First Aid

First Aid is only a temporary measure until you can get to the vet.  Call Rocky Gorge Animal Hospital (301-776-7744) if you suspect something is wrong with your pet. 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 the immediate attention of a veterinarian.

 Below are some web sites that provide information on first aid and emergency procedures for pets: Medi+Pet, The National Animal Poison Control Center, First Aid for Dogs.

Bleeding

Wrap a towel around the wound and apply direct pressure. Call us 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, noodles, well-cooked 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. 

Medication

Never give any medication in any quantity to your pet without the direct advice of your veterinarian.

Poison

Read through this site: The National Animal Poison Control Center to find out more information on poisons and your pet.

Urinary Tract Infection

Small frequent urinating and straining can be a sign of a urinary tract infection. Call us immediately if there is blood in your pet's urine 

Vomiting

Withhold food and offer small frequent amounts of water. After twelve hours introduce small amounts of  soft bland food, such as boiled rice, noodles, well-cooked chicken, or cottage cheese. Avoid hard foods. 

Below is a list of some First Aid items that you should have handy at home.

COTTON BALLS/COTTON SWABS:  For applying ointments or cleaning a wound 

FIRST AID CREAM OR ANTIBACTERIAL SKIN OINTMENT

GAUZE BANDAGE(1-2 INCHES WIDE)

HAIRBALL REMEDY

RECTAL THERMOMETER

SELF-ADHESIVE BANDAGES

SYRINGE: FOR GIVING MEDICINES OR LIQUIDS.

STERILE GAUZE DRESSINGS-To help stop bleeding and protect wounds until you get to the vet.

TWEEZERS: To remove ticks, glass or foreign objects from your cat's skin