First Aid Defined

Emergency treatment is to prevent further deterioration and aid healing prior to qualified vet assistance.

Emergency treatment and first aid for pets should never be used as a substitute for veterinary care, but it may save your pet’s life before you can get them to a vet.

Prevention is better than cure!

As with all medical problems, prevention of accidents occurring is preferable.

Always ensure that your dogs are kept in a secure backyard and when out on walks, dogs should always be on a lead except in off lead areas. When in off lead areas your dog should still be under voice command. If you do not have voice command over your dog it should not be allowed off lead outside of the backyard. Many motor accidents occur when the dog is off lead and can be avoided.

Cats should be kept indoors at night if possible, as the majority of cat fights and cats hit by cars occur in the darkness hours.

Keep poisonous substances locked away. Dogs have been known to get into chemicals and products stored well out of reach but not locked up. No medications should be given to your pets without veterinary advice, especially human medications that are safe for you - dogs and cats are NOT small people!

First Aid Kit

Suggested items – sterile saline solution, gauze swabs, cotton wool, gauze bandage, vet wrap, scissors, tweezers, cotton buds, tape and blanket/towel.

Remember DR ABC

D = DANGER

Make sure it is safe to approach – animals in pain will attempt to bite or scratch. Also beware environmental danger (such as traffic, electricity, glass).

Approach the pet quietly, talking softly.

Use a blanket and gloves to handle cats and small dogs.

For a makeshift muzzle to protect you from getting bitten, use a soft rope and loop it over the nose with one throw in it to tighten then put another throw under the nose and finally a square knot behind the ears.

If the animal is a stray and is not friendly, do not persist. Call the SPCA or Animal Control and animal management staff will help to catch the animal.

R= RESPONSE

Talk softly and look for any signs of recognition.

If no response, then talk louder and proceed clapping your hands to get their attention. If there is still no response, gently shake your pets’ lower body, keeping away from the head.

If you get no response and your pet is unconscious, it is probably safe to pick them up. Still be careful as they may rouse quickly and bite.

A=AIRWAY

Only check the airway if you are sure that the pet is unconscious.

Pull the tongue out of the mouth and feel for any obstructions – clear the airway.

B=BREATHING

Watch the chest to see if is rising and falling. If hard to see, place hand gently on chest to feel for any movement. The normal respiration rate for dogs is 20-30 breaths per minute, cat’s 10-30 breaths per minute.

C=CIRCULATION

Check that you can feel the femoral pulse inside the hind leg; it should be strong and regular. Count the number of pulses in 15 seconds and multiply this by 4 to get the number of pulses per minute.

Normal pulse and heart rates:

Cat’s                110-180bpm

Small Dogs      90-120bpm

Medium Dogs 70-110bpm

Large Dogs      60-90bpm

Check the gums – look at the colour (should be nice and pink) and how long it takes for the gums to get pink again after applying pressure – it should be less than 2 seconds.

Please remember that your pet’s likelihood of surviving with resuscitation is very low. However, in an emergency it may give your pet its only chance.

No Breathing/No Pulse

You can attempt CPR however success with CPR is low.

Do not begin chest compressions until you've secured an airway and started rescue breathing. (See below).

Gently lay your pet on its right side on a firm surface. The heart is located in the lower half of the chest on the left side, just behind the elbow of the front left leg. Place one hand underneath the pet's chest for support and place the other hand over the heart.

For dogs, press down gently on your pet's heart about one inch for medium-sized dogs; press harder for larger animals and with less force for smaller animals.

To massage the hearts of cats and other tiny pets, cradle your hand around the animal's chest so your thumb is on the left side of the chest and your fingers are on the right side of the chest, and compress the chest by squeezing it between your thumb and fingers.

Press down 80-120 times per minute for larger animals and 100-150 times per minute for smaller ones.

Don't perform rescue breathing and chest compressions at the same exact time; alternate the chest compressions with the rescue breaths, or work as a team with another person so one person performs chest compressions for 4-5 seconds and stops long enough to allow the other person to give one rescue breath.

Continue until you can hear a heartbeat and your pet is breathing regularly, or you have arrived at the veterinary clinic and they can take over the resuscitation attempts.

No Breathing/Has Pulse

Perform rescue breathing by closing your pet's mouth (hold it closed with your hand) and breathing with your mouth directly into its nose until you see the animal's chest expand. Once the chest expands, continue the rescue breathing once every 4 or 5 seconds.

