Grades: 6-7

Accidents or illness can strike any healthy animal. Students who understand the concept of first aid and how to cope with illness and disease are better equipped to handle real life-and-death situations. The goal of this lesson is to aid students on how to respond in emergency situations.

Start by downloading the lesson handouts (pdf) and printing them out. They include fun games, puzzles, and quizzes to help your child learn.

FIRST AID KIT FOR PETS:

The first aid kit for pets can be made at home with some basic materials. A sample kit may include the following:

1. muzzle or towel to cover a small animals head
2. 1 blanket
3. 2 rolls of 2-inch gauze
4. 2 rolls of 4 - inch stretch gauze
5. 1 roll of 1 to 2 - inch adhesive tape
6. 4 sterile non-adhesive pads (Telfa pads)
7. 10 3 - inch gauze squares
8. 1 tube antibacterial ointment
9. 1 small bottle antiseptic soap
10. 1 small bottle eye cleaning drops
11. 1 pair of blunt scissors
12. 1 pair tweezers
13. 1 rectal thermometer (normal temperature for dogs and cats is 101.5°F or 38°C
14. 1 pair nail clippers
15. Several Q-Tips
16. 1 small bottle of Pepto-Bismol
17. 1 syringe (no needle)
18. 1 magazine
19. Stretcher (ironing board, table, blanket)
20. Your Veterinarian’s Phone Number
21. The Phone Number of the Humane Society or Animal Control
22. Poison Control Number

This first aid kit is similar to a kit for humans with a few differences:

The blanket and muzzle are for restraining your pet. These can be purchased in different sizes or can be made from gauze or even a necktie. Even the sweetest dog may bite when they are in pain. Cats will often try to escape when being treated; the blanket can be used to wrap them for their protection and yours.

The Pepto-Bismol will help comfort a pet’s upset stomach while they are en route to the veterinarian, again you should consult a veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet.

A magazine can be made into a splint for a broken leg.

How to make a muzzle if a commercial one is unavailable:

Loop knot and slip over the nose. Pull gently and tie behind the animal’s head for a snug fit. Allow for two fingers breathing room between the dog and the muzzle.

Emergency situations that require a vet’s immediate attention are:

• Fractured limb (Hit by car, fallen from high area, etc...)
• Bleeding - large volume or will not stop. (Hit by car, cut paw)
• Suspected poisoning
• Vomiting or diarrhea for over 24 hours (dehydration)
• Collapse or shock (large blood loss, severe pain)
• Labored breathing (anaphylactic shock, chest trauma HBC)
• Pale oral cavity (Blood loss, anemia or shock)
• Trouble swallowing (Foreign body in esophagus)
• Heat Stroke
• Burns (House fire)

First Aid for minor scrapes:

Apply a clean towel to control bleeding. Apply ice or a cold pack to the hemorrhaging area gently for 10 - 15 minutes. Never tie a tourniquet; it could cut off circulation to that area.

The following are possible scenarios in which students can actively play different parts.

Scenario # 1: Your dog or cat was just hit by a car. What do you do?

Stay calm. Your pet does not get better if you get upset. If possible, have someone stay with your pet to ensure it is out of harms way. Place a blanket on the animal to keep it warm. Please do not injure yourself in the process of trying to save a pet. Your safety comes first!! Call your vet and explain the situation. Your information allows time for the vet to set up necessary tests and equipment for your pet’s arrival.

Follow the vet’s instructions. For instance, apply pressure with a clean towel to the open wound with to control bleeding. Use a blanket, towel or box to lift the animal. Be extra careful when handling or picking up your pet. If he/she is hurt or scared, he/she may bite or scratch unintentionally. Your first aid kit can be of invaluable service.

Scenario # 2: Your pet has a lifelong illness. You are responsible for giving the pet its medication and overall care. What do you do?

Listen to your veterinarian and follow his/her instructions. No one knows your pet like you do. Watch for signs of irritability or nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite, fever, behavior changes, depression, diarrhea, coughing, sneezing or other abnormalities. If you have any questions, ask your veterinarian.

How to give medication to a dog or cat:

1. Hold your pet’s upper jaw toward the ceiling by taking hold of the snout and gently pointing it upward. This will cause the lower jaw to drop slightly.
2. Gently pull down on the very front-most part of the lower jaw.
3. Place the tablet as far back in the mouth as you safely can, in the center of the back of the tongue.
4. Hold the mouth closed once you have the pill in it, until your pet swallows or licks their nose. Sometimes gently blowing on the nose or rubbing the throat will cause the animal to swallow.

Conclusion

Accidents can happen, and it is always best to be prepared. Having a first-aid kit available at all times can get a situation under control until you can make it to your veterinarian. Always be sure to follow the advice and instructions of your vet, and call the office for any questions or concerns.