Minor Injuries and Accidents

If your pet has a broken nail that's bleeding, control the bleeding and encourage clotting by pressing on the nail or applying styptic powder (purchased at any drug store), cornstarch, or flour. Broken nails are painful, and your pet might react by snapping or biting, so use a muzzle if necessary.

Try to remove the broken piece gently. If it won’t come out, take your pet to the vet.

Signs of bumps, bruises, twists, and sprains include mild to moderate pain, swelling, and limping. If your pet shows any of these signs, keep it quiet and restrict its activity.

Call your vet if symptoms last more than a couple of days.

Fish hooks can lodge in your pet's mouth, lips, nose, or paws. Do not try to remove a hook embedded in the eyes, mouth, or ears. This procedure needs anesthesia and a vet.

If a hook in your pet's mouth is attached to line, tie the line to the animal's collar to keep it from swallowing the hook. If possible, cut the line, leaving a few inches attached to help find the hook.

If the barb of the hook has entered your pet's skin, push the hook fully through and clip off the barb with wire cutters, then pull it back out the way it entered. Clean and bandage the wound, and see your vet.

Insects often bite or sting animals on the face or head. If your pet is bitten or stung by an insect, apply a cold pack to the affected area to decrease swelling and itching.

If you find a stinger, scrape it out with a flat object (such as a credit card cleaned with alcohol) rather than squeezing it with tweezers.

If your pet has a severe allergic reaction, such as major swelling around the head or neck that could block breathing, or if a stinger is on the tongue or roof of your pet's mouth, get emergency veterinary care.

Porcupine quills have barbs and are painful to remove. Do not try to remove them yourself. A veterinarian must remove them after sedating your pet to avoid causing more injury and bleeding.

Skunk spray is oily and best removed while it is wet. If only part of your pet was sprayed, clean that area before wetting the rest of the animal, to avoid spreading the oil. Skunk spray can irritate the eyes and temporarily blind an animal, so your vet will likely flush out your pet's eyes.

Many commercial or homemade "deskunking" products exist, but some homemade solutions can irritate your pet's eyes or bleach its fur.

Skunk bites can spread rabies, but a skunk's spray does not carry rabies.

Dogs often swallow toys, trash, or bones. Many swallowed objects pass through the dog's system on their own, but sharp items such as glass or needles, or long items such as string, fishing line, or pantyhose, can cause serious damage, possibly tearing the intestines.

Cats might swallow string or fishing line, which can wrap around internal structures and cause damage. If your pet swallows string or fishing line, do not try to pull it back out of its mouth because it could be caught in the intestines, and pulling on it might cause intestinal tears. Instead, see your vet right away.

If your pet vomits repeatedly, has a tender belly, or stops having bowel movements, call your vet immediately.