If the breathing has just stopped and the heart is still going you have a much better chance of CPR being successful.

Use breaths only as described above.

The gum colour should be a nice pink colour and <2 second refill time.

Trauma

Most commonly caused by car accidents, i.e., hit by car. Other causes include dogfights, catfights and falling accidents. All animals that have been involved in trauma need to be checked by a veterinarian as soon as possible as some injuries are not always obvious and may cause problems days, months or even years after the initial injury.

Transporting Injured Animals

When transporting animals injured in a car accident, move them as little as possible in case of spinal injuries.

Muzzle dogs first and to transport use a sling or a board to carry them. Cats always need to be confined when being transported in a car - use a box, empty pillow case or cat cage.

Preferably have 2 people when transporting a sick or injured animal for safe driving.

If you see signs of shock - keep your pet in a warm area, if your pet is seizuring it may have an increase in temperature so do not wrap it up as it will overheat.

Gastric Volvulus Dilation (GDV)/Bloat

Commonly occurs in deep chested dogs such as Great Danes, Weimeraners and Dobermans.

Often occurs after a large meal and exercising.

Occurs in response to overeating resulting in gas production in the stomach and pressure on the stomach wall and other abdominal contents.

Pressure can result in blood vessels being blocked off, shock and death.

Signs include:

            Distention of abdomen which feels very hard like a balloon.

            Depression.

            May vomit unsuccessfully and/or salivate white froth and whine.

Rapidly progressive condition and nothing can be done with first aid.

Emergency treatment at a vet clinic is essential.

To prevent bloat from occurring don’t exercise deep chested dogs within 2 hours of eating or drinking. Feed large breed dogs 2-3 smaller meals a day rather than 1 large one.

Shock

Shock occurs when there is a reduction in the blood circulating through the body (either due to blood loss or in response to trauma or illness) which then results in a decrease in the amount of oxygen supplied to the tissue. It is seen in trauma patients, toxic animals, very ill animals and can be life threatening.

The signs of shock are an increased heart rate, weak pulse, pale gums, shallow breathing and a long capillary refill time.

Steps to take:

Assess ABCs.

Control any bleeding.

Warm by wrapping in thermal blanket.

Elevate hind end slightly (if no head trauma or unconsciousness).

Transport to vet immediately.

Seizures

Seizures have several different causes, including trauma, epilepsy and toxins.

Clear the area around a seizuring animal to keep them safe.

Wait until the seizure has stopped before you approach the animal. Do not try to grab the tongue as you will get bitten. Time the seizure (they usually last 2-3 minutes). After the seizure has stopped, keep your pet as warm and as quiet as possible, then contact your vet.

When a seizure occurs for 10 minutes, the body temperature rises which can be very dangerous. Use some ice packs in between the hind legs or a cold towel over the base of the neck to cool the pet down.

Seizures are more common in dogs than cats.

Wounds

Control bleeding holding a piece of clean material over the site and apply pressure for 3 minutes.

Wrap gauze or other soft material around wound and secure.

Wounds can be flushed with sterile saline if you have some available.

Take special care if there are any chest wounds as this may indicate broken ribs.

If bleeding is severe, apply a tourniquet between the heart and the wound. Loosen the tourniquet for 20 seconds every 15-20 minutes.

A tourniquet is dangerous and should only be used in life threatening blood loss occasions. It may result in amputation or disability of the limb.

Severe bleeding needs to be seen by a vet immediately.

Fractures

Obvious or suspected fractures should be taken to a vet immediately.

Before you attempt to splint the limb, remember that a badly placed splint may cause more harm than good.

Fractures tend to be very painful so great care must be taken (apply muzzle if necessary).

Do not force the animal to walk, make use of slings made from blankets or if a small pet then transport in a box. Take care not to hurt or dislodge bones.

Many small animals fracture the pelvis when they are in car accidents; this can be very painful so take care when moving them.

Dog Fights

If the dogs are still engaged, think safety first.

Use a broom handle, hose, or bucket of water to separate dogs. Do not use a part of your body.

All dogfight wounds no matter how small are infected and will require antibiotics.

Likely to be tissue/muscle damage under skin.

