"First Aid Tips"

Emergencies often seem to occur at the worst possible place or time. Although immediate attention by a qualified vet is best, knowing what to do when they are not available could keep an unfortunate incident from becoming a tragedy...then get to a vet as quickly as possible! Portions of this page are courtesy of the Oakland Educational Services.

'Topics'

Emergency Muzzle
Emergency Stretcher
Vital Signs
Respiratory Arrest
Cardiac Arrest
Airway Obstruction (Choking)
External Wounds
Burns
Heatstroke
Shock
Porcupine Quills
Eye Irritations
Insect Stings and Bites
Fish Hooks
Snakebite
Poisons
Preventions
Giving Medications
First Aid Kit

Emergency muzzle

Any animal that is injured or frightened may bite or scratch. Cats should be wrapped in a towel or blanket to prevent them from lashing out with their claws. Dogs should have a muzzle or mouth restraint applied before any first aid is attempted. An emergency muzzle, if applied properly, can prevent injury to you and help your efforts to aid an injured dog. Any length of cord, a necktie, a piece of gauze, a leash or simply a strip of cloth two or more feet in length can be used. Make a large loop, place it over the dog's muzzle, and tie it. Quickly tighten the loop so the dog cannot open his mouth, and bring the ends back along each side of his head, under his ears. Lastly, tie the ends at the back of his head. The muzzle should be snug, but not so tight as to create discomfort for the dog or interfere with circulation. A muzzle applied in this manner will not hinder breathing, but since a dog perspires through his tongue, it should not be left on any longer than necessary. Pets who are vomiting, or who have injured jaws, should not be muzzled.

Emergency stretcher

If the dog cannot walk, use a coat, blanket or towel as a stretcher, holding the edges tight. Have someone help you lift and carry the dog.

Remember...Sick or injured animals may act unpredictably, even to a trusted owner. Protect yourself by restraining the animal, but if you are bitten, seek medical attention immediately.

If you are going to transport a critically injured or ill animal to the veterinarian, telephone ahead of time to prepare them for your arrival so they will be waiting to help you carry the animal from the car into the vet's office.

Vital signs

As in people, an indication if illness or infection in animals is often manifest in a change in their vital signs - temperature, pulse and respiration. Normal values vary greatly depending upon the size of your pet and the situation, such as sleeping as opposed to excited.
NORMAL VALUES

Cats...Rectal Temperature - 38.5 degrees Celsius +/- 1 degree; Heart Rate - 110 to 180 per minute; Respiratory Rate - 20 to 60 per minute.
Dogs...Rectal Temperature - 38.5 degrees Celsius +/- 1 degree; Heart Rate - 80 to 160 per minute; Respiratory Rate - 12 to 40 per minute.

TEMPERATURE TAKING

Use a rectal thermometer. Shake thermometer down to about 35 degrees Celsius. Lubricate thermometer with petroleum jelly. Have someone hold the animal (wrap cat in a towel). Raise and hold the tail. Insert half of the thermometer gently into anus. Hold on to the tail and the thermometer. Leave it in position for 1 minute. Remove the thermometer, wipe and read it. Important...Never take an oral temperature on a animal. Never take a temperature on a struggling animal. Never let go of the thermometer while it is in the animal.

PULSE TAKING

The pulse can be taken by either placing a hand over the heart or by feeling the pulse in the femoral artery.

Grasp the chest with one hand behind the animal's elbows, supporting small animals with the other hand. Move your hand slightly until you feel the heart beat. Count the number of beats in 10 seconds and multiply by 6 to give you the heart rate in a minute.

To feel the pulse in the femoral artery, place your fingers on the inside of the back leg where it joins the body and move them slowly until you feel the pulse. Count the same way as you would placing a hand over the heart. Note...DO NOT use your thumb to check a pulse because the pulse you feel will probably be your own.

RESPIRATION CHECKING

Watch animal's chest and count how many times it rises in 15 seconds. Multiply by 4. If you are having difficulty seeing the chest rise and fall, hold a hand or a tissue in front of the animal's nose to feel or see movement each time it breathes.

Respiratory Arrest

If the animal has stopped breathing, place him on his right side with head and neck extended. Gently draw the tongue forward and clear any objects from the mouth and throat. Hold the animal's mouth closed and place your mouth over his nose. Blow into the nose until the chest rises. In small dogs and cats use only puffs of air. Following ventilation, remove your mouth from the animal's nose to allow air to escape. Repeat the procedure 10 times, giving 1 breath every 3 seconds, then reassess breathing. If the animal is still not breathing, repeat the procedure and transport to a vet immediately...continue artificial respiration during transportation. Remember, a distressed animal may bite or scratch...so be careful.

