Would you know what to do if your beloved pet became ill, started choking or was hurt in an accident? So many of us in this situation would not have the basic skills or know what to do and that is why pet first aid is so important for pet owners.
It is essential that any sick or injured animal be taken to the closest veterinarian for treatment, but there are some things that you can do to relieve their pain and give them the best chance of survival and recovery.
Here are some basic first aid tips:
Cuts and bleeding
If your pet has suffered an injury that has left them bleeding, the most important thing that you can do it to try and stem the bleeding in order to reduce blood loss. Provide temporary relief by pressing a bandage, fabric or even a sanitary pad on the injured area and then take them to the closest vet.
Fight wounds
The best way to treat fight wounds is to try and prevent them in the first place by keeping your cat in at night and your dog secure in your house or yard.
If your animal does get into a fight, then it’s essential that any wounds are treated as soon as possible by a vet. They can easily become infected and may need antibiotics to be administered within a 6-12 hour window in order to prevent deep infection.
Broken bones
Lots of different accidents can result in broken bones. If you suspect that your animal has suffered a broken bone, you need to get them to a vet immediately but moving them can be tricky. It is essential to transport them calmly in a ‘sling’ of some description – a blanket, jacket, or piece of material. Be careful to limit the amount of movement as much as possible and be mindful that even the gentlest of pets can get defensive when in pain so make sure that you are safe as well when you attempt to move them.
Poisoning
Poisoning can cause death to animals quite quickly, so if you suspect that your pet has been poisoned, it is imperative that you take it to the vet immediately. Try and identify what the poison is and, if possible, take a sample of the suspected substance or plant with you to the vet.
Fits and seizures
If your pet appears to be having a fit or seizure, the most important thing to do is to clear any objects from around the animal and try to keep the environment as calm and quiet as possible until the episode passes. Just like with humans, do not try and restrain the animal whilst they are convulsing. When the fit finishes reassure your pet and get it to a vet as soon as possible. If the fit goes on for more than two minutes, use a sling to transport your animal to the nearest emergency vet.
The most important thing to do if your animal is not breathing is to remain CALM
Choking
If you suspect that your pet is choking, look into the pet’s mouth to see if there is any foreign object visible. If you see something, gently try and remove it with your fingers or with tweezers but be careful not to push the object further into the animals mouth. If you are unable to remove the object and your pet collapses, place both hands on the side of your pets rib cage and apply pressure and try and sharply push air out of the animals lungs and try and dislodge the object.
Heatstroke
Pets can succumb to heatstroke very quickly and they must receive treatment immediately for the best chance of survival. Use wet towels around the animal’s neck and head and get them out of direct sunlight. Use a hose to run water over the animal’s body (especially the abdomen and behind the legs) and use your hands to sweep the water over the animal’s body. Transport the animal to the vet as quickly as you can.
What to do if your pet is not breathing
The most important thing to do if your animal is not breathing is to remain CALM. Then do the following:
- If possible get another person to call the vet whilst you tend to the animal.
- Check to see if your pet is conscious.
- Open your pet’s airways by gently by grasping its tongue and pulling it forward out of the mouth until it is flat.
- Check your pet’s throat to see if there are any foreign objects blocking the airways.
- Administer rescue breathing by closing your pet’s mouth (hold it close with your hand) and breathe with your mouth directly into its nose until you see the animal’s chest expand. Continue this process once every four to five seconds.
- Get your pet the closest vet ASAP.
Knowing some basic first aid for animals can go along way to helping your pet to survive an injury.It is important to remember that not all illnesses and injuries can be noticeable, so it is essential that pet owners remain vigilant, check their animals regularly and notice any changes in mood, habits or temperament.
Always remember that any first aid administered to your pet should be immediately followed by immediate veterinary care.