Eye Problems

All eye problems should be considered emergencies as left untreated blindness can quickly result.

Never put any medications in the animal’s eye unless advised by your vet, even if it has been previously prescribed.

If your dog does get an eye prolapse keep the eye moist with sterile saline.

Burns

Chemical burns – flush the burn immediately with large quantities of cold water.

Severe burns – quickly apply ice water compresses.

Faeces

If your pet is straining to pass faeces and is otherwise well (no vomiting, diarrhoea or lethargy) you may try to help them pass faeces by giving them 1-2 teaspoons of paraffin oil for every 10kg.

If he does not then pass a normal motion within 24 hours your pet will require medical care.

If your pet is in anyway unwell medical assistance will be needed straight away.

Urine

Straining can occur in response to urinary related diseases. This is more common in male cats.

Cats can get crystals in their urine that causes blockages and discomfort.

This results in an accumulation of toxins that are normally disposed of in the urine. The increase in toxins in the blood stream will make your pet feel ill and can result in death if not treated quickly.

Cats with a blocked bladder may lick their penis and growl as they are in pain.

A blocked bladder is an emergency and needs to be seen immediately.

Heat Stroke (Hyperthermia)

Dogs do not tolerate high temperatures as well as humans. They depend upon rapid breathing to exchange warm air for cool air.

When air temperature is close to body temperature cooling by rapid breathing may not work effectively.

This is an emergency that requires immediate vet attention.

Signs include:

Excessive panting, difficulty breathing.

Temperature >40ºC.

Collapse.

Increased heart rate.

Red gums.

Depression.

First Aid

Get out of direct heat.

Check for shock.

Take temperature.

Spray with cool water.

Use fan, or continue to run cold water over coat.

Take to vet.

Bee Stings

If stung by a bee, carefully remove the sting and bathe area with cool water.

Restrict the pet’s activities and monitor them for any adverse reactions.

If your pet is uncomfortable or you notice any major swelling or breathing difficulties, you will need to seek vet attention.

Choking

Use caution – a choking pet is more likely to bite in its panic.

If the pet can still breathe, keep it calm and get it to a veterinarian.

Look into the pet's mouth to see if a foreign object is visible. If you see an object, gently try to remove it with pliers or tweezers, but be careful not to push the object further down the throat. Don't spend a lot of time trying to remove it if it's not easy to reach—don't delay, and get your pet to a veterinarian immediately.

Poisons

Poisoning is a pet emergency that causes a great deal of confusion for pet owners. In general, any products that are harmful for people are also harmful for pets. Examples include cleaning products, rodent poisons and antifreeze. But you also need to be aware of common food items that may be harmful to your pet. There is a list of these included on the next page.

Be wary when moving to a new house as sometimes there may be some poisons under the house.

If you suspect your pet has eaten some poison try not to panic. Remove any more poison from the pets reach to prevent further access.

Ring your vet for advice.

Do not make your pet vomit unless you have been advised to do so.

Take the poison box/container with you to the vet.

If the pet vomits at home take a sample to the vet.

Poisons on Skin/Coat

Poisoning can also occur through contact with the skin in particular with cats as they are thorough groomers and will ingest any poisonous substance on their skin.

If there are chemicals on the skin it is important to wash them off. Follow the first aid directions for humans that should be on the packet. If they state to wash hands with soap and water, then wash your pet off with soap and water.

While washing poisonous substance off your pet make sure that you protect yourself as well. Wear gloves and an apron, if possible. Throw away the gloves you use in case they remain contaminated.

Rinse very well after washing then dry thoroughly using a towel.

Don’t use a hair dryer as you can burn the skin.

Symptoms of Poisoning

Symptoms will vary dependant on the type of poison and/or how they are taken is eaten or on the skin. Below is a list of symptoms that are commonly seen with poisons. If your pet shows these signs it may be an indication they have been poisoned.

Symptoms requiring urgent medical attention include:

Coma (loss of consciousness).

Severe depression.

Seizure (fits).

Collapse/inability to stand.

Difficulty breathing.

Muscle twitching/trembling.

Violent vomiting or diarrhoea which continues more than 2 minutes.

Excess salivation with other symptoms.

Symptoms which require veterinary advice include:

Altered mental state.

Mild trembling.

Salivation with no other signs.

Bleeding from nose or mouth.

Abnormal behavior of any sort.

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