A healthy pet is a happy and thriving pet. Now that Spring is here, your pets are eager to spend more time outdoors exploring new smells and basking in the sunshine. Whether playing in the backyard, at a dog park, or at the beach, it’s important to keep an eye on your pets so they avoid injuries. Should your dog or cat get hurt, know the proper steps to quickly tend to them if you’re not able to immediately seek medical help.
April is National Pet First Aid Awareness Month, a good time to be mindful of pet injuries, especially among senior dogs and cats. Should any of the following happen to your pet on your watch, know what to do to quickly ease their discomfort:
Eating the Wrong Thing
Some pets think everything is food. If you see your dog or cat eyeing a small object like a button or pebble like it was a treat, you’ll want to move the item away quickly to prevent them from swallowing it. Small solid trinkets may pass through your pet’s stool in time, but if your pet has a habit of lapping up all kinds of things it may be time to consult a veterinarian.
Should your pet ingest something toxic, like chocolate or other foods that cause illness or worse, it’s best to take them immediately to their veterinarian for treatment. While it is possible to induce vomiting in your pet to help with the problem, emetics can be harmful to animals. It’s best to take this type of emergency to a medical professional.
When your dog or cat suffers stomach problems that cause diarrhea, the Miracle Care Anti-Diarrhea Liquid Kit can help stop the problem and soothe the discomfort.
Bite and Scratch Injuries
Perhaps the most common injuries pets receive are bites and scratches from other animals. It’s important, when out in public or at a dog run, to watch how your dog interacts with others. In the event they become involved in a fight, take precautions as you treat your pet before you take them to a clinic.
Your dog might be in pain and snap at you, so use their muzzle or improvise with a scarf or belt. Assess the wound and wrap it, and consult your veterinarian for further treatment.
Miracle Care Wound Care spray uses natural ingredients to protect dog bites and other scrapes. Miracle Care Liquid Bandage helps keep dirt and debris from an open wound. Both are good to have when you travel with your pet.
Insect Stings
Extended outdoor play for dogs and cats can increase the risk of bug bites and bee stings. When your pet feels the irritation of a bite, you want to treat it quickly or else your pet may begin scratching or licking the affected area. To avoid behavior that might lead to infections, you can try organic remedies like a paste of baking soda and water applied to the bite area. Oatmeal baths may also help soothe the discomfort of multiple bites.
If your pet needs relief from insect bites and similar minor irritations from burns and abrasions, Homeopet Healing Cream is a natural remedy. Apply a CoFlex Bandage to any such problem area for added protection.
For whatever emergency situation arrives, it’s recommended to have a pet first aid kit on hand to treat accidents quickly after they happen. The Curicyn Pet Care Kit and the Kurgo Dog First Aid Kit each contain a variety of bandages, ointments and other medical supplies to address cuts, bites and other small injuries. For other pet supplies designed for the health and happiness of your pet, visit any of our four locations in Moyock and Hampton Roads or order from our store online.