Tag Archives: pet first aid

Pet First Aid: When His Head Gets Stuck

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Okay, head entrapment isn’t an emergency unless the pet is having difficulty breathing. But it can be a common problem, especially with curious puppies! Cats and kittens have small, rounded heads that can easily slip into and out of tight spaces, but puppies (and full grown dogs) can find themselves trapped after a small change of position. Where can your pet get stuck? Veterinarians have seen pets with their heads stuck between the slats on the back of a chair, in wire or chain-link fences, between the rungs of the banister on a staircase, or even inside jars! When is … Continue reading →

First Aid Basics: Dehydration and Circulation

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If only our pets could talk. That would satisfy a lot of curiosity, but also make things a lot easier when something is wrong but you don’t quite know what. But you don’t have to live with the mystery; a few quick checks can help you see what might be wrong with your pup or kitty. You may not be able to see much of your pet’s skin (thanks to fur and pigmentation) but the gums can tell you a lot about your pet’s current condition. Anything other than a normal pink color in the gums and other mucous membranes … Continue reading →

How To Restrain A Pet

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In medical emergencies, knowing the right way to restrain your pet can save your pet’s life. But knowing how to restrain your pet will be useful in more mundane situations, too — like at the vet’s, when you’re trying to trim toenails, or when your pet has a minor injury that needs attention. A humane restraint protects humans from being bitten or scratched. It also protects the pet from struggling and possibly making an injury worse. Perhaps most importantly, a humane restraint gives you a chance to administer first aid and check the severity of the injury. A reclining restraint … Continue reading →

Pet First Aid: Foot Pad Burns

A foot pad burn is something you can usually treat at home. How might a pet injure a foot pad? Asphalt roads can reach more than 140 degrees Fahrenheit on the hottest summer days. Walking on fresh tar or asphalt — which can reach over 300 degrees Fahrenheit. A curious dog or cat may burn his feet on a hot stovetop. An inquisitive cat may explore a candle or hot light bulb with a paw. If your pet has burned a foot pad, the first thing you should do is get the injured paw into cold water. And not just … Continue reading →

Tail Wag Injuries

My brother’s dog Lily Biscuits is an American Staffordshire Terrier, one of several breeds you may know better as pit bulls. Lily lost half her tail to an injury that never healed — but that doesn’t stop her from wagging her thump-a-stump when she’s happy! A tail wag injury can be a serious issue — it can lead to infection and in cases like Lily’s, gangrene and amputation. Very large dogs with long tails, like pit bulls, Labradors, and Irish wolfhounds can be prone to injuries inflicted by a vigorous wagging. The tail bangs into furniture, walls, or other objects … Continue reading →

The Pets Blog Week in Review for Apr 16-22

Politics, first aid, pet phobias, and our pets many quirks were among the hot topics Aimee and I wrote about this week in the Pets Blog. Snippets of what we covered each day follow below: Monday, April 16 Panda Politics: The Tale of Hsing-Hsing and Ling-Ling recounts the life and times of two pandas who became ambassadors not only for their country, but for the cause of environmental conservation as well. Who won the Moose vs. the Vacuum showdown in Aimee’s house? You’ll have to read her blog to find out! Tuesday, April 17 Spring has sprung and the bugs … Continue reading →

Pet First Aid: Drowning

Warmer days ahead means your pet may intentionally (or unintentionally) end up in the water. If your dog or cat does end up in the pool or another body of water, you don’t have to worry about their swimming ability. Dogs and cats are born with the ability to swim! The problem comes if the animal is unable to get out of the water. Steep pool sides and no close land (like if your dog jumps off a boat in the middle of a lake) means your pet may get tired before he can get out of the water. If … Continue reading →

Fractures: Special Cases

Certain fractures need to be handled in a special way to make sure your pet has the best possible chance at recovery. Leg fractures may need to be splinted, especially if you have a long drive to the veterinarian’s office. Try to immobilize the limb above and below the break. Wrap a soft towel or cloth around the leg. Use a rolled newspaper or paper towel core (sliced open on one side) to cradle the leg. Do not try to reposition the limb; the splint is just to support it so things don’t get worse in transport. Wrap the split … Continue reading →

Pet First Aid: Fractures

Do you know how many bones are in a dog’s body? In a cat’s body? Dogs have around 319 bones; cats have around 244. Any of the bones in an animal’s body can be broken, and it usually happens as a result of some kind of trauma — like a car accident or a fall. If your pet breaks a bone, he or she may have other serious injuries too. Watch for signs of pain to clue you in to where the break is. Your pet may favor a leg, have difficulty breathing, or refuse to get up. There are … Continue reading →

Signs of Pain in Pets

Our pets are generous and over the top in showing affection; they can be very subtle when it comes to showing pain! Knowing your pet well — and noticing very small changes in behavior — can be key to detecting discomfort. In general, dogs can be more vocal and more dramatic about their pains. A dog may yelp, whine, limp, or hold up a hurt paw. My parents’ dog Becca is very dramatic about her aches and pains, and will limp very obviously when she’s achy (or maybe wanting attention). Cats, on the other hand, may simply hole up and … Continue reading →