First aid for your pet: 8 tips

 In case of a medical emergency, preparation — and education — can help you maintain your pet's life until you can obtain professional attention. Here are a few tips for keeping your pet safe.

1) Create a first aid kit. Consider including scissors, tweezers, eyedroppers, gloves, gauze pads, gauze rolls, alcohol prep pads, a cold pack, a thermometer, styptic powder, and a blanket or towel.

2) Make a cheat sheet. Post important contact information in a prominent place, including the phone number and driving directions to your veterinarian, the phone number and directions to the nearest emergency clinic or hospital, and the number of a poison control center.

3) Create a medical file. Keep information on your dog's medical history accessible. This will be very helpful if you can't take your dog to your regular veterinarian.

4) Learn pet CPR. Take a class, and keep step-by-step instructions with your first aid kit!

5) Know the norms. Contact your veterinarian to find out normal temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rates for your dog. This can help you better diagnose an emergency situation.

6) Be attentive. Noting sudden changes in your dog's behavior and taking preventative measure before problems escalate can save your pet's life.

7) Remain calm. Your dog is counting on you to remain level-headed and focus on providing the necessary attention and care.

8) Seek veterinary help! If you're unsure whether a situation constitutes an emergency, contact your veterinarian. The staff there can help you better assess the situation.