If your pet has an accident or mishap in front of you, it can be incredibly harrowing, especially if you don’t know what do to. Being prepared for an emergency is incredibly important, and knowing a few simple first aid tips for pets can help immensely should the worst happen. In this blog, I will share a few general first aid tips for any emergency, as well as how to deal with particular incidents.

• Firstly, ensure that you have an up-to-date telephone number for both your regular vet and an emergency vet. Not all practices are open 24 hours, and your pet may need professional care as soon as possible. Keep these numbers somewhere that’s easy to get to, such as stuck to the fridge. Phone your vet immediately before attempting anything yourself, and they will advise you on what to do. If the accident is severe, your vet may make a home visit.
• If you own cats or other small animals such as rabbits or ferrets, don’t leave animal carriers stuck in the loft or forgotten in a cupboard. Make sure that they’re easy to get to in case of an emergency, as it’s more than likely that you’ll have to take your pet to the vet’s. You could also leave a few blankets inside the carrier, as you may need them depending on the situation.
• Finally, remember that should anything happen to your pet, they are likely to be scared, in pain and confused. This may cause even the most docile of pets to lash out, even to people that they know, love and trust. Approach your pet slowly and calmly, and stay away from their mouth if possible. Also, in some situations you should muzzle them, but not if they have any problems with their breathing or if they are vomiting. If you do not have a muzzle at home, you can use a strip of soft cloth or a necktie or nylon stocking. Wrap it around their nose, under their chin and tie it behind their ears. Be careful not to tie it too tightly to allow them to pant and you can use a towel wrapped around the head for small animals.

Bearing these points in mind will go a long way to helping in an emergency. Just be sure to call your vet before attempting anything for yourself, and they will give you the advice that you need. These basic procedures will help in particular situations, and you should familiarise yourself with them should your vet advise that you do them.

• Bleeding/Bite Wounds

Approach your pet slowly and muzzle them. In the case of bites, check the wound for debris or other contamination. If there is anything like this, wash the wound with a saline or balanced electrolyte solution. If you don’t have any of this, then use plain water. Wrap any large wounds to keep them clean and apply firm, direct pressure until the bleeding stops or at least 10 straight minutes. Ensure that you don’t use a tourniquet or any bandages that could cut off circulation.

• Burns

This refers to chemical, electrical or heat burns, with symptoms including singed hair, redness, swelling or blistering. You need to flush the area with plenty of cool, running water. However, if there are large amounts of dry chemicals on the skin, be sure to brush these off first as the water may activate them. Then, apply an ice pack for 15-20 minutes. You can use frozen food, but any ice pack must be wrapped in a clean, dry blanket or towel first.

• Choking

If your pet is choking, they will have difficulty breathing, may be pawing at their mouth and may have blue lips and tongue. More than likely, this will make your pet frantic so be careful not to let them bite you. If they can still partially breathe, the best thing to do is get them straight to a vet’s. If not, look into the animal’s mouth to see if you can see the blockage. If possible, use pliers or tweezers to remove it, but you must be really careful not to push it further in. If the object is too deep or your pet collapses, then put your hands on both sides of your pet’s rib cage and apply firm, quick pressure. Alternatively, you can lay your pet on their side and strike the side of their rib cage firmly with the flat of your hand three or four times. You should continue doing this until the object is removed or you arrive at the vet’s.

• Fractures

Your pet may have a fractured limb if they are in pain, are refusing to use that limb or if it is at an odd angle. Firstly, muzzle your pet and look for bleeding. If you can stop this without causing more damage, then do so. In case of a fracture, keeping the limb supported is the most important factor. Don’t try to set the fracture by tugging or pulling on it, just get your pet to the vet’s.

• Poisoning

Symptoms of poisoning include sickness, diarrhoea, convulsions, weakness, salivation or depression. If you know what your pet has ingested, record what it is and how much. If possible, retain the packaging and phone your vet immediately. If your pet has something on their skin, such as paint or insecticides, ask your vet whether to wash it off and how to do so. Ensure that you do not induce vomiting, as this may do more harm than good.

• Seizures

Symptoms of seizures include salivation, loss of bowel control, muscle twitches or falling unconscious. Move your pet away from anything that might hurt them, using a blanket for padding or protection. However, do not restrain your pet as this will put you at risk. Time the seizure, they should only last 2 or 3 minutes, and then keep your pet calm and quiet and phone your vet.

• Vomiting and/or Diarrhoea

In both cases, withhold food for 12 – 24 hours. If they’ve been vomiting, wait for two hours after the vomiting stops and then give your pet ice cubes. Then, you can slowly increase food and water over the next 12 to 24 hours. In the case of diarrhoea, make sure that water is readily available. Phone your vet for more advice, and don’t try any at-home remedies without knowing the exact cause.

• Heatstroke

We have gone into heatstroke in much more detail in a previous blog, but you should look out for difficulty breathing or rapid breathing, vomiting, collapsing and a high body temperature. Cool your pet by placing them in a bath of cool (not cold) water, gently soaking them with a garden hose or wrapping them in a cool, wet towel.  Be careful not to overcool them, and phone your vet.

While these first aid tips may help in an emergency, your priority in any situation should be to get your pet to a professional. Phone your vet immediately should anything happen, and do as they say as it may be dangerous to move your pet. While no one ever wants their pet to fall ill or get hurt, being well prepared and ready to act quickly and calmly will make a whole world of difference should the worst happen.