Pet First Aid: What to Do Before You Get to the Vet
Emergencies can happen at any time — and when they do, knowing what to do *before* you reach your veterinarian can make all the difference.
At Pawsh Veterinary Clinic in Maize, KS, we want pet owners across Maize, Wichita, and surrounding Kansas areas to feel confident handling urgent situations calmly and safely.
Here’s what every pet owner should know about pet first aid and what you can do to stabilize your pet until you arrive at the vet.
Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
Your pet will take cues from you. Speak softly and move slowly to avoid causing more panic or pain.
Look for signs of:
- Trouble breathing or collapse
- Severe bleeding
- Pale gums or rapid heartbeat
- Inability to stand or move
- Seizures or loss of consciousness
If your pet is seriously injured, call Pawsh Veterinary Clinic immediately (if open) or an emergency clinic — we can guide you on what to do while you’re on the way.
Safely Transport Your Pet
If your pet is hurt, handle them carefully:
- For dogs, use a towel, small blanket, or board as a stretcher.
- For cats or small pets, use a carrier or a secure box with soft bedding.
- Muzzle gently if your pet may bite from pain — but never muzzle a vomiting or breathing-distressed animal.
Keep your car warm in winter and cool in summer. Bring any medication, toxins, or items your pet may have ingested.
Stop Bleeding
Apply firm, gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze pad to control bleeding.
If blood soaks through, add more layers instead of removing the first one — that helps clotting.
For deeper wounds or punctures, don’t apply ointment or close the wound yourself. Keep it clean and let your veterinarian handle it.
Treat Burns, Heatstroke, and Poisoning
- Burns: Rinse the area with cool (not ice-cold) water and cover lightly with a damp cloth.
- Heatstroke: Move your pet into shade, apply cool wet towels, and offer small sips of water.
- Suspected poisoning: Call Pawsh or the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline (888-426-4435) immediately. Bring the container or product label with you if possible.
Know Pet CPR and Breathing Aid Basics
If your pet isn’t breathing:
1. Check for an airway blockage.
2. Lay them on their right side.
3. Close their mouth and blow into their nose until the chest rises (about once every 3–5 seconds).
4. Combine with chest compressions (30 compressions followed by 2 breaths for dogs, 15 compressions to 2 breaths for cats or small pets).
If you’re not sure how, focus on getting to the vet quickly — every minute counts.
Create a Pet First Aid Kit
Every household should have one. Keep it in your car or near your pet’s supplies. Include:
- Gauze pads, nonstick bandages, adhesive tape
- Scissors, tweezers, digital thermometer
- Hydrogen peroxide (for cleaning wounds, not inducing vomiting unless directed)
- Instant cold pack
- Saline solution for rinsing eyes or wounds
- Your vet’s phone number and a 24-hour emergency clinic contact
Prepared Owners Save Lives
Emergencies are scary, but preparation and knowledge give you power.
Whether you’re in Maize, Wichita, or surrounding Kansas communities, remember:
- Stay calm
- Keep your pet safe and warm
- Call your veterinarian immediately
At Pawsh Veterinary Clinic, we’re here to help — from guidance over the phone to emergency in-clinic care.
If you Think It’s an Emergency - Don’t Wait
If your pet is injured or acting unusual, call us right away.
👉 Pawsh Veterinary Clinic – Maize, KS
Visit https://pawshvet.com or call 316-399-2200 for immediate assistance.
If Pawsh is not open and it is outside our regular business hours, please reach out to the Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Hospital or Urgent Pet Care.
Your pet’s safety starts with your quick action — and our compassionate care.
Sources:
• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): 'First aid tips for pet owners' — https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/first-aid-tips-pet-owners
• American Red Cross: 'Pet First Aid: How to Help Your Pet in an Emergency' — https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/pet-disaster-preparedness/pet-first-aid.html