Animal First Aid Resources

Emergencies happen– and rarely during our vet’s business hours.  In the photo above, a friend’s goat had broken its leg on a Saturday, so we splinted it for her.  Having the resources and some basic knowledge can save money on emergency vet visits, and sometimes save an animal’s life.

A reader sent me this link to a web resource for first aid for dogs.

Here’s the AVMA pet first aid website.

For goats, here’s a first aid website, and another, and here’s what Goatworld recommends for a first aid kit.

The most comprehensive resource we’ve found is the online Merck Veterinary Manual.  I can’t tell you how many times we’ve referred to it for dog injuries, sick chickens, medication dosages, etc.

But be warned: goats in particular know Murphy’s Law.  When we were treating Kelsi Saturday night, the internet was down and all the websites in the world couldn’t help us.  So have your first aid kit prepared, and download some basic information to have on hand.  (If you’re old fashioned, buy a book!)

Above all, know who you can call for support.  Vets are of course the acknowledged experts.  But when your veterinarian is unavailable, vet techs, nurses, and other animal owners can be important resources.