What every pet owner should know! about an emergency!!

What should you do in an emergency?

Even pet owners need basic first aid knowledge in order to help their pets in an emergency situation.

Confident, swift and reliable action will alleviate unnecessary suffering for your pet.  Basic knowledge will help owners to identify problems before the animal’s condition deteriorates to dangerous levels.

A good rule in any situation is never to give human medicine to your pet, human medication can severely damage your animals liver. 

 

What to do if your dog has a profusely bleeding wound:

·         The primary aim is to stop the bleeding and prevent infection.

·         You need to work quickly in cleaning and bandaging the wound.

·         You can rinse the wound with warm water.

·         A sterile gauze or pad should be placed over the wound.

·         Do not use cotton wool directly on the wound as the cotton may get stuck in the wound.

·         Even if the blood seeps through the gauze do not remove it just add more gauze on top.

·         Press down firmly and bandage.

·         This animal should be taken to a veterinary hospital immediately.

·         Your vet will discuss treatment and if stitches are needed.

What to do if your dog has a possible fracture:

In all cases of a fractured  or broken bone medical attention is required.

Your dog will not allow you to touch the area as it is very painful.

It is not easy to detect a fractured bone, your vet will do X-rays, however signs to look out for are:

·         Your pet will refuse to put any pressure on the limb, there may be serve swelling in the area.

·         A fractured jaw bone will prevent the animal from opening or closing his mouth. High levels of drool will drip from the dog’s mouth, do not attempt to touch his mouth as this is extremely painful.

·         A fracture of the rib cage may cause laboured breathing, and can cause damage to the lungs.

What to do if you suspect a fracture before you take your pet to the vet:

Do not try to set the fracture, keep your pet calm, phone your vet and inform them that you are bringing your pet in and that you suspect a fracture or broken leg.

What to do if you suspect poisoning:

Try to identify what your pet has eaten. This will help your vet neutralise and stabilise your pet.

How to identify that you’re pet has been poisoned:

·         Excessive salivation or foam around the mouth

·         Vomiting (take note of the content of the stomach will help to identify the poison)

·         Painting or difficulty breathing

·         Seizures

·         Constricted pupils

·         Pain in the abdomen region

·         Uncoordinated movements

·         Weakness and slow movement

·         Aggression

·         Frequent urination

Chocolate poisoning

Dark chocolate and cocoa are very toxic for dogs.

Symptoms:

Excessive thirst, vomiting, spasms, diarrhoea, seizures

Alcohol poisoning

Alcohol contains ethanol which is toxic to dogs.

Depending on the size of the dog and the amount of alcohol consumed this can be lethal to your dog.

Symptoms:

Confusion, staggering, hyperactivity, vomiting and seizures.

Transport your pet to the vet immediately

If your vet telephonically instructs you to induce vomiting here is what you need to do:

1         Make up a solution using activated charcoal (follow the instructions on the package)

2         Use a syringe to squirt the mixture into the side of the animal’s mouth. This will prevent the mixture from entering the lungs. 

Beestings, what to do?

Dogs can have a serious allergic reaction to beestings, so don’t take chances.

• If he looks like he may be in discomfort check the area around his mouth, his body and paw pads. 
• If you find the sting, use tweezers to gently pull it out. 
• Do not squeeze toxins from the stinger into the skin this will worsen the situation.
• Clean the area with saline and a little vinegar. 
• Apply some antihistamine cream. 
• If you notice major swelling in the area, call your vet and take your pet in right away.

Snake bites, what to do?

Dogs do get bitten by snakes. If you do not respond quickly your dog will die.

• If at all possible it is best to try get a picture of the snake. You will need to show the vet so an identification can be made.
• Keep your dog calm, wash around the area of the snake bite to try remove any additional venom.
• Take a bandage and wrap it slightly tight above the bite area. This will slow down the blood flow and the absorption of the poison.
• Do not let your dog run around, carry your dog to the car and keep him/her calm.
• Phone your nearest vet and inform them of your situation.
• Once you arrive show the vet the picture or give a description of the type of snake.
  

  

Do I need a pet first aid kit?

If you have pets then the answer is most definitely yes!

You can make your own pet first aid kit, here’s what you need to include in your kit.

·         Gauze (large pack) for cleaning and applying pressure to wounds

·         Bandages (crepe and conforming)

·         Micro pore tape (to secure bandage in place)

·         Cotton wool

·         Cotton buds

·         Tweezers

·         Small scissors

·         Sterile eye wash

·         Antibiotic cream (ask your vet for this)

·         Antiseptic wipes

·         Eyedropper

·         Syringes (all sizes)

·         Rectal thermometer (digital if possible)

·         Saline solution

·         Lubricating jelly

·         Latex gloves

·         Leash

·         Claw clippers

·         Pain relief pills (ask your vet)

·         Tick remover

·         Soft muzzle

·         Ice packs

·         An old towel and cloth

·         Corn-starch (stops bleeding on a torn nail)

·         Activated charcoal tablets (for poisoning)

·         A card with details of your vet emergency contact numbers, physical address

·         Nearest animal hospital to you