We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post, but this does NOT cost you anything extra! Check out my full disclosure for more info.
Most everyone knows the basics of first aid, but what about the members of our extended family?
Pets have an interesting way of becoming part of the family. We take them everywhere and attend to their needs.
What is better than getting home after a long day to see how excited they are to see us?
I recently thought about this as I took a dog first aid class years ago.
I have been asking around and have learned that not many people know how to perform basic CPR, much less use it on their animals. I hope to get you thinking about basic first aid for your pets and give you ideas on how to get started.
Having a few dog pictures never hurt, either!
We all need to start somewhere, and here is the beginning of learning about basic first aid for our pets. Let’s get started!
Take a Class or Get Extra Training
Like I said earlier, taking a CPR and/or first aid class is super important for your pet.
A quick look online and you can find local vet offices that offer this. Another option is to take the course online.
I like using the Red Cross as a resource, and they have a section for classes.
I have found the courses they offer tend to be located in major cities. On their site, they also have a section listing the steps to perform basic CPR.
The classes I see most are for cat and dog CPR. Here you can learn things, such as how to check for a heartbeat, give chest compression, how to give rescue breaths and more.
Something I found interesting is that you give breaths through their nose (and make sure you have their mouth closed).
First Aid Kit Ideas
Something you might find interesting is a lot of the items that are listed below you already have.
I have mentioned this before, but I like having a separate kit specifically prepared for my furry partner. This list is items to get you ready to go.
(sadly, I have to mention this, please remember to contact your veterinarian to make sure this is OK to perform or give to your animal/pet)
- Disposable gloves
- Ice pack
- Sheers, Tweezers
- Adhesive tape and gauze pads
- Alcohol wipes
- For dogs, having hydrogen peroxide (3%) can be used to induce vomiting (again, check with your vet first)
- Small flashlight
- Extra towels
- Saline eye solution or an extra eye dropper
Other Thoughts
It is always essential to have an emergency plan. It is also important to include what you will do with your animals.
Having phone numbers that are not just on your phone but also a hard copy to locations like your vet and to out-of-area locations you might attend.
Remember always to have a plan!
Other vital numbers will include Animal Poison Control Center 888-426-44350 (also the Poison Control Center 800-222-1222 for you and me), you might not need it, but it’s nice to have it just in case!
A few friends have insurance for their extended family members, aka pet insurance.
Having a medical bill for yourself can be extremely expensive, and it’s the same for your animals. It’s even worse if you need to go after hours.
My old roommate, who was a vet tech, used to tell me how expensive these bills could add up to. So again, it’s just something extra to think about.
Family Dinners and Presents
I know for most of us, the holidays are over, but other holidays are still celebrated. And our animals always tend to get into everything.
The cookies, wrapping paper, tissue paper (my old partner used to love that stuff), and all the things that “fall” off the tables.
A story I remembered was regarding one of our holiday meals. I love this story.
We were at one of my friend’s houses. Long story short, the turkey was left to cool on a high counter before serving it with our meal.
You might be able to see where this is going because they had a Doberman, a massive dog, might I add.
He was easily able to stand on his hind legs, delicately take the whole 10-pound turkey off the counter, and quietly go into a room where nobody was.
When we returned to the kitchen to grab the turkey, to our amazement, there was an empty platter. Needless to say, it was an interesting dinner for everyone that night.
Keeping Our Furry Friends Safe
This was another article to get you thinking about setting up a kit ready for your pets.
I know many of the items you might already have, but some you might not.
The questions I have for you are:
Did I miss anything?
Do you like this sort of topic?
Have you taken a class already?
Do you want to add anything to this list?
And best of all, do you have a fun picture or story of your pet? If so, please share it in the comments below!
As always, let us know if you have any other questions.
We love to hear what others are doing and the gear you’re using. Let’s ensure we are all prepared for whatever life throws at us and get prepared together!
Thanks for stopping by, and safe travels!