Spring 2024Pet First Aid

As pet owners, we will have likely already, or will in the future, experience our pets injuring themselves. This can be a really worrying experience and can cause us to panic. The two most important things to remember when helping your pet are:

• An animal that is scared or in pain may scratch or bite.
• You cannot help your pet if you get injured, so make sure it is safe for you to go to your pet and help.

Bleeding

Small wounds and grazes (not bleeding) - clean the wound by running water over it for as long as your pet will tolerate (up to 10 minutes). You can clean the wound with salt water (1 tsp of salt to 1 pint of cooled, boiled water). If your pet is licking/scratching at the wound, then cover it lightly with a dressing.

Bleeding wounds – check the pet and find the injury. If you can, without getting hurt, apply pressure to the wound using a clean towel or dressing. Call your vet immediately and they will be able to advise you of the next steps.

Heatstroke

Heatstroke can occur in any animal that gets too hot. If you are worried your pet may have heatstroke, then follow these steps:

• Move them indoors or into the shade.
• Soak them in cool water, water from the tap is fine. Do this slowly so they do not panic and avoid the mouth and nose.
• Lie your pet on a cold, wet towel; do not cover them in the wet towel as this will make them hotter. • Create a breeze – open windows/doors or place a fan near them
• Offer them a drink of water, but do not force them to drink.
• Call your vet immediately for advice, they will likely want you to bring the pet into the clinic. Remember, WET THEN VET.
• Transport the pet in an air-conditioned car.

Bites and stings

Allergic reactions to bites and stings are reasonably common in pets, especially dogs. Most reactions are minor causing swelling (commonly on the face), redness/rash, itching and lameness if it affects the leg/foot. In severe cases, the allergic reaction may cause them to have difficulty breathing.

If you see any signs of breathing changes then you should take your pet to the vets immediately, calling ahead if possible. If the signs are mild, then call your vet for advice as they may need medication to prevent the reaction getting worse and make them more comfortable.

First Aid Kits

The PDSA website (pdsa.org.uk) has information about pet first aid kits and there are many options available. Here is a guide on things to keep in a pet first aid kit, but the contents may need to be adjusted depending on your needs: bandages, blunt-ended scissors, wound wash, cotton wool, tweezers, tick tweezers, wound dressing, self-adhesive tape, dressings, vinyl gloves, a foil blanket, antiseptic wipes and a blanket to use as a stretcher.

About the writer

Gemma Broome recently opened a new vet practice in Milnrow with her fellow vet, Clare Farnsworth. Between them, they have over 25 years of veterinary experience.