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First Aid
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 First Aid |
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 All of us dread the day when our pet sustains an injury but with a little knowledge it can make the experience far less traumatic. In case of emergency situations involving your pet, it is always best to consult a professional -- there are simply too many different circumstances to cover in a general article. In some cases however, first aid treatment may be vital. Common First Aid Problems  Poisoning: If you suspect your pet has eaten something call the veterinary surgery immediately they will be able to advise you on the procedure for treating each individual poison. Burns or scalds: Cool the area as soon as possible by the use of a cold water hose but do not allow the animal to become chilled. Try to keep the area as clean as possible. As an emergency measure clean polythene can be placed over the area with a cold wet towel placed on top, to keep the area clean and cool during transport to the veterinary surgery. Broken Limbs: If you suspect you pet has broken a limb try to support the area and keep as still as possible while transporting to the veterinary surgery. Eye injuries: Look for and carefully remove any visible foreign body. Do this by washing the eye with clean warm water. Never try to remove with your fingers. If you cannot see the cause of the injury try to keep the animal in a darkened area and seek veterinary advice. In summary, be prepared. Know what is normal for your pet BEFORE an emergency, so you are then better prepared to decide if there is a problem. Always consult your vet about any problem if possible. What is Normal One of the MOST important factors in evaluating your pet's condition is to know what is normal for him or her. Take time BEFORE an emergency to check the following. Pulse, colour and respiration. To check a pulse, you can often feel the heart beat by placing your hand on the chest behind the front legs, or by feeling for a pulse along the inside of the back upper leg. Looking at the gums or tongue can assess the animal's colour, and the respiration rate can usually be observed by watching the chest. If your pet does become sick or injured, it is always best to contact your vet. But having a simple first aid kit on hand and knowing how to use it could help. Common first aid Rules If your pet is collapsed you must try to maintain an airway. The next rule is to control any bleeding, most commonly by the use of pressure directly on the affected area. If your pet has been involved in an accident then the next priority should always to contact a veterinary surgeon. Methods of transport for injured animals. In summary, be prepared. Know what is normal for your pet BEFORE an emergency, so you are then better prepared to decide if there is a problem. Always consult your vet about any problem if possible. |
