First Aid is only a temporary measure until you can get to the vet. Call us at 800 AMBU-VET if you are concerned about your pet and need immediate transport to a veterinarian or a local animal hospital. Problems that worsen over several hours and/or are accompanied by pain, weakness, difficulty breathing, bleeding, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, and fever, need immediate attention.

Bleeding Wrap a towel around the wound and apply direct pressure - call AmbuVet to transport to a Veterinarian immediately.
Diarrhea Withhold food and offer small frequent amounts of water. After twelve hours introduce small amounts of soft bland food, such as boiled rice, boiled chicken, or cottage cheese. Avoid hard foods.
Fever You can take your pet's temperature with a Vaseline-lubricated rectal thermometer. The normal temperature range for a cat or dog is from 100 to 102.5F. Temperatures over 104 degrees need prompt medical attention.
Medication Never give any medication in any quantity to your pet without the direct advice of your veterinarian.
Poison Read through this website: The National Animal Poison Control Center to find out more information on poisons and your pet.
Urinary Tract Infection Small frequent urination and straining can be a sign of a urinary tract infection. See your veterinarian today if there is blood in your pet's urine. If your male cat seems to be trying to urinate and nothing is produced, this is a sign of a possible blockage and is an emergency. Call AmbuVet to transport to a Veterinarian immediately.
Vomiting Withhold food and offer small frequent amounts of water. After twelve hours introduce small amounts of soft bland food, such as boiled rice, boiled chicken, or cottage cheese. Avoid hard foods. If the Vomiting persists while withholding food call AmbuVet to transport to a Veterinarian immediately.

First Aid items that you should have handy at home.

COTTON BALLS/COTTON SWABS: For applying ointments or cleaning a wound. SELF-ADHESIVE BANDAGES.
FIRST AID CREAM OR ANTIBACTERIAL SKIN OINTMENT. SYRINGE: FOR GIVING MEDICINES OR LIQUIDS.
GAUZE BANDAGE(1-2 INCHES WIDE). STERILE GAUZE DRESSINGS - To help stop bleeding and protect wounds until you get to the vet.
HAIRBALL REMEDY. TWEEZERS: To remove ticks, glass or foreign objects from your pet's skin.
RECTAL THERMOMETER.

 
-Erin Burya DVM
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