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In homes around the world, the family pet is definitely part of the family and there is simply nothing we wouldn’t do to make sure our pet has a long, happy, and healthy life. And that’s why more and more of us are taking time to learn a little animal first aid.

Knowing even just a little bit of pet first aid, means that you will be able to help your pet should it become injured or ill. Just like kids, animals can be curious and as a result, they can sometimes get themselves into trouble. We are prepared to handle both minor and major emergencies with our children, and although we hope that never happens we are prepared. With animal wound care we can be just as prepared.

A pet kit will hold many of the items that a human first aid kit will hold – Gauze, tape, scissors, antiseptic; alcohol to clean wounds, antibacterial cream for infection, tweezers, and rubber tubing, or a muzzle. You can also buy self-adhesive wrap at the pet store, which can be used for sprains and to hold gauze in place.

When an animal is in pain it may snap and even bite trying to keep you away from the wound. Be careful because no matter how much your pet loves you when in pain they can be unpredictable. The rubber tubing that you put in your animal first aid kit can be used to gently tie your pet’s mouth so that you can safely look at the injury. If your pet is a dog and you have a muzzle in your first aid kit, then of course use it. You don’t need a bite to deal with while trying to administer first aid.

Your animal kit is the first line of treatment should your pet become injured. If the injury is serious your pet should immediately see the vet. Minor cuts and scrapes can be easily handled but should always be disinfected and properly cleaned because they can quickly become infected. When in doubt always see your veterinarian. You should also keep an eye on minor injuries to make sure they don’t fester.

Lifesaving first aid may be beyond the ability of your animal first aid kit; however do the best you can and then transport immediately to your vet. Keep the number of your vet handy, and hopefully someone can phone ahead for your arrival so that the vet’s office is prepared.

To go with your animal first aid kit it’s also a good idea to get some basic wound care skills. Your vet can probably assist you with the basics and there is plenty of help online that can have you ready to handle any pet emergency.

You can either put together your own animal aid kit or you can buy a handy kit that’s already got everything in it, plus a convenient case. Keep it handy in the house and if you take your pet with you in the car you should have an animal first aid kit in your car too.

Your pet is part of your family so make sure you have your animal first aid kit ready for any emergency.

By: Terry Fitzroy

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It’s sad to say that animal abuse is a growing problem in the United States. One recent article said that in the economic downturn, more and more pets were being abandoned, and other statistics show that in times of economic stress, abuse of all kinds-pets, children, spouses, and elders-increases measurably. Rather like small children, pets thrive on affection, structure, and positive interaction, yet in too many circumstances, this isn’t what they’re getting at all.

When our kids get their hands on a puppy or a kitten, when the whining and begging starts (“pleeeease? I’ll take care of it, I’ll feed it and walk it, you won’t have to do anything…”), we do, of course, have to consider whether our family has the time and resources to give this small pet its best chance at a good, rewarding life. But before you groan at the prospect of vet bills and chewed-up slippers, think of all the things that our children can learn from taking care of pets. Being patiently taught how to care for a pet can foster the kind of empathy and responsibility in a child that can prevent animal abuse from happening in the future.

• Tell your children about animal abuse. Children have deeply good hearts; they will be appalled to hear how some people treat animals. Remind them that some people get bored with their pets and neglect them, or that they get angry and hurt them. Tell them that those actions are not acceptable, and that if you bring a pet into your home, it will not be treated like that-even when its caretakers get bored or angry.

• Remind your children that baby animals grow up. A cute, cuddly puppy or kitten will be a full-grown dog or cat in about a year. It will still be lovable and affectionate, but it won’t be tiny, and it won’t be as cute as it was when you couldn’t resist it. A commitment to a pet is a commitment for the pet’s entire life, not only when they’re small and cute, but also when they’re older. Getting tired of an older dog or cat is no excuse to neglect or mistreat it.

• Make it clear that the less pleasant duties will be shared by all. Yes, this means housebreaking duties. Small kittens still need to learn about the litter box, and puppies are notoriously prone to accidents. If a child isn’t willing to do the icky stuff like clean the litter box and pick up the accidents, they are not doing their duty by their pet. Remind them that they wore diapers when they were little, but animals don’t get to do that.

• Show them how their feelings are like the pet’s feelings. Even small children can understand the connections between their experience and their pet’s experience. How would your children feel if you simply “forgot” to make dinner one evening? Or if you kicked them out of the way instead of asking them politely to move? Or if you never had time to cuddle or play with them? The idea that their caregiver, the one who is supposed to love them best, would do any of those things is unthinkable, but they can grasp that they are the caregivers and love-givers to their pet, and should no more do those things to an animal than a parent would do them to a child.

Taking advantage of these simple teaching opportunities can develop empathy, kindness, and responsibility in children. The more children who develop these important qualities, the better chance we have of eradicating animal abuse for all generations.

By: Katherine Teel

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