Pet First Aid Can Save Lives

April 27, 2025

By Dan Barner

Pet First Aid Can Save Lives

April is National Pet First Aid Awareness Month, an excellent time to consider whether you are prepared for an injury to your pet.

While we always hope our pets will remain safe, pet injuries are not uncommon. From eating something harmful to overheating on a hot day to falling and suffering a leg injury, our pets are susceptible to emergencies just as people are. With a proper plan, education and supplies, you can be ready to care for your pet in their time of need until you can reach a veterinarian.

Start by creating a complete pet first aid kit. Helpful items to include include bottled water; a collapsible bowl; kibble/treats; medical/vaccination records; important phone numbers (veterinarian, emergency hospital, poison control, animal control); gloves; leash; collar; muzzle; tweezers; clean towel; blanket; thermometer; antiseptic wipes; flashlight; canine-specific aspirin/ibuprofen; Benadryl; cold compress; cotton swabs; burn-relief gel; gauze; tape; scissors; activated charcoal; saline solution; eyedropper/syringe; antibiotic ointment; wound closure; and styptic powder.

Your pet first aid kit should be accessible at all times and in a waterproof enclosure.

Common signs of a pet medical emergency include labored breathing; bleeding that does not stop after a few minutes; discolored gums (white, pale pink, gray or purple); straining to urinate; vomiting after eating or drinking; and being weak or unable to stand.

If your pet suffers an injury they might experience pain, fear and confusion, which can make them unpredictable. Refrain from hugging them. Keep your face away from their mouth. Aapply a muzzle if they attempt to bite (unless they are vomiting, then do not apply a muzzle). And ask for help if you need to move your pet.

Learn how to administer first aid to pets by attending a local event or workshop. Veterinarians, animal shelters and pet-related nonprofit organizations are ideal places to find a first-aid event or workshop in your area. Topics might include a pet-specific Heimlich maneuver, bandaging or how to handle seizures.

The American Red Cross offers a free Pet First Aid App, which provides information on what to do should an emergency happen with your pet. You can find the Pet First Aid App by going to redcross.org/apps or by searching for “American Red Cross” in app stores.

Before administering emergency care it is advisable to consult your regular veterinarian, an emergency veterinarian or the national animal poison control hotline (888-426-4235), depending on the situation.