Basic first aid

Basic first aid for your pet

Emergency situations can arise for your pet at any time. As an owner, would you know what to do if your pet required first aid? It’s understandable to be worried and concerned, and the thought of trying to stay calm while your pet is in pain or discomfort isn’t easy.

However, there are some things you can do as a first aid measure prior to seeking advice from your vet.

Bleeding:

  • If your pet is bleeding, apply pressure directly over the area of excessive bleeding using a cloth or towel whilst someone else is driving you to the vets.
  • If you have bandage material at home then a pressure bandage may be applied to the wound. However, if you suspect that your pet has a fracture as well in this area then this isn’t recommended as it could cause more damage.

Wounds:

  • If there’s foreign material, for example sticks, in the wound then please don’t try to remove this as it could make the bleeding worse, or bleeding could start once it’s removed. This type of injury would still require veterinary assistance to safely assess and treat the wound.
  • If you feel that there are internal organs or muscles visible from a traumatic wound or a surgical wound breakdown, then it’s advisable to cover the area lightly with a clean towel to prevent further infection and to prevent your pet from licking the area.

Fractures:

  • This type of injury needs to be treated as soon as possible by your vet.
  • Don’t apply a splint as this can increase pain and discomfort for your pet.
  • Confine your pet as much as possible; if a cat or small dog then placing them in a carrier will be ideal.

Objects stuck in the mouth or throat, for example balls and bones:

  • You can try removing the foreign material. If you can’t remove or your pets’ gums are turning blue, then you’ll need to seek veterinary guidance as soon as possible.

Burns and scolds:

  • Immediately run cold water over the region for at least 5 minutes then seek veterinary advice as soon as possible. Please don’t apply creams and ointments, however if you’re unable to get to the vet immediately then you can apply a cold compress to the area.

Ingested possible poison:

  • It’s important to find the packaging of the poison/product so that the vets can assess the best treatment, and ensure you contact the vets as soon as possible to be seen.

Coat contamination:

  • If the substance is tar or paint, then the first thing to do is prevent your pet from licking it as it may be toxic to them. You can either use a buster collar if you have one to hand or distract your pet from licking until veterinary treatment is sought.
  • If it is just a small area that’s contaminated, then you may be able to clip the fur away.
  • Never use white spirit or turpentine to remove this as it’s toxic if ingested.
  • You may be able to remove some substances by bathing with washing up liquid, however if a large area is contaminated then it may be more appropriate to seek veterinary attention.

The following emergency situations are ones in which veterinary intervention should be sought straight away:

  • Respiratory distress.
  • Severe bleeding.
  • Collapse and unconsciousness.
  • Rapid abdominal distension.
  • Unable to urinate- especially male cats.
  • Sudden onset of neurological problems, for example seizures.
  • Severe diarrhoea, especially if there is blood.
  • Severe vomiting, especially if your pet is quieter than normal.
  • Extreme pain.
  • Difficulty giving birth
  • Road traffic accidents.

All the above first aid should only be attempted if you feel it’s possible. Your pet will be distressed, and may not want you to touch them, therefore risking yourself as well as your pet. In this instance then seek veterinary advice and attention as soon as possible.