Our furry friends bring so much joy into our lives with their playful and adventurous spirits. However, the proverb, “curiosity killed the cat” gained its recognition for a reason. While we always hope to avoid emergencies, knowing some basic pet safety and first aid can help ensure their ongoing well-being. Here’s a friendly guide to help you keep your pets safe and healthy!

Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

In any emergency, it’s essential to stay calm. Your pet can sense your anxiety, so take a deep breath and assess the severity of the situation. This will help you determine if you need to rush to the vet or if you can handle it at home.

Download our practical symptoms checklist from the 2024 Pet Health Monitor. It’s a handy guide to tell if your pet’s symptoms need urgent vet care or can be monitored at home. Stick it on your fridge for easy access!

Recognising Choking Symptoms

If your pet is choking, they might show individual or multiple signs of:

  • Sudden distress
  • Pawing at their mouth
  • Excessive drooling
  • Coughing, gagging, or retching
  • Rubbing their face against the ground
  • Bluish gums or lips due to lack of oxygen (mucus membranes are inclusive of gums, lips, nostrils, around the eyes)

What to Do If Your Pet Is Choking

Attempting to remove an object from a pet’s mouth or throat poses a high risk of being bitten, as the animal will likely be distressed and frightened. If your pet is not in immediate distress, promptly take them to your nearest vet.

Choking can be scary but try to stay calm. Here’s what to do:

  1. Remove the object if possible: If you can see the object, ask someone to help hold your pet still while you try to remove it.
  1. If the object is out of sight: Don’t put your fingers down their throat. This can cause more harm. Instead, head straight to the vet.
  2. Avoid pushing the object further: This can worsen the blockage.
  3. Remove external strings: If there’s a string or something around their neck, carefully remove it. If there’s a wound, see your vet.

Controlling Bleeding and Handling Fractures

Bleeding

  • Keep yourself and your pet calm, be gentle and approach them quietly.
  • Clean your hands and carefully identify where the bleeding is coming from.
  • Use a clean towel or bandage to apply firm pressure to the wound.
  • Always seek veterinary advice, especially if the bleeding doesn’t stop or your pet is very distressed. Contact your vet through telehealth, in person or by phone.

Fractures

  • Immobilise the area to prevent further injury.
  • Seek veterinary care immediately.

Understanding Dehydration

Signs of dehydration include:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Dry nose
  • Panting
  • Reduced energy
  • Vomiting
  • Sunken eyes
  • Dry, sticky gums
  • Thick saliva

For early signs, offer water frequently in small amounts or ice cubes, and stop exercise and play. For severe signs of dehydration, seek urgent veterinary advice.

Heat Exposure and Heatstroke

Signs of heatstroke include excessive panting, drooling, agitation, weakness, confusion, increased heart rate, vomiting, diarrhoea, and uncoordinated movements. Move your pet to a cool place, use a moist towel or fan to cool them, offer fresh water, and get to the vet immediately. Never immerse your pet in a cold bath or ice as it can cause hypothermia.

Recognising Ingestion of Toxins and Foreign Bodies

Pets are notorious for eating things that they shouldn’t. Dogs, especially, love to eat things unknowingly causing themselves harm. From chocolate to grapes, many items can be toxic.

Explore our 2024 Pet Health Monitor to learn about common toxins and foreign bodies that can harm your dog or cat.

Poisoning

If you suspect poisoning, seek urgent veterinary care. Do not induce vomiting at home. Note when and how much was ingested and bring any packaging to the vet. Contact the Animal Poisons Helpline for emergency instructions and helpful advice/information.

Bites and Stings

For venomous bites, keep your pet still and minimise movement. Apply a pressure bandage if possible and get to the vet immediately. For insect bites, if your pet has a severe allergic reaction, seek urgent veterinary treatment.

Accidents and Traumatic Injuries

For road accidents, ensure your safety first. Stop traffic, if necessary, check for bleeding and breathing, start CPR if needed, and carefully move your pet off the road. Seek immediate veterinary care, as internal injuries might not be visible.

Seizures

Seizures can be distressing for both you and your pet. These episodes can range from a few seconds to several minutes and may involve loss of consciousness, as well as loss of bladder, bowel, and vocal control. During a seizure, keep your pet safe by removing any nearby hazards. Afterward, remain calm, comfort your pet, and ensure they are protected from harm. Record the length and characteristics of the seizure, then reach out to your vet for guidance and further diagnostic assessment.

Seek Professional Veterinary Care

First aid is essential, but it’s not a substitute for professional veterinary care. Always seek veterinary advice for any concerning injuries or illnesses, especially in emergencies.

By familiarising yourself with these first aid tips and being prepared for emergencies, you can be a proactive and confident pet parent. Always stay calm, prioritise your pet’s safety, and don’t hesitate to seek veterinary help when needed. Your quick actions can significantly impact your pet’s health and recovery.

Sources

Animal Welfare League n.d., Your guide to pet first aid. 

Lee, D.D. ed., (n.d.). First aid tips every pet owner should know. [online] Best for Pet. Available at: https://bestforpet.com.au/pet-advice/first-aid-tips/#:~:text=Stay%20calm%20and%20assess%20the%20situation%201%20Control,bites%20…%208%20Manage%20seizures%20…%20More%20items.

PetSure Pet Health Monitor 2024 2024, petsure.com.au, 1 May, PetSure, petsure.com.au, p. 62, viewed 29 May 2024, <petsure.com.au/pet-health-monitor>. 

https://www.greencrossvets.com.au/pet-library/articles-of-interest

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