First Aid Tips

My Vet sends out a monthly newsletter which always has good information in it. This month she included some first aid tips. I believe this is good, useful information you can post in your home and refer to at a time when you may not be thinking clearly because your pet is in distress. (Sorry, UK residents, a couple of the items refer to US phone numbers, but I'm sure you have the equivalent in the UK and can substitute where necessary. )

FIRST AID TIPS

1. Hit by car:
Use a sheet or blanket as a stretcher if the animal can’t walk. Cover with a blanket and try to control any bleeding with pressure.
2. Poisoning
Call Poison Control if your pet has swallowed something or has eaten something you are unsure of. Have the container with the ingredients listed if possible. The ASPCA has a 24 hour hotline 1-888-426-4435
3. Choking
Try to remove any obvious obstructions. Don’t get bit. Grasp under the rib cage holding your fists together and make an upward thrust....sharp and short.
4. Heatstroke
Hose down your pet with cool water, not ice cold water. Focus on the foot pads. Take the pet to your veterinarian immediately. Heatstrokes are potentially life threatening.
5. Wounds
In cases of excessive bleeding, apply pressure using a clean cloth. If laceration is wider then ½ inch or if there is a lot of blood, see your veterinarian immediately. For puncture wounds, do not remove the object, go to your veterinarian.
6. Burns
Place a cool clean cloth on the area and take the pet to your veterinarian.
7. Lameness
There are a number of reasons for lameness. It is best not to wrap it. Keep the pet quiet and take it to your veterinarian. X-rays can be very helpful in diagnosing problems.
8. Hypoglycemia
If your pet appears weak and wobbly, rub Karo syrup or honey on his gums and under his tongue and call your veterinarian.
9. Breathing Problems
CPR can keep pets alive on the way to your veterinarian. alternate one breath (into your dogs nostrils) to five chest compressions at a rate of 80 to 100 compressions per minute
10. Shock
after CPR, heavy blood loss, hit by car, trauma. Cover with blankets, elevate hind-quarters and take to your veterinarian or pet emergency center

More first aid information

A. Realize that First Aid is not a substitute for veterinary treatment. Basic knowledge can help.
B. Learn normal behavior so you will know if something is amiss.
C. Keep phone numbers handy as well as directions to after hour emergency clinics and poison control numbers.
D. Approach sick pets cautiously. Avoid loud noises or quick movements, especially with cats. Use a blanket or towel if pet is aggressive.
E. Have a first aid kit available
Things to include:
a. rectal thermometer
b. sterile gauze
c. adhesive tape
d. tweezers
e. pillow case
f. pet carrier
g. cotton balls and swabs
h. splints and tongue depressors
i. flashlight
j. scissors
k. sterile saline (for flush)
l. latex gloves
m. ear cleaning solution
n. nail clippers
o. towels and cloths
p. styptic pencil or powder
q. eye dropper
r. wound cleanser and disinfectant
s. dawn dishwashing liquid
t. cold packs - heat packs
u. bitter apple

TO ADMIN: I know there's a better part of the forum for this information, but I wanted to post this in a location where it would get seen a LOT before putting it somewhere less well-read.