IT'S TIME TO PREPARE FOR UPCOMING FUN AND SAFE OUTDOOR SEASONS 

First Aid Tips For Your Pet

Would you know what to do if your pet hurt himself or suddenly became very sick? A pet-specific first aid kit, and the knowledge to use it, can go a long way in preventing more serious issues for your pets when you can't get to the vet right away. The following tips can help you get prepared.

Stocking Your First Aid Kit

Many of the items in your family’s first aid kit can be useful for your pets, too. However, it's a good idea to keep a separate one just for them and to store it in the same place as their other supplies. The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends keeping these items on hand:

• Gauze for wrapping wounds or muzzling an injured animal
• Adhesive tape to secure gauze or bandages
• Eye dropper or syringe to flush wounds or give medication
• Digital thermometer (to be inserted rectally)
• Milk of magnesia to absorb poison
• Hydrogen peroxide (3%) to induce vomiting
• NOTE: Always contact your veterinarian or local poison control center before inducing vomiting or treating an animal for poison. SEE BELOW: *chocolate-chart, **toxic-foods, ***poisonous-plants
• Leash and collar for transporting your pet
• Copy of your pet's medical records

Acting as the First Responder

While getting to a vet as soon as possible is very important, knowing what to do immediately following an emergency can aid your pet's recovery and make transportation to the vet easier. Consider the following:

• Cuts - Securing the wound with gauze and keeping pressure on it until the blood clots can minimize bleeding.
• Heatstroke - Wrapping a cold, wet towel around your pet's head and neck or pouring cool water over your pet can help reduce body temperature.
• Seizures - Keeping seizing pets away from furniture and stairs can help prevent further injury; tracking time between seizures can help your veterinarian diagnose the problem.
• Choking - Visible foreign objects in your pet’s mouth may be gently removed with pliers or tweezers, although caution is necessary to prevent the object from becoming further lodged.

Remaining Calm

Because pets are members of our family, it can be difficult not to panic when something is wrong. But it's important to approach injured pets calmly, gently and cautiously. Even the most well-natured animals can act aggressively when scared or in pain. Plus, maintaining a level head will help you administer the care your pet needs and get him to professional help — and on the mend — as soon as possible.

Emergency Contact Information

Along with your pet's medical records, it's a good idea to keep a list of important phone numbers and poison charts in your pet's first aid kit. This should include:

• Your veterinarian
• The nearest 24-hour emergency vet clinic
• Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435 (there may be a fee associated with this service)
• A neighbor or friend who can lend a helping hand, if necessary
• *   http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2007/10/pets/chocolate-chart-interactive
• **  http://www.risingwoods.org/OURFAMILY/THEDOGS/knowntoxicfoodsfordogs.htm
• *** http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/earthkind/landscape/poisonous-plants-resources/common-poisonous-plants-and-plant-parts/