Pet First Aid

The first thing to remember is, DON'T PANIC. 

Don't give the pet patient anything to eat or drink unless the vet tells you to do so. 

There are ways that you can prepare for emergencies, and first aid can often save life. 

1. Keep the name, address and telephone number of your own vet next to the phone. Do not use the emergency telephone number you called in the past, as the practice may use a locum service, or be part of an emergency cover group. 
2. Keep a working pen and paper by the phone to take down instructions if necessary. 
3. Don't dash along to the practice without telephoning first. It may be that the emergencies are seen at a different site, or it may be vital for the vet to give advice, or get the operating theatre prepared. 
4. Keep a Pet First Aid kit at home and with you when you are travelling.

First Aid Kit

A good pet first aid kit will contain:

• Bandages - adhesive and open weave
• Cotton wool
• Swabs
• Clean pieces of sheeting
• Water wash bottle
• Tweezers
• 5" flat scissors with round ends

For larger animals it is also useful to have:

• Access to a rug or blanket that can be used as a stretcher

Resuscitation (ABC) for dogs

Airway

• Pull the tongue forward
• Check there is nothing in the throat

Breathing

• Look and listen.
• If the dog is not breathing, extend the dog's neck, close the mouth and blow down the dog's nose, using your hand as a 'funnel' so that you do not directly contact your dog's nose.

Circulation

• Apply regular, intermittent gentle pressure to the chest if you are sure there is no heartbeat.
• Check the heartbeat/pulse.

These suggestions are life saving measures whilst you wait for veterinary assistance

Traffic accidents involving dogs

Keep calm and don't panic

• Firstly get someone to telephone the nearest vet
• Approach the dog from the front so the animal can see you
• Avoid any sudden movements
• Speak gently, using the dog's name if possible

Assess the situation

• What's the danger to you and others? DON'T BE A HERO!
• Direct the traffic if you can

Transport to the vet or move the dog away from the traffic

• If the dog can walk gently coax into a car and help the dog get in
• If the dog needs to be moved out of the traffic and cannot walk
• Large dogs can be lifted on a makeshift stretcher, using a blanket, coat, rug or firm board.
• Small and medium dogs can be lifted with hands underneath the hindquarters and the chest. Make sure the breathing isn't obstructed
• If the dog is very badly injured or you suspect spinal injuries
• Don't move the dog unless advised to do so by the vet