Cardiac Arrest

CPR is easiest if performed by two people. Lay the animal on his right side on a firm, flat surface. Extend the head and neck, and pull the tongue forward. Remove any visible foreign object. One person starts mouth to nose respiration and the second person starts chest compressions (description further ahead). Compressions and respirations are continued at a rate of 4 compressions to 1 breath.

For a small animal (1 to 5 pounds) one hand supports the spine while the other grasps the chest. Squeeze in gently but firmly on the sides of the chest with your thumb and fingers, to a depth of 1.3 to 2.5 cm (1/2 tro 1 inch).

For a large animal (over 5 pounds) the hands are placed on the lower half of the animal's chest immediately behind where the bent elbow meets the body. The chest is them compressed 2.5 to 5 cm (1 to 2 inches) depending on the size of the animal. The rate is 80 - 120 compressions per minute for both small and large animals. After 4 compressions, a breath is given without any pause in the giving of the chest compressions. Try to perform these procedures while someone is driving you to the vet to save time.

Airway Obstruction (Choking)

Complete airway obstruction is rare in small animals but is a serious medical emergency when it does happen. When it occurs, it is usually in kittens, puppies or in some breeds of dogs with pushed-in faces such as boxers, bulldogs, or bull terriers. Foriegn bodies or wounds in the mouth that do not obstruct the airway are more common.

Signs of choking are difficulty breathing, blue lips and tongue, rubbing face on ground, pawing at mouth, bulging eyes, choking or gaggin sound.

Airway obstruction is an emergency! Action must be taken immediately. If airway obstruction is due to a foreign object, it must be removed immediately. DO NOT wait for veterinarian assistance.

If the airway obstruction is due to a sting or reaction to an irritant, the animal must be transported to the vet immediately because if it stops breathing, artificial respiration will not work due to swollen air passages.

Restain the animal by wrapping cats in a blanket or having another person hol dogs. Open the animal's mouth, pull the tongue forward and inspect the throat. If a foreign object is visible, grasp it with your fingers and remove it. If you are unable to do this, small dogs and cats can be held upside down, holding their thighs just above the knees. Swing the animal back and forth gently several times. For larger animals, and as an alternative for smaller animals, perform the Heimlich Manoeuvre.

HEIMLICH MANOEUVRE

This forces air out of the lungs which, in turn, pushes the object out of the throat.

Place a cat or small dog on its side. Support the spine with one hand and with the other hand, grasp the abdomen just below the ribcage. Gently press in and up with the hand positioned below the ribcage. Repeat until the objects comes out or until the animal is transported to the vet. Note...Be careful not to use too much force because this could cause internal damage.

Place both hands below the ribs of large dogs. Press in and up, being careful not to use too much force. Repeat unitl the object comes out or until you have transported the animal to the vet. Important...Any animal who has choked should be checked by a vet as the object may have caused some damage to the airway, which could cause it to swell. Internal damage can also occur with the use of the Heimlich Manoeuvre.

When the object is out, check the animal's ABC's (airway, breathing, circulation).

Common causes of airway obstructions are objects such as toys or bones, swelling of the throat due to stings or infection, throat swelling due to allergic reactions in small dogs (10 to 25 lbs), and throat spasm in cats due to an allergic reaction to the inhalation or ingestion if an irritant.

External Wounds

Small wounds should be cleaned with soap and water...this will cleanse the wound much more safely and thoroughly than any antiseptic. Be sure never to put alcohol in an open wound. A loose bandage (sterile if possible) can be placed over the wound to keep dirt from getting into it. If it is larger than an inch or so and deeper than a scrape, a vet should be seen, as stitches may be needed. If bleeding is severe, a pressure bandage should be applied directly to the wound. Take a rolled up handkerchief, a bunch of sterile gauze pads or something similar and place on the wound. Wrap firmly. Only apply enough pressure to stop the bleeding. A tourniquet is not a good idea, as this could result in the loss of the limb.

Burns

The severity of a burn depends on its depth into the tissue and the percentage of the body affected. Minor or superficial burns do not extend to the tissues below the skin. Major or third degree burns do affect the tissues under the skin.

