First Aid for Pets

Pet First Aid

Accidents can and do happen that's why it is so important for pet owners to have a good understanding of how to administer basic first aid to their pet.

Aims of First Aid

• To preserve life
  
• To prevent suffering
  
• To prevent situation from deteriorating

Pet First Aid Kit

Your pet first aid kit should contain the following items:

• Bandages- both adhesive and non adhesive rolls
  
• Non adhesive absorbent dressings
  
• Surgical sticky tape
  
• Blunt ended scissors
  
• Towels or cloths to stem bleeding
  
• A large blanket to use as a stretcher
  
• Wound wash saline (two bottles)
  
• List of emergency numbers

Never give human drugs to a pet as they could be toxic
Do not offer food or water in case the animal requires sedation or a general anaesthetic when it is seen by the vet.

The most important point when administering first aid is to remain calm and not to panic. Assess the situation before diving in to help, ask yourself if you are safe or are you likely to get hurt?.

Remember an injured animal is more likely to bite. If you don’t have a muzzle to hand then a tie or bandage tape can be used, wrap it around the muzzle securing it behind the pets ears.

Cats and other small animals can be safety restrained in a towel or blanket but it is important to remember not to muzzle an animal that is having problems breathing or that has been vomiting.

Once you have assessed the situation you then need to call for a vet. It is often quicker for you to transport the animal to the closest vet practice than for them to come and collect the animal. It is essential that you call ahead first so that they can ensure that they have the necessary staff and equipment ready when you arrive.

Bleeding and Shock

Apply strong continuous pressure to the site of the bleed this should be done using a clean cloth or dressing DO NOT use cotton wool as this will stick to the wound. If blood is seeping through do not remove the original dressing simply add an extra layer. Only use a tourniquet as a last resort as these can only safely be applied for a period of 15 minutes.

If an animal is in shock it will have pale mucus membranes, lift the animals lip and look at its gums they should be salmon pink in colour, pale musus membranes are an indication that the animal is in shock. Keep it as still as possible and cover with a blanket to keep warm.

Poisoning

It is not uncommon for dogs to ingest human medication or toxic plants. If you suspect that your pet has done this then it is important to seek veterinary assistance as soon as possible. Do not attempt to make your dog sick unless advised by your vet as this could be very dangerous. Take any packaging that you have with you to the vets and try to work out the quantity ingested as this will help your vet with their treatment plan. Remember chocolate is toxic to dogs and is also classed as a poison.

Common signs of poisoning include:

• Excitement / nervousness / trembling
• Vomiting / diarrhoea
• hyper salivation and excessive drinking
• Muscle spasms
• Seizures

For more information please see our full article on Poisonous Substances to Pets common in winter.

Choking

This is often due to an item such as a ball being logged in the throat, if you can, get to your vet as soon as possible. If you pet has collapsed and is turning blue get someone to hold open the pets mouth and try to remove the object, taking care not to push it down further. If you can not get it out lay the pet on its side and apply quick sharp compressions to the abdomen just behind the last rib.

Bloated Stomach

If your pet has a swollen stomach and is collapsed, hyper salivating and attempting to vomiting, particularly if it is a deep chested breed such as a great Dane then it may have twisted its gut. This requires immediate veterinary attention.

Burns and Scalds

Both burns from dry heat and scalds from moist heat require cooling with water. Do not apply any creams or ointments to the area as these can make them worse. Use cling film to keep the area clean or a damp towel to keep it moist on the way to the vets. Keep the pet warm and try to immobilise the area.

Broken Bones

It is important to control any bleeding associated with a broken bone and to immobilise the area as much as possible. Do not attempt to apply a splint as you could make the break worse. Transport on a rigid surface such as a car parcel-shelf if possible, alternatively make a stretcher using a blanket.

Eye injuries

Eye prolapse is when an eye is hanging out of its socket, this can be caused by sudden trauma such as a road traffic accident. Apply a damp dressing or towel over the eye and hold in place or secure with a bandage. Try to prevent the animal from interfering with the wound and get your pet to the vets ASAP.

Seizures

If your pet is having a fit then you need to reduce as much stimulus as possible, start by turning off the telly, closing the curtains, turning off any lights and removing any other pets or children. Remove anything that your pet might injure itself on. Most dog will come out of a seizure within 5 minutes. If not then it is important that you seek veterinary attention and try to keep the pet cool as they can quickly overheat when fitting.

Heat stroke / hyperthermia

This is an abnormally high body temperature and can be caused by a high external temperature, exercise, if the pet is overweight or if the pet has a particularly short nose such as a boxer. The signs are an animal that is panting excessively, hyper salivating, restless or even collapsed. Do not be tempted to immerse the pet in cold water as this will cool the pet down too quickly, simply cover the pet in a wet towel or blanket or place in a draft. Offer the pet a small amount of water and call the vet.