April is National Pet First Aid Awareness Month. Not only is it the perfect opportunity to make sure you are prepared to tend to your furry friends in an emergency, but also to feel more secure administering follow-up care.

When pets are sick or injured, they may feel frightened and resist treatment, which can make providing care more challenging for owners. From preparing for emergencies to giving medication at home, these tips can help pet owners care for their animals with greater confidence.

Create a Medical Kit for Dogs and Other Pets

We hope, of course, that our pets never need first aid, but being prepared can help you act quickly if an emergency happens.

The Canadian Red Cross recommends having a plan in place in case of an emergency. Keep your veterinarian’s phone number handy, along with an emergency vet’s contact as backup. Also, list the nearest emergency or 24-hour animal hospital and plan the fastest route to get there.

Assemble an emergency pet first aid kit in a waterproof container. This kit should contain essentials such as a copy of your pet’s medical records, any necessary medications and a few days’ worth of food. Keep your pet carrier accessible and in good condition, so you can quickly and safely secure your animal in an emergency.

The Canadian Red Cross also offers a Pet First Aid Course for families who want to be prepared for emergencies. Whether you’re familiar with animals or are a new pet parent, this online course offers advice on how to handle common emergencies. They’ll teach you to identify normal vital signs, perform cat and dog resuscitation and CPR, plus how to manage wounds, respond to seizures, and support overall dog and cat health and well-being.

Pet insurance is another way to provide assurance when it comes to keeping your pet healthy. Pets Plus Us, CAA’s pet insurance partner, offers several types of affordable pet insurance to cover everything from regular vet visits to accidents and illnesses.

How to Administer Medication for Pets

Once your pet is back home after a vet stay, your task is to provide comfort. Unfortunately, they aren’t always the easiest of patients, as many of them resist taking their medications. Here are some tried-and-true methods to make the job easier.

Pets can absolutely smell medicine in their food. Many animals have keen noses, which makes sneaking medication past them quite the challenge. This is why that clever trick of hiding pills in cheese doesn’t always work as planned. Despite our pets’ impressive sniffing abilities, food-based methods can still be effective with the right approach. Start with small, highly appealing treats like:

• A wet food they already love
• Pieces of hot dog or chicken (for our canine friends)
• Soft cheese, cream cheese, or plain yogurt (works for both cats and dogs)
• Pill pockets designed to mask medication
• A tiny bit of peanut butter (for dogs only — and make sure it’s xylitol-free)
• Dissolve pills in water or fruit juice for rabbits and gerbils

Sometimes, we need a foolproof way to give dogs or cats pills without relying on food. Here’s where tools like a pet pill dispenser (also known as a pill popper) come in handy. These nifty devices help place medication safely at the back of your pet’s throat, making the process quick and efficient.

Take Advantage of Your Veterinarian’s Professional Touch

Many Canadian veterinary clinics offer demonstrations on pill administration techniques. Don’t be shy about asking your local vet for a hands-on lesson — they’re there to help.

If you’re still struggling with how to give an unwilling dog a pill or to manage a particularly resistant cat, discuss these options with your vet:

• Alternative medication forms (liquid, transdermal or injectable options)
• Long-acting medications that require less frequent dosing
• Professional administration services

Remember, you’re not alone in this challenge. Many pet parents across Canada face similar struggles. With patience, the right tools and perhaps a bit of creativity, you’ll find the method that works best for your furry friend.

Quick Tips for Success

• Always follow your vet’s instructions for proper dosing
• Never force medication in a way that could harm your pet
• Keep sessions positive and reward-based
• Consider using a pill gun for dogs and cats if other methods fail
• Stay positive — with the right approach, you and your pet will get through medicine time together

Protect your pets. Discover how CAA Members can get peace of mind with affordable pet insurance through our partnership with Pets Plus Us.

Terms and Conditions

The information herein is summarized. All pet insurance plans have limitations and exclusions. Specific products, features, rates, and discounts may vary by province and territory, eligibility, and are subject to change. Waiting periods, annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit limits and exclusions may apply. For all terms and conditions visit: https://www.petsplusus.com/service-claims/brochures-guides