The Creator of the animal kingdom did an incredible job. Whenever the body is injured or ill, it immediately begins to heal itself!
This is important to keep in mind when your pet is sick or injured and you begin treatment. In many situations, you will not need veterinary assistance. In other cases you should seek an emergency centre or veterinarian immediately. Remember that by deciding to treat your pet at home, you accept responsibility for the results!
Learn to recognize the signs that the body is losing the battle to heal itself. If you realize that you can’t help your pet, discuss the situation with your veterinarian. Don’t settle! Choose your veterinarian with as much care as you would in choosing your own doctor.
Medicine is not always black and white. There are usually several good ways to approach health problems. First Aid is the immediate response. Knowing what to do can mean the difference between life and death.
Remember that ANY animal that is injured or in pain can, and usually will, bite. Some dogs can be quite patient and accommodating when they realize that you’re only trying to help. Kitties? Well, not so much.
While some aspects of first aid can apply to all animals (as well as humans), cats are unique creatures, with emergencies, situations, and ideas all their own. There will often be separate protocols for cats and dogs. Much of first aid is common sense. Confidence and technique takes time.
You can never know too much about your pet’s health or care. Trust your common sense, your veterinarian, and of course your pet! You CAN save a life.