In case of emergency: The importance of learning CPR, pet first aid

"But if we're not prepared, panic and confusion can hinder our ability to act appropriately when they need us most. The best way to increase your chances of responding quickly and calmly is to familiarize yourself with basic pet first aid techniques. Though never a substitute for veterinary treatment, properly applied first aid can minimize a pet's trauma and even save their life until you are able to transport them to a veterinarian,"

"Your first priority: You In an emergency, your priority should always be to protect yourself. Any injured animal has the potential to bite and scratch, so always approach with caution. If possible, muzzle the animal and gently restrain them before any care is administered. If necessary, you can make a homemade muzzle on the spot using a piece of cloth. Restraint techniques will depend on the extent and location of injury. It may be dangerous to muzzle an animal that's coughing, vomiting, having trouble breathing or resisting out of fear. In this case, don't attempt treatment on your own."

"Practice measuring vital signs on your healthy pet so you become sensitive to changes that signal a medical emergency. The heartbeat of a dog or cat can be felt by laying them down on their right side and placing your hand over their chest, just behind the left elbow. Normal heart rates for dogs average 60 to 160 beats per minute, while cat heart rates average 160 to 220 beats per minute."

Familiarize yourself with basic pet first aid to reduce panic and provide temporary care until veterinary treatment is available. Prioritize personal safety: approach injured animals cautiously, muzzle and gently restrain when appropriate, and avoid muzzling pets that are coughing, vomiting, having trouble breathing, or resisting out of fear. Practice measuring vital signs on healthy animals to detect emergencies. Check heart rate by feeling the chest behind the left elbow or by pulse points on the inner thigh, wrist, or ankle; normal dog rates average 60–160 bpm and cats 160–220 bpm. Measure breathing by observing chest expansion or using a tissue or mirror at the nostrils. Tailor restraint techniques to the injury's location and severity.

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