The First Aid Companion for Dogs & Cats (Prevention Pets) (Paperback)

~ (Author) "It's impossible to predict what sort of emergency might happen to your pet..." (more)
Key Phrases: paw damage, saline contact lens solution, more information about shock, Betadine Skin Cleanser, Saran Wrap, Betadine Solution (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

It's every pet owner's nightmare: suddenly your four-legged friend isn't breathing. What to do? There is no 911 for pets, so it's up to you to save a life. The First Aid Companion for Dogs & Cats is a straightforward guide that covers both major problems--CPR, heat stroke, and strangulation--and minor ones, such as swollen tails, ingrown nails, and flea allergies. Beginning with simple tests and explanations of general care issues like dehydration examinations and triage, this guide then moves on to an alphabetical listing of every possible situation, from arrow wounds to worms.

The individual sections are good for both general reading and instant assistance. Each one starts with a notice of when to call the vet--immediately, the same day, or as needed. It also lists what items from your pet's medicine chest will be needed, which may include anything from corn syrup to towels and panty hose. The information that follows this simple checklist is divided into "do this now," "special situations," "follow-up care," and "the best approach." Whenever necessary, simple sketches are included to help show proper technique, such as fashioning an instant muzzle from a pair of nylons, or how to cover a dog's head in case of an ear-flap injury. Relying frequently on common household items like antihistamines, turkey basters, Gatorade, and plastic wrap, this guide assumes most of us won't have special medical training or supplies and focuses on very specific and simple methods of helping your pet achieve the best possible care. Even more importantly, many suggestions are included on prevention of accidents--isn't it easier to get that window screen repaired than to rush your kitty to the vet after a bad fall?--Jill Lightner

Product Description

Is there an animal doctor in the house?

Most likely, the answer is no. And when an accident or other emergency threatens your pet, every minute counts. Don't be unprepared! Open The First-Aid Companion for Dogs and Cats and learn:

* Basic first-aid techniques, such as cleaning a wound, making a splint, and performing CPR-- step-by-step!
* Which over-the-counter human medications can help-- or harm-- your dog or cat
* What to keep in your pet's medicine chest (many essential items are probably in your house already!)
* How to quickly pinpoint what's wrong with your pet, using the First-Aid Symptom Finder

Plus, you'll discover a comprehensive A-to-Z guide to more than 150 common-- and not-so-common-- injuries and conditions, including:

* Abscesses (page 60)
* Bites from Animals (page 90)
* Car Accidents (page 117)
* Choking (page 131)
* Gunshot Wounds (page 224)
* Heatstroke (page 237)
* Hot Spots (page 245)
* Jellyfish Stings (page 269)
* Poisoning (page 311)
* Snakebites (page 350)

Each at-a-glance entry tells you when to call the vet, which supplies or medications you'll need, what immediate action you should take, and what you should do as follow-up care.

By knowing what to do in an emergency and then acting quickly and confidently to take the proper steps, you could save your pet's life. The next time medical help is not quickly available, reach for The First-Aid Companion for Dogs and Cats. It's a pet owner's second best friend.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 439 pages
• Publisher: Rodale Books; 1 edition (March 15, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1579543650
• ISBN-13: 978-1579543655
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (36 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #35,479 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #4 in	Books > Professional & Technical > Medical > Veterinary Medicine > Small Animal Medicine
  #4 in	Books > Health, Mind & Body > Safety & First Aid
  #4 in	Books > Science > Medicine > Veterinary Medicine > Small Animal Medicine

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars More Important Than You Can Imagine!, December 29, 2004

By	Gina Bongiorni (East Windsor, NJ USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have had a wonderful dog for six years and have learned a lot along the way. I have learned more from this book than I learned in those six years. This book is so important for all pet owners. We need to be prepared to help our pets when they get minor illnesses or have serious medical problems. The book has more than 150 health care topics listed alphabetically. The book is quite easy to read, and by simply turning to a page you will know whether or not you need to call the vet immediately, later, or not at all.

The list of components necessary for a good first aid kit is helpful as well. Also, the book gives a chart of human medicines that can and cannot be used for dogs and cats along with correct dosage.

Even if you do not plan on reading the book all the way through, purchase it and tuck it away on a shelf, because you never know when you may need it!

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars, August 13, 2003

By	Ann Harrison (Charlotte, NC United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Excellent book and good for quick reference. Has at home medicines that an animal can and cannot take. I would definately recommend this for any animal lover or owner.

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent guide to taking care of pet emergencies..., October 10, 2002

By	Yasmine F. Galenorn "Magic, Mystery, & Mayhem... (Seattle WA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Ms. Shojai has done a wonderful job in this book--with everything the layperson needs to know when something goes wrong with their four-footed companion.

I've used this book several times and I'm happy to say it's been informative, easy to understand, and downright interesting. I highly recommend it.