It's the thing we hope never happens. But if your dog cuts his paw on a hike or your cat takes a tumble, the first 10 minutes matter most. You don't need to be a vet, but you do need a plan.
Most people have a first aid kit for themselves, but human supplies aren't always safe for pets (especially our pain meds and ointments). Here is what needs to be in your pet-specific kit:
Flush the wound with water or saline. Apply pressure with clean gauze. Don't let them lick it! If the bleeding doesn't stop in 5 minutes, head to the vet.
If you can see the stinger, scrape it out with a credit card (don't pinch it, or you'll squeeze more venom in). Monitor closely for facial swelling—that's an emergency.
Move to shade immediately. Wet their paws and ears with cool (not freezing) water. Offer small sips of water. Do NOT throw them in an ice bath—it causes shock.
Not a Veterinary Service: The content provided on SafePaws Monitor is for informational purposes only. We are not veterinarians, and this data is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding your pet's health.
Data Source: All recall data is sourced programmatically from theU.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) OpenFDA API. While we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee the completeness or timeliness of the data provided by the source.