Bite Wounds

Approach the pet carefully to avoid getting bitten. Muzzle if necessary. Check the wound for contamination or debris. If significant debris is present, then clean the wound with large amounts of saline solution (regular water may be used as a substitute). Wrap large open wounds with gauze and bandage. Apply pressure to profusely bleeding wounds and elevate wound above heart.  Do not use a tourniquet as it cuts circulation.

Bleeding

Apply firm, direct pressure over the bleeding area until the bleeding stops. Hold the pressure for at least 10 straight minutes (continually releasing the pressure to check the wound will hamper the clotting). Elevate wound above heart.  Avoid bandages that cut off circulation.

Breathing Emergencies

Check to see if the animal is choking on a foreign object (see Choking). If an animal is not breathing, place it on a firm surface with its left side up. Check for a heartbeat by listening at the area where the elbow touches the chest. If you hear a heartbeat but not breathing, close the animal's mouth and breathe directly into its nose--not the mouth--until the chest rises. Repeat 12 to 15 times per minute. If there is no pulse, apply heart massage at the same time. The heart is located in the lower half of the chest, behind the elbow of the front left leg. Place one hand below the heart to support the chest. Place other hand over the heart and compress gently. To massage the hearts of cats and other tiny pets, compress the chest with the thumb and forefingers of one hand. Apply heart massage 80-120 times per minute for larger animals and 100-150 per minute for smaller ones. Alternate heart massage with breathing.

Please note: Even in the hands of well-trained veterinary health professionals, the success of resuscitation is very low overall. Success may be slightly higher in the cases of drowning or electrical shock.

Burns
Signs & Symptoms: singed hair, blistering, swelling, redness of skin

Flush the burn immediately with large amounts of cool, running water. Apply an ice pack for 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off. Place a light cloth between icepack and skin.  If the animal has large quantities of dry chemicals on its skin, brush them off first as water may activate some dry chemicals.

Choking
Signs & Symptoms: difficulty breathing, excessive pawing at the mouth, blue lips and tongue (aka: cyanosis)

Be sure to protect yourself as well as the animal, as the pet will likely be frantic and may be more likely to bite. If the pet can still partially breathe, it's best to keep the animal calm and get to a veterinarian as quickly as possible. Look into the mouth to see if foreign object in throat is visible. If you can, clear the airway by removing the object with pliers or tweezers, being careful not to push it farther down the throat. If it is lodged too deep or if the pet collapses, then place your hands on both sides of the animal's rib cage and apply firm, quick pressure. Or place the animal on its side and strike the side of the rib cage firmly with the palm of your hand three or four times. Repeat this procedure until the object is dislodged or you arrive at the veterinarian's office.

(see Breathing Emergencies)

Diarrhea

Withhold food for 12-24 hours, but not water. Sometimes pets that appear to be straining are sore from diarrhea rather than from constipation. Your veterinarian can help you decide which it is and what will help. Trying at-home treatments without knowing the real cause can just make things worse.

Fractures
Signs & Symptoms: Pain, inability to use a limb, limb at odd angle or bones protruding through skin

Muzzle the pet and check for bleeding. If you can control bleeding without causing more injury, then do so. Watch for signs of shock. DO NOT TRY TO RE-SET THE FRACTURE by pulling or tugging on the limb. Splint the fracture as you found it with a piece of board and tie above and below the joint. Transport the pet to the veterinarian immediately, supporting the injured part as best you can.

Heatstroke
Signs & Symptoms: Rapid or labored breathing, excessive panting & drooling, vomiting, high body temperature, collapse, very red gums

Keep your pet still. Emerse your pet in a tub of cool water. Or, gently soak the animal with a garden hose or wrap it in a cool, wet towel. Do not overcool the animal. Stop cooling when rectal temperature reaches 102 degrees Fahrenheit.  Do not feed ice or water as this might induce vomiting.

Lightning Strike Injuries

Signs & Symptoms: Burns-1st, 2nd & 3rd degree, stopped breathing, stopped heart, injured nervous system, injured cornea/retina, sprains or fractures (from being thrown)

A pet struck by lightning does not hold an electrical charge - you can touch your pet without fear of electric shock. Move yourself and your pet indoors or away from high-standing objects including tall trees.  If you are far from shelter, move to an open area and crouch down with your pet (do not lie flat on the ground). Check for breathing and pulse. If breathing and pulse are absent, perform CPR (see Breathing Emergencies)...there is a very high chance that the animal will regain pulse activity and consiousness after a lightning strike.   See also Burns and Fractures

Poisoning
Signs & Symptoms: vomiting, convulsions, diarrhea, salivation, weakness, depression, pain

Record what the pet ingested and how much. Immediately call your veterinarian or poison control center. Do not induce vomiting. In case of toxins or chemicals on the skin from oils, paints, insecticides and other contact irritants, request directions on if and how to wash the toxin off.

Seizures
Signs & Symptoms: salivation, loss of control of urine or stool, violent muscle twitching, loss of consciousness

Move the pet away from any objects that could be harmful during the seizure. Use a blanket for padding and protection. Do not put yourself at risk by restraining the pet during the seizure. Time the seizure. They usually last only 2 to 3 minutes. Afterwards, keep the animal calm and quiet.

Shock
Signs & Symptoms: irregular breathing, dilated pupils

Shock may occur as a result of a serious injury or fright. Keep the animal gently restrained, quiet, and warm, with the lower body elevated. Shock follows many of the injuries listed here.

Vomiting

Withhold food for 12-24 hours. Give the pet ice cubes for two hours after vomiting stops, then slowly increase the amount of water and foods given over a 24-hour period.

If you need to muzzle your pet...
Use a strip of soft cloth, rope, necktie, or nylon stocking. Wrap around the nose, under the chin and tie behind the ears. Care must be taken when handling weak or injured pets. Even normally docile pets will bite when in pain. Allow the pet to pant after handling by loosening or removing the muzzle. Do not use a muzzle in a case of vomiting. Cats and small pets may be difficult to muzzle. A towel placed around the head will help control small pets.

If your pet can’t walk...
A door, board, blanket, or floor mat can be used as a stretcher to transport injured or weak animals.