A well-prepared pet parent keeps a first aid kit readily accessible. Among key items in a pet first aid kit are:
· a rectal thermometer,
· sterile gauze rolls and pads,
· adhesive tape,
· hydrogen peroxide,
· tweezers,
· petroleum jelly,
· antiseptic lotion (powder or spray),
· cotton balls/swabs,
· splints and tongue depressors,
· flashlight,
· scissors,
· sterile saline solution,
· latex gloves.

Dogs and cats are susceptible to all sorts of injuries and ailments requiring first aid. Below are suggestions from the American Animal Hospital Association for treating some common maladies.

Bite wounds:
Clean the wound with large amounts of water. Wrap large open wounds to keep them clean. Apply pressure to heavily bleeding wounds.

Bleeding:
Apply firm pressure over the area until the bleeding stops. Avoid bandages that cut off circulation.

Burns:
Flush the area immediately with large amounts of cold water, then apply an ice pack for 15 to 20 minutes.

Breathing difficulty:
Look into the animal's mouth and check to see if there is an object choking them. If an object is removed from the throat and the animal is still not breathing, place the animal on its right side. Close the animal's mouth and exhale directly into the nose, not mouth, until the chest expands. Next cover the nose with a handkerchief or thin cloth. Exhale
12 to 15 times per minute. At the same time, apply heart massage with the other hand. The heart is located in the lower half of the chest behind the elbow of the front left leg. Place your hand over the heart and compress the chest one to two inches for large animals, one inch for smaller ones. Apply heart massage 70 to 90 times per minute.

Choking:
If your pet is excessively pawing at the mouth, has blue lips or tongue, and has obvious difficulties in breathing, look into their mouth to check for a foreign object. Clear the airway by removing the object with pliers or tweezers, taking extra care not to push to object down deeper into the throat. If the object remains lodged, place your hands on both side of the animal's rib cage and apply firm, quick pressure. Otherwise place the animal on its side and strike the side of the rib cage firmly with the palm of your hand three or four times. Repeat this procedure until the object is dislodged.

Fractures:
Muzzle the animal with a strip of soft cloth, rope or the like. Control any bleeding and watch for signs of shock. Don't try to reset the fracture. Transport the animal to the veterinarian immediately using a stretcher.

Heat Stroke:
For symptoms such as breathing difficulty, vomiting or collapse, place the animal in a tub of cold water, gently sock it with a garden hose or wrap it in a cold, wet towel.

Poisoning:
If possible, determine the substance - and the amount of the substance -the pet ingested, then call your veterinarian or the poison control centers immediately. Do not induce vomiting or attempt treatment unless directed to do so.

Seizures:
With symptoms such as salivation, loss of control of urine or stool, violent muscle
twitching or loss of consciousness, time the seizure - it usually lasts only two or three
minutes. Keep the animal calm, quiet and cool.

Shock:
Keep the animal gently restrained, quiet and warm, with its head elevated.

Snakebites (poisonous or nonpoisonous):
Stop all exercise to prevent the spread of venom. Clean the bite area. Use caution, since
many snake venom can damage nerves or body tissue on contact. Call a veterinarian
immediately.

Vomiting/Diarrhea:
Withhold food. Give the animal ice cubes for two hours after vomiting stops, then slowly
increase the amount of water and food you give him or her over a 24-hour period.

First aid is not a substitute for veterinary care, consult your veterinarian immediately!