Do you have a 24 hour emergency veterinary clinic in your vicinity?  Do you know how to get there? Many communities don't have access to 24 hour pet health care, so what do you do in the event of an emergency? You can be trained in pet first aid by the Red Cross. Here are some basic first aid tips for pets.

So lets say Fido cuts his leg. Put direct pressure on the wound with a gauze pad. Next, wrap a roll of gauze firmly around the leg. Be sure it's secure but circulation is still good. Use the end of the gauze roll to make a knot. Have the knot over the wound so it can provide more pressure.

What about poisoning? If your pet has gotten into something toxic, the best thing to do is get them to throw up.  When we use the word toxic, we usually think of chemicals or medicines.  But when we're talking about animals, there's much more to consider as toxic.  Things like garlic, chocolate, onions, grapes, raisins and even coffee grounds can be toxic. Be sure to properly store these items out of harms way.

Would you be able to give CPR to a choking pet?  There are a few differences based on the size of the dog as well as for cats. For medium to large dogs you lay the dog on its right side. Look for signs of breathing by the chest moving. Check for a pulse on the femoral artery of the rear legs. If there's no breathing, blow into the nostrils and then give three compressions pushing in two to three inches, then another breath. Repeat if necessary. For cats and small dogs you blow one breath into the nostrils and compress both sides of the chest in about one-half inch five times.  Then repeat, if necessary.

Knowing these basic first aid steps for your pet might one day save their life. For further information on pet first aid, contact your local veterinarian and/or Red Cross.  

About the Author

Debbie Foster is the owner of http://petbedsunlimited.com where you'll find a wide selection of quality pet beds, dog crates, dog carriers, dog pens, large dog beds, cat beds, cat carriers, pet strollers and more.