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Woodrock Animal Rescue Emergency First Aid ForPets
Woodrock Animal Rescue Emergency First Aid ForPets
Woodrock Animal Rescue Emergency First Aid ForPets
WOODROCK HERO
Cover:
EMERGENCY first aid for pets:
An easy guide to simple and homemade solutions for helping pet owners.
www.woodrockanimalrescue.com
A G U I D E TO SIM PL E, H O M E M A D E
SOLUTIONS FOR HELPING OWNERS
IN PET EMERGENCIES
www.woodrockanimalrescue.co.za
Notice
In some countries, the medications and substances referred to in this guide may:
Please heed the warnings or cautionary advice when using this guide.
2
01 Helpful medicines and household items.
- 26 common human medicines for pets
- 22 helpful household items
3
WOODROCK
ANIMAL RESCUE
With around 300 animals from all walks of life in our care, we love, nurture and
rehabilitate homeless, abused, neglected, injured, sick and geriatric and unwanted
animals until they find forever homes.
We are pro-life. Since 1992, we have saved thousands of animals being put down. Our on-
site sterilisation clinic treats around 100 animals a month in an effort to address the awful
euthanasia statistics related to shelter overcrowding.
Please consider joining our Woodrock Hero program, if you haven't already.
Click here to find out more about the Woodrock Hero
4
HELPFUL MEDICINES
HOUSEHOLD ITEMS
5
22 pet-safe human medications…
&
26 helpful household products…
…that could save your pet’s life.
Pets will occasionally find something delicious but poisonous, or discover why a
bee shouldn't be eaten… usually when your vet is on the golf course!
Solutions come in all shapes and sizes for minor problems and can be treated
with human medication. Sometimes, a home remedy is all that is needed.
IMPORTANT: Dosages will be LOWER because our pets are smaller than we
are. Your vet can tell you the exact doses needed for your specific pet, but
we have listed some common human medicines that can benefit your pet
when you're in need.
Saving a life starts with preparation, so prepare a handy medical aid kit with
the following:
- Needle-less syringes
Pet stores will often stock a commercial first-aid kit with the
necessities, so visit your nearest store and ask what must-haves
you should have.
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2 6 C o m m o n H u m a n Medicines for Pets
1. A & D Ointment: antibacterial for scrapes and wounds.
2. Artificial Tears: eye lubricant.
3. Aveeno Oatmeal Bath: soothing rinse for itchy skin.
4. Benadryl: antihistamine for bug bites also makes pets sleepy.
5. Betadine: antiseptic for cleansing/soaking wounds or injuries.
6. Burow’s solution: typical antiseptic.
7. Caladryl: soothing typical for pain or itching
8. Cortaid: anti-itch cream.
9. Desitin: for skin inflammation.
10. Dramamine: helpful for car sickness, nausea
11. Dulcolax: for constipation.
12. Epsom salts: for soothing soak for sore paws.
13. Kaopectate: to control diarrhea.
14. Lanacane: typical anesthetic.
15. Massengill Disposable Douche: body odour/skunk spray.
16. Metamucil (unflavoured): for constipation.
17. Mylanta Liquid: for digestive problems and/or gas.
18. Neosporin: to help prevent wound infection.
19. Pedialyte: counteracts dehydration.
20. Pepcid AC: to control vomiting.
21. Pepto-Bismol: for diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting.
22. Phillips’ Milk of Magnesia: for constipation.
23. Preparation H: soothes sore bottom.
24. Solarcaine: typical anaesthetic, helpful for sunburn.
25. Vicks Vapo Rub: for congestion.
26. Witch hazel: topical antiseptic.
6
22 Helpful Household Items
8
E M E R G E N C Y F IR S T A I D
D O G S & CATS
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RULE 1 : D O N ’ T P ANIC!
C A R I N G FO R D O G S
Bite wounds: Clean and treat wound with hydrogen peroxide and
triple antibiotic ointment
Garbage Raid: Give dog white bread and butter if you simply want
something to pass. If concerned about toxic
substances, call poison control.
Bee Sting or Allergies: Give Benadryl pills for generalized allergies and cream
for topical rash. Go to the emergency vet if pet is in
distress
C A R I N G FO R CATS
Skin gash from grooming: Clean wound with peroxide, cover with bandage
and tube-sock and place paper collar over cat’s
head.
Nails trimmed too short: Place talc on nail bed to stop bleeding
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Emergency first aid for dogs and cats
RULE 2 : K E E P A PET E M E R G E N C Y K I T
• Saline solution
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Antibiotic ointment
• Benadryl
• Bandages
• Talc
• Thermometer
• Pedialyte or Gatorade
• Aspirin
• Kaopectate
• Lanacane cream
• Mineral oil
• Vaseline
11
HOME REMEDIES
FOR PETS
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MANGE
What is Mange?
Mange is a skin disease found in animals, reptiles, birds and in some plants. It is
caused by parasitic mites and it leaves animals with sores, which leads to SEVERE
anxiety. It can spread through the entire body if not treated timeously.
Types of Mange:
Demodectic and Sarcoptic Mange is found in dogs. Please note that if your dog has
Sarcoptic Mange then it has to be isolated in a room with proper weather
conditions.