Minor burns should be treated by applying cold water or compresses as soon as possible. Submerging the affected area in cold water would be the better choice. Apply a dressing (sterile if possible) and bandage lightly. If the burn is more severe, transport the animal to the vet immediately, as antibiotics may be necessary. Cover with a clean wet cloth, but do not apply oily or greasy substances to the wound as this may speed up any infections. Treat for shock making sure to check vital signs frequently. Prevent animal from licking or scratching burns. Only replace body fluids if advised to do so by the vet. If the burn is due to a chemical, put on latex gloves to protect yourself, brush off any excess powder, flush affected area with large amounts of water and telephone a vet to see if there is anything they can recommend to neutralize the chemical. Transport immediately to vet.

Heatstroke

Never leave your pet unattended in direct sunlight or in a closed vehicle in warm weather. Heat can build up to an intolerable level in minutes, causing brain damage or even death. Signs of heatstroke are panting and brick-red gums, excitement/anxiety, increased heart rate, increased temperature, difficulty breathing with blue gums and tongue, confusion, vomiting/diarrhoea, seizures, coma, and respirations stop. Immediate action should be taken if your pet shows any of these signs. Place the animal in a cool, shaded area. Submerge the animal in cool water, keeping his head above water. If you are unable to submerge the animal, spray him with a hose. As the animal improves, encourage him to drink small amounts of water to replace lost body fluids. Check his temperature every 5 minutes until it has reached normal...38.5 degrees Celsius. Dry the animal when the cooling process is finished.

Shock

Shock is a condition in which the circulation of blood is inadequate to meet the needs of the body's vital tissues (brain, heart and lungs). If untreated, shock will result in lack of oxygen to the cells, cell death and potential death in the animal. Important...Injured animals always have the potential to develop shock. Keep them warm and quiet.

What to do? Restrain the animal appropriately making sure to handle him gently. Keep the animal as quiet as possible. Check ABC's (airway, breathing, circulation). Control any bleeding. Keep warm (apply blankets under and over the animal). Transport immediately to the vet in a well-vented vehicle. Do not give the animal anything to eat or drink. Note...Capillary refill time is used to check the animal's circulation. To do this, roll the animal's lips back and press down on a non-pigmented area of the gums with one finger. The area you are pressing on will turn from pink to white. Once pressure is removed, the pink color should return in 1 to 2 seconds. If it takes longer thena 2 seconds, it is a sign of impaired capillary return which is a sign of shock.

Porcupine Quills

This can be a medical emergency depending upon the number of quills, their location and how the animal responds to the situation.

A few quills can be removed without the animal being sedated. Restrain the animal, gently grasp the quill as near to the skin as possible, using needle nose pliers, and slowly pull it straight out. Wipe the wounds with an antiseptic. If the quill breaks when trying to pull it out, make a note of location and transport the animal to the vet.

When a large number of quills are present, they will need to be removed under a general anaesthetic by a vet. Note...Pulling the quill out is not easier if you cut the ends off before pulling, or if you twist while pulling, or if you pour vinegar over it. It will not teach your pet a lesson if you remove the quills without anaesthetic. If a dog has attacked a porcupine once, it probably will again.

Eye Irritations

Eyes are delicate organs and most injuries should receive prompt veterinary care. If you do suspect something is in your pet's eye, restrain the animal, separate the eyelids and examine the eye carefully. Remove obvious foreign bodies gently by using the tip of a moist cotton swab or the corner of a clean cloth. Note...Do not attempt to remove a foreign object closely stuck to the surface of the eye. Irrigate the eye with water or an appropriate eyewash. Do not touch or wipe the eyeball. Transport the animal to a vet.. If you damage the cornea, your pet may need major surgery or may even lose the sight of the involved eye.

Insect Stings and Bites

Most insect stings are harmless, but it is possible for an animal to have an allergic reaction to insect venom. This will cause the air passages to swell and close which can result in difficulty breathing. Animals are usually stung around the mouth, nose and feet. If there are signs of an allergic reaction and/or shock, transport the animal to a vet immediately.

Fish Hooks

If the fish hook is deeply embedded, your pet will require an anaesthetic prior to its removal. If a fish hook is close to the eyes, it should only be removed by a vet. Never pull backwards on a hook with a buried barb.

Restrain the animal, gently withdraw the hook if the barbed portion has not penetrated the skin. Push the hook forward until the barb sticks out of the skin then cut off the shank and remove it. Clean the wound will and apply a dressing and an antibiotic cream.

Snakebite

If your pet is bitten by a non-poisonous snake, treat it as you would any other wound. See your vet for antibiotics. If it is a poisonous snake, wrap the area with cold compresses to slow down the circulation. Make a phone call immediately to ensure that anti-venom will be waiting for you when you arrive with the animal at the vet's. Contacting the nearest human hospital or board of health would probably be a quick means of obtaining the anti-venom if you are in snake country. The trick is to make phone calls fast...the average vet does not have anti-venom on-hand and has to have it sent in. On-site first aid usually wastes precious time that would have been better spent traveling to a hospital.

