BE PREPARED FOR AN EMERGENCY..
follow our alpabetical guide of simple advice.....
Basic Resuscitation
If your pet stops breathing call your Vet straight away and follow these steps;
- Put them on their side
- Check breathing has definitely stopped by watching for chest movement and put a few strands of fur at the nostrils to look for air movement,
- Open mouth and pull the tongue forward
- Check for any obstructions in the mouth but take care not to be bitten
- Start artificial respiration- extend head with nose pointing forward, hold mouth closed and blow into nose . Check for a heart beat by feeling over the pets ribs, under the left elbow. If no heart beat thump the chest wall once on the left side and then start compressing the ribs firmly over the heart. Give 2 breaths into the nose for every 15 chest compresses. If this is unsuccessful after 3 minutes then recovery is unlikely.
Pets that have passed away have fixed , starey eyes, with wide pupils and do not blink.
Bleeding
Keep your pet calm and quiet and call the Vet to pre-warn them that you may need their help. If the wound is bleeding heavily applying pressure is key. If you don't have a bandage use a towel or a bit of clothing. To apply a bandage but take great care not to put it on too tightly;
- Place a non-adhesive padded dressing over the wound
- Cover this with a thin layer of cotton wool
- Then apply a layer of Knit-fix bandage to hold this together
- Place a layer of Petflex conforming (coloured) bandage over this very loosely as it tightens when applied. Unwrap and stretch it out before placing on the leg.
- Check the bandage isn't too tight by inserting two fingers beneath it.
If you are unable to bandage, use adhesive micropore tape to stick dressings to fur. It is always imperative to seek veterinary help as wounds on animals are often already infected and tetanus is always a risk, and there may also be deeper damage that you cannot see.
Burns and Scalds
Run cold water over the area for at least 5 minutes, then contact the Vet. Do not apply ointments and creams but a soaked dressing can be used. Keep your pet warm with a blanket.
Choking/Swallowed Object
Seek Veterinary help urgently. Take care if you try to remove the object as you can push it further down the throat.
Difficulties Giving Birth
If you are at all concerned, it is best to call your Vet for specific advice as all animals will deliver differently. Many will need examination if it is over 1 hour since they started to push , or a pup or kitten has been born. If your animal is unsettled, agitated or shaking after giving birth then a low calcium (Eclampsia) could be to blame and this requires prompt veterinary attention.
Drowning
Never put yourself at risk and attempt to rescue your pet. Once retrieved wipe away material from around nose and mouth and drain water from the chest holding them upside down on their hind legs if possible. If breathing has stopped, provide artificial resuscitation.
Electric Shock
If outside high voltage such as power lines are involved, do not approach but call the Police. If inside, turn off the power supply and use a non-metallic source to push your pet away from the power source. Call the Vet immediately and provide artificial respiration if breathing has stopped.
Eye Injuries
Eye injuries should also be promptly treated by your Vet as the eye is a very delicate structure and loss of vision is always a concern. Also eye injuries are extremely painful. If chemicals have got into the eye flush out immediatelywhere possible with cool, boiled water.
Fights and Bite Wounds
Contact your Vet immediately as deep wounds will require antibiotics, flushing and repair. If your dog is severely injured they may also be in shock and need prompt fluid therapy. All bite wounds are already infected so need anti-biotics.
Fits or Seizures
DO NOT try to hold, restrain or comfort a fitting animal as this provides stimulation which may prolong the fit or cause injury to yourself or the pet. Darken the room and reduce noise. Remove any dangerous items such as electrical goods from the area and place cusions around hard objects. Call the Vet immediately.
Heat Stroke
This can cause life-threatening kidney failure, so is also always an emergency. Prevention is better than cure so always keep your pet cool on hot days, provide adequate shade or better still keep them in. Never leave a dog in a car on a warm day even with the window open.
Signs of heat stroke include distress, lethargy and panting heavily. If you are at all concerned call your vet and put them in a cool place ideally with a fan. Wet their coat and put a cold wet towel over them to try and help cool them down. Keep running water over the towel to keep it cold. Dogs do not sweat so struggle to loose heat quickly
Insect Stings
Pull out the sting and bathe the area with water and ice to soothe. If the sting is to the mouth or throat call your vet immediately as swelling may interfere with breathing. Multiple stings should also be seen by a vet or if you are concerned at all that your animal is down or breathing strangely. Seek advice from the Vet about antihistamines.
Poison Ingestion
Find the packet of the substance swallowed and call the vet immediately, do not try to make them sick. Common poisons include Chocolate, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Paracetemol, Rat poisons, Xylotil found in sweeteners, chewing gum, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, macademia nuts, slug pellets, laurel leaves, rhubarb leaves and antifreeze.
Road Traffic Accidents
Beware of other cars, approach the animal calmly and talk to them, avoiding sudden movements. If a dog ,put a lead on them and muzzle if necessary: injured dogs will bite when in severe pain and frightened, when it would never normally be in their nature to do so. Cover them with a blanket and call the Vet immediately. If you can transport them take to the Vet for a full examination otherwise internal injuries can be easily missed.
Suspected Broken Bones
Do not try to splint as this can cause more damage. Call the Vet and transport carefully to your practice. You may need to muzzle dogs since they can bite without meaning to when they are in pain.
Swollen or Bloated Abdomen
Sudden swelling can be indicative of a serious, life threatening problem called a GDV (Gastric dilatation and Volvulus or a Bloated twisted stomach!) It is particularly a problem in deep chested dogs such as Boxers and German Shepherds. A vital clue can be unproductive attmepts at vomitting, when nothing is brought up. Call the Vet urgently!
A similarly bloated abdomen in a rabbit is also a medical emergency
