First-Aid Tips for First-Time Pet Owners

Whether it's a stroll through the park or a road trip across the country, summer is prime for outdoor exploration and enjoyment. But with all this outside activity comes the potential for hazards and accidents. Make sure you're prepared for any situation with these pet safety and first aid tips:

• Keep some basic first aid items on-hand. Tweezers, scissors, and non-stick bandages can be immeasurably helpful in a pinch, and it's also wise to bring along things like Epi-Pens or extra medication if your pet has any special conditions. Make sure you know if your pet has any allergies, and be sure to keep some medication on-hand in case you need it.
  
• When you and your partner are on road trips or out camping with your pet, it's great to have a dog or cat-specific kit filled with larger, less portable medical essentials. Gauze, leashes and harnesses, first-aid manuals and vet records can all be stored together in a bin or backpack ahead of time, so you can remain calm should anything happen.
  
• With warmer weather comes more time enjoying the great outdoors, as well as all the standard precautions. Sunscreen (or an adorable pet-sized t-shirt) can help protect less-furry areas from harmful UV rays. As always, you should never leave your pet in your car (even with a window cracked) so as to avoid heatstroke. Also, be aware of any itchiness or irritation your pet might develop after frolicking outside.

Watch your pet for signs of heat exhaustion, which can include labored panting, wobbling legs, and vomiting. Take them to a shaded area and drape a damp towel over them to cool them down, and be sure to take them to the vet as soon as possible. For more tips, check out our article on all the ways you can keep your pet cool during summer.