First Aid for your furkids

I notice all the time in various postings people asking for first aid tips or how to deal with a spider bite, etc. So.... I thought perhaps I would list some tips and guidelines here. I also want to list resources for monies for life saving veterinary care should you find yourself in a situation and unable to pay for the care.

The first thing that you can do though to assist your pet is to stay calm, speak in soothing quiet tones, and handle them in a gentle manner.  Call your veterinarian, they will assist you in stabilizing your pet for transport to the vet's clinic. DON'T give your pet human pain relievers! They are toxic to your pet and most are deadly to them. Your veterinarian will advise you what is best to do for your pet.

There are numerous sites out there for Pet First Aid, probably the best I have found is from the American Veterinary Medical Association 

This is just the list of supplies listed for a pet first aid kit:

Phone numbers and your pet's medical record (including medications and vaccination history)Veterinarian: Emergency veterinary clinic: Animal Poison Control Center: 888-4ANI-HELP (888-426-4435) (there may be a fee for this call)	You need to know these numbers before you need them. If you do not know the number of the emergency clinic in your area, ask your veterinarian or go to the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society Web site for a searchable list of emergency clinics by state.
Gauze	For wrapping wounds or muzzling the injured animal
Nonstick bandages, towels, or strips of clean cloth	To control bleeding or protect wounds
Adhesive tape for bandages*do NOT use human adhesive bandages (eg, Band-Aids®) on pets	For securing the gauze wrap or bandage
Milk of magnesia Activated charcoal	To absorb poison Always contact your veterinarian or local poison control center before inducing vomiting or treating an animal for poison
Hydrogen peroxide (3%)	To induce vomiting Always contact your veterinarian or local poison control center before inducing vomiting or treating an animal for poison
Digital Thermometer —you will need a "fever" thermometer because the temperature scale of regular thermometers doesn't go high enough for pets	To check your pet's temperature. Do not insert a thermometer in your pet's mouth—the temperature must be taken rectally.
Eye dropper (or large syringe without needle)	To give oral treatments or flush wounds
Muzzle (in an emergency a rope, necktie, soft cloth, nylon stocking, small towel may be used)	To cover your pet's head. If your pet is vomiting, do not muzzle it!
Leash	To transport your pet (if your pet is capable of walking without further injury)
Stretcher (in an emergency a door, board, blanket or floor mat may be used)	To stabilize the injured animal and prevent further injury during transport

They also list many excellent procedures for giving first aid to your pet until you can get him or her to the vet. Take the time to read what they have to say and print it for reference.

Spider bites, if you can identify the spider all the better or trap it, without getting bitten yourself, in a jar. Take your pet to the veterinarian immediately. Black Widow bites are almost always fatal in cats, so the sooner you get them to the veterinarian the better chance of survival. Snake bites, also get your pet to the vet as soon as possible. Snake bites are not always visible, the venom is a neurotoxin, and if they are bitten in the face area it will swell and they will have a hard time breathing, and as the venom works its way, it can lead to paralysis and cardiac collapse. If you live in the southwest or desert you also have to contend with scorpions and centipedes. Again, staying calm, identify the bug, get the pet to the vet as soon as possible.

Additional pet first aid links

• American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)/Healthy Pet: Pet First Aid


• The University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine: Basic First Aid for Your Pet


• American Red Cross: First Aid for Pets


• VeterinaryPartner.com: First Aid and Emergency Care


• ASPCA and the Humane Society

Now, for financial help, United Animal Nations has a Lifeline grant to help animals and pets in need of lifesaving veterinary care. Many of your shelters who are associated with the ASPCA and Humane Society have low cost clinics and can help, and they have resources to other grants to assist with veterinary care.