First aid for your pet

First aid care for your pet is very important, as it is the immediate and temporary care given to your pet when injured. It plays a significant role in ensuring your pets well being and chances of survival until it is presented to a veterinarian for immediate assessment and management. As owners there are many things to consider when you have an injured pet on your hand and here below are some useful tips.

Stay calm, don't panic!!
Most owners get panicked when they see their pet bleeding, choked or collapsed. It is natural for us to worried for our pets condition, however time is of essence so we should think rationally by performing first aid. Being calm and getting your pet immediately to professional hands will be of great help to your pet.

Protect yourself
When an injured pet is in pain, a tame pet may become fierce due to the intense pain it suffers from. Often injured pets can turn and bite not because they dislike you but because of the fear of more pain when you manipulate them or try to help them. Before helping, study the pet's behavior first, is it snarling with teeth exposed, growling or hissing, ears straight back, tail between legs, as these are all signs of an angry pet that may bite. Always approach an injured pet cautiously and slowly, to observe its response to your presence and help. Back off if it tries to bite or scratch! It is advisable to keep a muzzle available for these situations.

Rational considerations
Now that you are calm and thinking rationally, here are a few things that you will need to consider:

• Asses bleeding if any and apply pressure/bandage on the bleeding area

• Wrap your patient in a towel (patients in shock lose a lot of body heat)

• Move the pet to a safer place ( away from traffic, hot sun, wet conditions etc)

• Avoid too much handling i.e. — lifting, rolling – use a hard surface board if necessary.

• Get in touch with your veterinarian and inform him of the necessary. Always have his number and address handy at all times

Basic First Aid for Unusual Circumstances
Now that we are done considering important issues, it's equally crucial to provide some basic care and help for the injured pet.

Poisoning
Poisoning may manifest in your pet as a sudden change in behaviour and condition where they may start vomiting, frothing, convulsing or even bleeding. If you know the offending substance take a sample of it to the vet as it may help the vet treat the animal specifically.

Burns
In cases of burns, the best thing to do is to wrap your pet in a thick towel. Do not decide to apply bandage or plaster on the affected are as it may further irritate the wound. Seek professional advice as soon as possible.

Heat Stroke
Heat stroke occurs most commonly in dogs when it has been left alone on a hot day without ventilation. If your dog has not already collapsed it may be panting, vomiting or frothing at the mouth. Remove your dog from under the heat and reduce its body temperature by dousing your pet in cold water. Get it to the vet immediately for further treatment. Leaving your dog in the car for short periods can also predispose it to heat strokes. It advisable to not keep your pet locked up in your car especially on a sunny day.

Choking
Anything from a piece of bone, small stick to a tennis ball may lodge in your pet throat. This may pose some difficulty in your pets breathing capabilities and quick action is necessary. Open the animal's mouth carefully and see if you can see the object and manually remove it. Do not waste time trying if you have been unsuccessful in the first 10 minutes. Get you pet to a veterinarian for further assistance and treatment.

As a responsible pet owner you should always have a pet first aid kit at home. It should consist of:

• Your vet's telephone number, plus the number of an emergency weekend or night time vet
• A veterinary first aid manual such as Emergency Care for Cats and Dogs
• Gauze rolls or pads
• Adhesive tape
• Absorbent cotton
• Scissors, preferably with rounded tips
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Antibiotic ointment
• Eyewash
• Tweezers
• Rectal thermometer
• Syringe (without the needle) for giving oral medications
• Muzzle