftly, providing your pet with the best possible outcome. If there is an emergency or urgent care situation you should get your pet to an animal hospital in Brooklyn right away.
The first step in an emergency situation will be to assess the situation and perform first aid. First aid for pets is similar to first aid for a human. Use the “Dr ABCs”
Danger: Make sure that you and your pet are free from any further harm or danger.
Response: Check if your pet responds to their name or touch.
Airway: Is their airway clear?
Breathing: Are they breathing?
Circulation: Do they have a pulse or heartbeat?
Send: Get someone to call for help.
Performing CPR on Cats and Dogs
The first thing that you should check if there's been an accident or sudden medical emergency is whether your pet is breathing. If your cat or dog is not breathing it can lead to serious complications quickly. Here are the steps you should take when performing CPR on pets:
- Check if they are breathing and try to find a heartbeat.
- If they are not breathing check the air passage is unobstructed.
- If there is no heartbeat begin chest compression at around 100 to 120 compression per minute.
- Do 30 compressions and give rescue breaths.
- Close the pet's mouth and breathe through their nose.
- Check every 2 minutes for a heartbeat/independent breathing.
- Get your pet to the vet, and keep up CPR on route to the vet or until your pet is breathing on its own.
Even if your pet begins to breathe again, you should bring them to your nearest emergency vet in Brooklyn as soon as possible.
What to Include in a First Aid Kit For Pets
First aid kits for pets should be stocked similarly to the ones that we would use. Our veterinarians in Brooklyn, share some items that should be present in a basic pet first aid kit:
- Bandages
- Blunt-ended scissors
- Tweezers
- Wound dressing
- Self-adhesive tape
- Vinyl gloves
- Foil blanket
- Antiseptic wipes
- A blanket to use as a stretcher or to immobilize them.
The Importance of Seeking Care in an Emergency
No matter how careful you are, emergencies can happen. It is very important that you bring your pet in for emergency care as soon as possible as time is usually one of the most important factors in these situations.
By preparing for emergencies ahead of time, contacting your vet right away and bringing your dog or cat in for emergency care quickly, you can give your pet the best outlook possible.
Our experienced veterinary team at Heart of Brooklyn Veterinary Hospital offers veterinary care for dogs and cats on a work-in basis during our regular hours. We also offer local hospital recommendations for after-hours emergency veterinary care ensuring that your pet gets the care they need, when it's needed.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.