It's not only humans who can benefit from quick thinking during a crisis. April is Pet First Aid Awareness Month, and it's the perfect time to learn more about the actions and techniques that just might save your pet's life. If you aren't up to date on what to do during a pet emergency, these tips can help.
Pet First Aid Awareness: Planning Ahead
First, every pet owner should invest in an animal first aid kit for quick and easy access to important supplies. Next, consider learning basic life-saving skills and responses for your specific animal, such as:
Enrolling in an animal first aid training course is a great way to master these important skills.
Finally, keep your pet's information in one location that's easy to find so you can provide it quickly when needed. This includes the animal's breed, sex, weight, and age.
Pet First Aid Awareness: Acting During an Emergency
If an emergencu occurs, as difficult as it may be, try your best to remain calm; your pet will feed off of your energy. If another person is nearby, have them contact the vet for you while you tend to your pet.
Take the animal to a safe place in an open area where nearby objects cannot harm them. You may need to muzzle your pet first before tending to painful wounds. Stabilize suspected broken bones by keeping them as still and flat as possible. If there is no respiration or heartbeat, begin chest compressions and/or rescue breathing.
Pet Hospitals of Hawaii: Dedicated to Pet First Aid Awareness
It's important to have a plan in place in case your beloved pet experiences a medical emergency. However, every creature is unique, and the most successful plans are made with the help of a caring and qualified veterinary expert. Contact us today at Pet Hospitals of Hawaii to learn how pet first aid awareness can help you provide the very best care for your beloved animals.