Week 1 Knowing Normal for Your Pet

1. Pet First Aid and CPR
Kim Wilson LVT, CDBC, CHBC, CPDT-KA, , LSCH-S, FFAT, VTNC

2. Introduction
• SUNY Ulster Veterinary Technology program, grad with honors, in 2010
• Focus in animal behavior, exotic animal husbandry, nutrition, and wildlife rehabilitation.
• Training animals professionally since 1981, although training began in early childhood
with a variety of species including dogs, cats, horses, chickens, guinea pigs, mice,
rabbits, goats, a raccoon, an opossum, and as an adult added working with various
domestic, exotic, & zoo animals.
• I’ve worked for Veterinary Behaviorists, interned at University of California – Davis
Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, in their Behavior Service, has co-taught the
Behavior Medicine course at SUNY Ulster.
• Two degrees in Equine Science, a minor in Dairy Science, a degree in Veterinary
Technology, is pursuing my Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, and working toward
sitting for the boards as a Veterinary Technician Specialist - (Behavior).
• LVT, CDBC, CHBC, CPDT-KA, LSHC-S, FFAT, VTNC, Pet 1st Aid & CPR

3. Introductions
• Who are you?
• Why are you here?
• Have you had an emergency before?

4. What is Normal for YOUR PET?
• Eating habits
• Urination/Defecation Habits
• Drinking Habits
• Activity Level
• Sleeping Habits
• General Behavior Habits
• Interaction Habits

5. What’s Normal at Rest?
• Temperature 99.5 ⁰ F – 101.5 ⁰ F
• Heart Rate
• 40-100 bpm dogs
• 100-140 bpm cats
• Some differences for young, small, stressed
• Respiration
• Breathing rate quality
• 10-30 bpm
• Panting in cats is an emergency
• Gums
• Color, CRT – within 2 seconds

6. Checking Vital Signs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lv63ZUTp_IM

7. Dog Gum Color Chart
Gum Color Possible Reason
Blue or purple
Lack of oxygen, trouble breathing, pneumonia,
asthma, choking, heart disease, low blood
pressure, and/or hypothermia
Bright, cherry red
Exposure to toxins, heat stroke, high blood
pressure, and/or carbon monoxide poisoning
Slightly red
Topical irritation (such as from chewing a new
toy), gingivitis, and/or infection
Yellow
Liver problem, anemia, and/or massive
destruction of red blood cells
Pale pink or white
Anemia, heart problems, blood clotting disorder,
internal bleeding, kidney disease, shock, bloat,
rat poison, heavy metal poison, cancer, and/or
hypothermia
This is just a general guide of what an abnormal gum color might mean.
If your dog has gums of these colors, or any unusual color, please see your vet.

8. Vital Signs
• Https://emergencypetinfo.weebly.com/vital-signs.html
• Vital Signs will very some from one source to the next
• They will vary from large to small pets
• May be higher in younger pets
• This is why knowing normal for YOUR pet is very important
• Normal may change with age, condition, and health status

9. First Aid Kit
• Muzzle – appropriate type and size and Nylon, slip leash, Towel and blanket
• Emergency contact information ● Animal Poison Control Hotline (1-888-426-4435)
• List of any ongoing medical illnesses and any medications include drug name, dosage, route,
frequency and pharmacy information
• Gauze squares and Roll gauze (May be used as a makeshift muzzle)
• Roll of elastic, cohesive wrap (“Vetrap” bandaging tape), Adhesive tape, and Bandage scissors
• Antimicrobial ointment. Rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol, Chlorhexidine, Hydrogen peroxide
• Disposable gloves
• Sterile saline eye wash
• Quick read rectal thermometer, lubricant
• Pet nail clippers, Styptic powder
• Any other items specifically recommended for your pet by your veterinarian
https://www.puppyleaks.com/dogs-nail-from-bleeding/

10. Disaster Preparedness Kit
• Knowing what types of disasters may affect your
• Gather what you need in advance so that you can quickly collect your
family (including your pets) and follow instructions
• Additional contact information ● Veterinary/boarding facilities
outside of your area or pet friendly housing/hotels
• Your pets’ medical information ● Vaccination records ● Major medical
conditions (including medications) ● Pet identification (tags, licenses,
microchip information) ● ID tag including your information (in case
you and your pet become separated)

