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PET CARE

Pet First Aid Awareness 

2 min read
Jan 27, 2022
by
MetLife Pet Insurance

It’s inevitable that your pet, like your children, will encounter some kind of injury at one point or another, and there are several things that will be helpful to have on hand when it happens.

We've created a simple checklist for you of the items to include in your pet emergency-ready kit:

  • Phone numbers. Keep contact information for your primary veterinarian, emergency animal hospital, Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435), and any emergency contacts and yourself in your first aid kit for easy access. If you’re away, the pet-sitter can easily access this information without wasting precious time searching frantically.
  • Gauze and non-stick bandages for wrapping wounds.
  • Adhesive tape for securing bandages or gauze.
  • Milk of magnesia or activated charcoal to absorb ingested poisons (call your vet before administering.)
  • Hydrogen peroxide (3%) to induce vomiting (call your vet before administering.)
  • Digital fever thermometer to check temperature
  • Eye dropper to administer oral treatments or flush a wound with antiseptic
  • Muzzle to cover pet’s head and prevent biting. Muzzles can be made from gauze, towels, or nylon stockings in a pinch (only use a muzzle if your pet is not vomiting)
  • Leash to transport pet if he or she can walk without further injury
  • Blanket or yoga mat to act as a stretcher in the event that your pet cannot walk

Tips for Handling Pet Injuries

In addition, there are several tips to be aware of when handling an injured pet. Never assume that even the gentlest pet will not bite or nip when injured.

Pain and fear can cause instinct to take over and your pet may display primal behaviors while you’re treating him. Don’t try to hug or comfort your pet and keep your face away from her face, as this may scare or further injure the animal. Perform an assessment of your pet’s injuries slowly and gently, and stop if the animal becomes agitated or aggressive.

If possible, try to wrap or split any injuries before moving your pet. Call your vet or emergency animal hospital on the way so they are prepared for the nature of the injuries when you arrive.

Consider Investing in Pet Insurance

Looking for more ways to keep your pets happy and healthy? Consider investing in a pet insurance policy with MetLife Pet Insurance.1  Dog insurance and cat insurance policies can help pet parents keep their pets healthy.  Get your free quote today. 

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Nothing in this article should be construed as financial, legal or veterinary advice. Please consult your own advisors for questions relating to your and your pet’s specific circumstances. 

1 Pet Insurance offered by MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC is underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company (“IAIC”), a Delaware insurance company, headquartered at 485 Madison Avenue, NY, NY 10022, and Metropolitan General Insurance Company (“MetGen”), a Rhode Island insurance company, headquartered at 700 Quaker Lane, Warwick, RI 02886, in those states where MetGen’s policies are available. MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC is the policy administrator authorized by IAIC and MetGen to offer and administer pet insurance policies. MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC was previously known as PetFirst Healthcare, LLC and in some states continues to operate under that name pending approval of its application for a name change. The entity may operate under an alternate, assumed, and/or fictitious name in certain jurisdictions as approved, including MetLife Pet Insurance Services LLC (New York and Minnesota), MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions Agency LLC (Illinois), and such other alternate, assumed, or fictitious names approved by certain jurisdictions.

2 Provided all terms of the policy are met. Application is subject to underwriting review and approval. Like most insurance policies, insurance policies issued by IAIC and MetGen contain certain deductibles, co-insurance, exclusions, exceptions, reductions, limitations, and terms for keeping them in force. For costs, complete details of coverage and exclusions, and a listing of approved states, please contact MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC.