April is Pet First Aid Awareness Month

The end of April is fast approaching, and we’d like to take this opportunity to let you know that this month is National Pet First Aid Awareness Month. Because of this, now is a good time to brush on your knowledge about pet first aid and how to help your furry friend in an emergency. Disaster can strike any family, so knowing what to do in these situations is crucial. Keep reading to discover some advice from the veterinarians at Pet Vet Animal Hospital. 

How to Help Your Pet in an Emergency

Staying calm and acting quickly are the best ways to help any pet in an emergency. Don’t let the adrenaline rush make you panic or lose your focus. Panicking will only worsen the situation, so keeping a level head is vital. 

A few suggestions for helping your pet in an emergency: 

• If they aren’t responsive, check for vital signs (breathing, pulse, etc.)
• Begin CPR if they are not breathing. 
• Attempt to remove the blockage if your pet is choking. 
• In injury and poisoning situations, remove all hazards from the area to prevent additional problems. 
• Apply firm pressure to bleeding wounds. 
• Check for broken bones before moving your furry friend. 
• Reach out to appropriate emergency services (Animal Poison Control, etc.). 
• Seek veterinary care as soon as possible. 

We also recommend learning pet first aid, so you can provide the best possible care for your pet in an emergency. 

Veterinarian in Westfield

If your pet needs to see a veterinarian in Westfield, we can help. We provide urgent care services during our regular business hours and are here to lend a paw in your pet’s time of need. Please contact us today to learn more.