Pet
First Aid
How
to care for your pet during an emergency
by Marney Skinner
Are you prepared to take care of your pet in case of illness or an
emergency? Do you know how to detect if your pet is sick? First aid
is the first step in an emergency, to save lives, prevent further
injury and ease the pain and discomfort of your pet until a
veterinarian can be contacted. In an emergency, first aid training
and skills can mean the difference between life and death for your
pet.
Remember: Preventative medicine is an extremely
important component for the health and well being of your pet.
Always consider the following to prevent illness and injury to your
pet:
• regular visits to your veterinarian
• vaccination programs
• spaying and neutering
• parasite awareness and control
• regular exercise
• skin, teeth and gum care
• grooming
All of the following pet first aid treatments and situations should
be followed by a visit to your veterinarian:
Removing foreign objects: Foreign objects such as porcupine
quills can often be removed without sedation. Grasp the quill with a
pair of needle nose pliers and pull straight out. Wipe the wound
with antiseptic. If the quill breaks off, make a note where it is
for the veterinarian to remove. Fishhooks, however, can be more
difficult to remove. If the barbs are buried do not pull backwards.
Instead, push the hook forward until the barbs of the hook are
exposed through the skin, cut off the shank and remove the fishhook.
Clean the wound with antiseptic.
Shock: Weakness, unsteadiness, weak but rapid pulse, glassy
stare, dilated pupils, and cool skin are some of the signs that your
pet has gone into shock.
Artificial Respiration: Rescue breathing should only be
performed on an animal that has stopped breathing but still has a
heart beat. The animal is in respiratory arrest and must be
transported to a veterinarian. First, pull the animal’s tongue
forward and clear the airway. Then close and hold the animal’s mouth
tightly, placing your mouth over the animal’s nose. Blow into the
animal’s nose until its chest rises and remove your mouth to allow
air to escape. Repeat the breaths 10 times, one breath every three
seconds, before stopping to reassess the animal’s breathing.
Continue artificial respiration during transportation to the
veterinarian.
Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): CPR is not given to any
pet that is still breathing or has a heart beat. DO NOT practice CPR
on your pet.
Seizures: Protect the animal from hurting itself by removing
any objects that could be knocked over. DO NOT put your hand or
anything else in the animal’s mouth. DO NOT try to restrain or hold
the animal. Time the length of the seizure and call your
veterinarian.
Bleeding: Wrap the wound firmly with a sterile bandage. If
the bleeding soaks through, apply a second bandage over the first.
DO NOT remove the first dressing. If an object is sticking out of a
wound, DO NOT remove it. Secure the object by placing a gauze or
cloth ring around the base of the object and tie it in place.
Burns: (Minor burns from boiling water or fire (thermal
burns) or chemical burns from lye or acid products): Apply cold
water or compresses and submerge affected area in cold water if
possible. DO NOT apply ointment, oils or butter. Infection is a
concern with all burns, so see your vet as soon as possible. DO NOT
underestimate the seriousness of any burn: Even a burn on as little
as 15 per cent of the body can be life threatening.
 |
Marney Skinner is a Certified Pet First Aid Instructor and
Certified Master Groomer. She is also the owner/operator of
Creative Critters Pet Grooming Salon in Mission, BC. |
Reprinted with permission from The Pet Directory - British
Columbia Edition. |
