It can be very scary when a family pet gets hurt. You can be properly prepared for treating many pet emergencies from home. Treatment should not take place of proper medical care but will take care of your pet until you get them to the vet.
A basic first aid kit should include:
* Scissors
* Tweezers
* Ipecac Syrup
* Pair of nylons for a muzzle
* Ointment
* Gauze
* Bandages
A wounded animal needs to be carefully moved from one place to another. When a pet is wounded they are usually very afraid and may try to bite you. It is always a good idea to muzzle a wounded pet. Think of something you could use for a stretcher, a board works well. Lastly, cover the animal with something warm. To carry a really large dog hold him like you would a baby with your arms inside the front and hind legs.
When a pet is suffering an open wound do not place anything on it besides pressure and a gauze pad/rag. Try to keep the pressure constant if the wound is bleeding a lot. Do not use ointments, peroxide or anything else that may irritate the wound.
For burns quickly apply cold water to the affected area and use ice if possible. Only use topical medication as prescribed by your vet.
Poisoning is fairly easy to detect in pets because it involves the animals nervous system. You may notice trembling, nervousness, salivation, even convulsions. Call vet immediately to find out if you may need to induce vomiting. There are certain poisons that you would Not want to induce vomiting once they are ingested.
If your pet has as seizure keep him really warm, put him in a safe open place on the floor, seek medical care.