Poisons

If your pet swallows something poisonous, do not attempt to induce vomiting or administer an antidote without consulting with your vet or the local poison control. Inducing vomiting on a corrosive substance can result in much more damage than if you had done nothing. Pouring the wrong thing down as an antidote can have the same effect.

IMPORTANT INFO ABOUT CHOCOLATE POISONING...

Many species are susceptible to chocolate poisoning, however, it most commonly occurs in dogs. Chocolate is derived from the roasted seeds of Theobroma cacao and contains theobromine and small amounts of caffeine. Dogs are particularly susceptible to these two ingredients.

Delayed absorption may delay the onset of clinical signs for some time after ingestion. With excessive amounts ingested at one time, signs may develop after 8 hours and death 12 - 24 hours after ingestion. Signs include thirst, vomiting, diarrhoea, urinary incontinency and agitation to nervousness, seizures, and coma. With chronic ingestion (over several days) death may result (sometimes with little or no outward warning signs) from cardic failure.

Milk Chocolate...
Lethal Dose = 2 oz per kg of body weight (approximately 13 mg/kg) of milk chocolate can be fatal unless treated...ie: 5 kg (11 lb) dog = 10 oz (280 grams); 25 kg (55 lbs) dog = 1.4 kg chocolate.

Unsweetened (bakers) Dark Chocolate...
This is 10 times more lethal than milk chocolate (much higher theobromine content)...ie:5 kg (11 lb) dog = 1 oz (28 g); 25 kg (55 lbs) dog = 5 oz (140 g).

White Chocolate...
Low enough in both theobromine and caffeine to be unlikely to cause poisoning.

Prevention

No one wants a pet in their care to become ill. This is not only heartbreaking for the pet owner or care giver, but can also become costly, not only financially, but also emotionally if the illness results in the death of the pet. Preventative medicine is, therefore, and extremely important component in the care of any animal.

Regular visits to your vet are vital to the maintenance of your pet's health. Your vet can monitor your pet's progress, suggest a specific program of diet, exercise, vaccinations, spay and neuter and will know of any specific issues relating to your area such as flea, tick and heartworm season.

Giving Medications

Liquids: With your pet's head angled upward, pull out the bottom lip at the side of the muzzle to form a 'pouch' and pour the medicine in slowly...too fast and the animal may choke. A syringe or meat baster is often easier than a spoon.

Pills: First place one hand over the pet's top jaw and, with your thumb and fingers on either side, open the mouth by pressing gently. With the other hand, pull down the lower jaw, then place the pill well back on the tongue. Close the jaws, lift his head slightly and wait for the animal to swallow...stroking the throat lightly may speed up the process. If this fails, be more devious...disguise the medicine in a small piece of meat or cheese.

PLEASE NOTE: Do not give your pet 'people' medication unless advised by your vet.

First Aid Kit

A first aid kit is only as good as its accessibility. Everyone should have a first aid kit in their home, car and/or recreational vehicle. The contents should be checked regularly and replaced as soon as they are used. It is important to have items in the first aid kit that will be functional and work in an emergency. Listed below are some necessary items for your first aid kit as well as some suggested additions. Add to these according to your personal needs, pets and lifestyle. Remember...you can combine your human and pet first aid kits into one.

Latex gloves
Gauze rolls
Gauze pads (sterile is preferred)...add several sizes
Gauze rolls
Abdominal pads
Assorted band-aids
Adhesive tape
Tensor bandage &/or vet-wrap
Triangular bandage
Cotton balls
Cotton swabs
Tongue depressors
Scissors (blunt-tipped)
Tweezers (pointed)
Needle-nose pliers
Nail trimmers
10 cc Syringe...for administering liquid medications
Cornstarch...for clotting blood from a broken toe nail
Salt or 5% hydrogen peroxide...for inducing vomiting if necessary but only with the advice of a vet
Any medications that your pet may be on or require
Location and phone numbers for emergency vet clinics
Your vet's phone number
A copy of this 'First Aid Tips' guide or something equal

Some Suggested Additions...

Mouth to mask barrier device
Shock blanket
Rectal thermometer
Petroleum jelly
Matches
Flashlight
Eye pad
Glucose (ie: liquid honey)
Kaopectate
Sterile water
Additional latex gloves
Additional bandages
Change for telephone

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