THERE are quite a few ways I’ve seen pets injure themselves.
Everything from torn claws and cat bites to the dog who got her tail caught in the mechanism of a reclining chair.
She’s fine following surgery, the same can’t be said for the chair though.
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For more minor mishaps this is my list of essentials for home first aid:
- Emergency contacts — your vet practice’s phone number, their emergency line, postcodes. UK Animal PoisonLine: 01202 509000.
- Sterile saline to flush eyes or wounds.
- Antiseptic such as chlorhexidine solution is ideal but keep it out of eyes.
- Disposable gloves to prevent contamination to wounds.
- Bandages for emergency use, including non-adherent dressings, conforming bandage, self adhesive bandage, micropore tape.
- Blunt dressing scissors to safely cut bandages and hair.
- Slip lead and fitted muzzle as even the most gentle animal may bite if in pain.
- Rectal digital thermometer to check temperature which should be between 37.8 and 39⁰C.
- Tweezers and tick remover for thorns or beasties.
- Emergency foil blanket for outdoor emergencies or low body temperature.
- Oral rehydration liquid for vomiting or diarrhoea.
There are many myths and legends around emergencies.
In contrast to what you may have heard, an overheating animal should never be covered with a wet towel as this acts like a wetsuit, trapping heat.
Instead, use cool flowing water over the feet and pads and contact your vet as an emergency.
Likewise the myth of squeezing lemon into the mouth of a dog with breathing difficulties is both useless and dangerous, risking a severe bite and distress to an animal already in a life-threatening situation.
Remember, first aid is only that — the first of several steps that should finish in your vet’s practice.
If in doubt, call out.
Our columnist Will Trewarman MRCVS is a senior veterinary surgeon at Vale Vets which is based in Kidderminster and Stourport.
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