11. Disaster Preparedness Kit
• Supply of pet food and food & water bowls
• Supply of medications your pet takes regularly
• Pet carriers for cats & dogs
• Leashes & harness for larger dogs
• Bedding, toys, & treats
• Cleaning supplies, garbage bags, cat litter and a small litter pan

12. Kits Differ by Experience and Situations
• Activated charcoal is used to absorb ingested poisons. Any item in my kit that is intended for poisoning will NOT be used unless
directed by a veterinarian. Protocols vary and what will help in one instance can cause harm in another.
• Antibiotic cream for wounds. I do not use triple antibiotic as I groom cats. While it is rare, cats may have an allergy to such
products. The combination of the three ingredients may cause a fatal reaction in some cats.
• Antihistamine and safety pin for minor allergic reactions. I specifically look for diphenhydramine gels with a liquid center. The
safety pin is used to puncture the gel cap and squirt the liquid directly onto to the tongue of the pet. It is the fastest way for an
anaphylactic pet to absorb the antihistamine. Consult a veterinarian for proper dosing. Not all pets can safely use antihistamines as
it may interfere with other medications and medical conditions.
• Apps for smart phones. I have two that I like. The first is the ASPCA’s Pet Poison app. It’s FREE and will dial the number for the Pet
Poison Hotline. As minutes matter in a poisoning, this is invaluable if you cannot reach a local veterinarian for instructions. The
second is a veterinarian locator. This is useful if you are either a mobile or house call groomer and need to find the closest
veterinarian.
• Baking soda to absorb topical poisons or chemicals, bleeding nails
• Band aids for myself. This is the one item that is replenished on a regular basis.
• Bandanas have multiple uses. They replace triangular bandages and can be used as slings to take the weight off of an injured limb.
• Expired gift cards are always saved. They are a perfect size to cushion pad injuries on larger pets. I place gauze on both sides of the
card and securely wrap the cards and gauze to the paw with vet wrap. In addition, the cards can flick out bee stingers. Place the
card at the base of the stinger where it meets the skin and lift up and out.

13. Kits Differ by Experience and Situations
• Honey packets for hypoglycemic pets. Stress, seizures, as well as an owner giving a pet too much insulin can result in low blood
sugar. This is a serious condition that may result in the death of the pet. Signs include listlessness, staggering, tremors, muscle
weakness, and seizures. Do not give the pet honey unless directed by a veterinarian.
• Hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting in a dog. As this is used for poisoning, consult a veterinarian first. Dosage will vary. Vomiting
is not a given for poisoning. If it is caustic, it will burn the throat on its way out. You cannot use hydrogen peroxide to induce
vomiting in cats. Cats cannot metabolize hydrogen peroxide.
• Ice will constrict blood flow and slow bleeding. I do not keep ice in my pet first aid kit. If you have a freezer in a shop, then add ice.
• Liquid bandage is an asset if you know how to use it properly. Used incorrectly, it can damage surrounding tissue, as well as trap
bacteria in the wound. Your veterinarian can instruct you in proper usage. I do not use superglue. It is not manufactured for
medical use and as such, the manufacturer can change ingredients and formulation without consideration for safety on wounds.
• Plastic baggies to collect a vomit or fecal sample. This may be necessary if the pet has been poisoned and you are unsure of what
was ingested. When not in use, it can store smaller items for easy accessibility.
• Rubber gloves to protect you from any zoonotic and also to collect vomit or fecal samples.
• Sanitary napkins will absorb blood.
• Dosing Syringes/Squirt bottle to deliver hydrogen peroxide down the throat of a dog.
• Tea bags contain tannic acid. It is effective in stopping bleeding. While sugar is effective, I do not recommend it because the pet
may be diabetic or pre-diabetic.
• Wound cleanser. You have a couple of options. The first is sterile saline solution, also known as eyewash. The second is a
Chlorohexidine based cleanser. This is easy to find. Almost any store that sells first aid items carries it. Do not use alcohol as it
stings. Do not use sterile, tap, or bottled water and it disrupts the salt balance of the cells and slows healing.