Many owners don’t think about first aid for pets until it’s too late
Many owners don’t think about first aid for pets until it’s too late
Most dedicated dog owners don’t think about the importance of pet first aid – until it’s too late. A recent study shows almost 80% of owners have no idea how to perform CPR on their beloved pet, and more than half had no idea what to do with bleeding wounds.
A recent survey of 2000 pet owners, by first aid training group Paediatric First Aid, found 78% of pet owners wouldn’t know how to perform CPR on their pet. A further 65% were unsure how to treat a bleeding wound, and 54% said they wouldn’t know what to do if their pet was suffering from heatstroke.
First aid trainer Sarah Jeffries said: “Emergencies can happen in seconds. Knowing how to respond quickly can mean the difference between life and death for your pet.
“Many owners don’t think about first aid for pets until it’s too late. Simple knowledge like how to stop bleeding or recognise heatstroke can make all the difference while you get your pet to the vet.
“Being prepared doesn’t just protect your pet, it gives you peace of mind. When you know what to do, you can act quickly and calmly in an emergency.”
Just like with humans, early intervention can prevent minor injuries from becoming serious, and can even save lives. Here are some top first aid tips for some of the most commonly-seen pet emergencies.
Choking:
- If your pet is choking, do not blindly reach into their mouth, as this can push the object further down.
- Instead, perform 5 firm back blows between the shoulder blades. If the object remains, seek urgent veterinary care.
Bleeding Wounds:
- Apply firm pressure to the wound using a clean cloth or bandage to slow the bleeding.
- Keep the pet calm and elevate the injured area, if possible.
Heatstroke:
- If your pet is panting excessively, drooling, or collapsing, move them to a cool area immediately.
- Wet their fur with cool (not ice cold) water and offer small sips of water while you contact your vet.
CPR:
- If your pet is unresponsive and not breathing, lay them on their side and begin chest compressions.
- For dogs and cats, compress the chest 100–120 times per minute, “similar to the tempo of Taylor Swift’s You’re Losing Me”, Paediatric First Aid said.
Poisoning:
- If you suspect your pet has eaten something toxic (like chocolate, grapes, or medications), contact your vet immediately.
- Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a professional.
Pet owners are also advised to keep a pet first aid kit at home, including sterile bandages and gauze, saline solution for cleaning wounds, tweezers for removing splinters or ticks, a digital thermometer, and emergency vet contact details.