Symptoms:
Mange can be initially observed in ears, face, elbow and legs. It causes scabbing,
hair loss, constant itching and abrasions on the skin.
BATHING
Step 2: Now, wash the affected dog with this once a week. Let it dry on its own.
Step 3: Do this regularly for two weeks. Make sure your dog doesn’t ingest borax.
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MANGE Home remedies for pets
HONEY
Apply honey directly on the skin of the animal.
DON’T FORGET: Wash it off at night WITHOUT FAIL.
Ants love honey and might attack your dog.
YOGHURT
Another tasty treat for most but two tablespoons of yoghurt can be
applied to pet's ears when treating discharge and crusting due to mange.
COOKING OIL
The waxy effect stops the air supply that will ultimately kill the mites.
ACV is packed with tremendous healing properties that help fight off
in your pet’s meal to cure the redness and itching associated with
Mange.
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S O A P Y WATER
Take a mild soap solution and use it on the affected skin. The alkaline
nature will kill the mites and stop them from spreading further.
TOP TIP: Use lukewarm water to prepare the soapy solution
LEMON
When life throws you lemons, slice a lemon into eight wedges and boil
them in water. Keep overnight. The next morning, dip a sponge in the
mixture and rub it on your pet’s skin.
Its acidic properties will not only kill the Mites but also give your pet a
glossy coat. It also prevents redness and itching.
GARLIC
1 SOLUTION, 4 STEPS:
Garlic is an anti-parasitic food which helps inhibit the activities of Mange -
causing mites.
1. Take six lemon skins, one whole chopped lemon and 30-40 crushed garlic
cloves.
2. Boil all the ingredients in four litres of water.
3. Wait till the solution cools down.
4. Apply this on your pet and do it regularly for positive results.
You can also use garlic oil on the affected area.
15
OLIVE OIL
An olive tree can live for up to 600 years and with all that wisdom, olive oil
staves off Mites and soothes irritable skin. Its moisturizing properties heal dry,
scaly patches. Just apply a little olive oil on the affected skin of your pet.
Yellow Dock
Prepare a decoction from this herb and apply it on the affected skin of your pet.
It helps kill the parasites and heals the skin gradually. Perform this remedy
several times a day.
ALOE VERA
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INDIAN LILAC OIL
Apply Indian Lilac oil on the affected area to kill the Mites and stop the Mange
from spreading.
CALENDELA TEA
The usage of calendula tea helps kill the Mites that cause itching. Give this herbal
bath to your dog to soothe the inflammation associated with Mange.
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DO s
• Always keep pets clean and give them regularly baths.
DONT s
• Do not perform any remedies that involve chemicals without consulting a vet.
• Do not keep them tied up all day outside or inside your house.
18
FLEAS
What are they? Fleas are blood sucking insects that carry disease and
live in the fur of your pets. Fleas can spread throughout
your home.
BATHING
Shampoo your pet with flea shampoo. Give your dog a flea bath with
limonene shampoo, and flea-comb him down thoroughly while he’s in the
water so the fleas drown.
SAY WHAT?
Place a flea collar in the bag of your vacuum cleaner.
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NATURAL PAWESOME SOLUTION
Placing an open jar or two of eucalyptus stems and leaves around the house
can deter fleas. Place them in rooms where your pet spends the most time
(especially those with carpets - fleas love to hide in them.)
IN-HOME PROTECTION
Sprinkle borate powder into crevices of couches and chairs.
Stock your yard with off-leaf larvae-eating nematodes (available at
pet and garden stores).
FURRY-FACT
Fleas hate citrus scents and will avoid crawling in through the screens.
Spray screens with distilled water containing several drops of bitter orange
essential oil.
Try adding a teaspoon of vinegar to each quart of the animal’s drinking water. It
helps keep pets free of fleas and ticks.
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ITCHINESS
BATHING IN OATMEAL 101
Step 1 Put uncooked oatmeal or rolled oats into a sock or nylon
stocking
Step 2 Run a tub full of warm water over it.
Step 3 Soak your dog (cats will rarely let you do this) in the water
for 5 to 10 minutes.
ALOE VERA
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CUTS,SCRATCHES
&
A B RA T I O N S
Step 1 Mix 2 cups water, 1⁄2-teaspoon salt, and 1⁄2 teaspoon calendula
tincture.
Step 2 Soak an injured paw in the solution. If the wound is on the body, put the
solution in a squirt bottle or large syringe and gently apply it to the
injured area.
Step 3 Repeat the soaking or application every 4 to 6 hours for the first 24
hours.
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BITES & SCRATCHES
• Rinse out the fresh wounds and punctures with large amounts of this solution:
2 cups water,
23
TISSUE TRAUMA &
CHOKING
TISSUE TRAUMA
Fights, bites, bruises and all those painful moments your pet may
encounter.
Arnica: A homeopathic remedy that can speed up recovery for your pet.
Give two pellets of Arnica 30c once per hour for three hours following
the injury.
CHOKING
Step 1 Keep calm! You can perform the Heimlich manoeuvre on animals.
Step 2 Lift a small pet or reach over the back of a large one and raise the
back legs, so that the rear end is elevated over the head.
Step 3 Place your hands around the lowest part of the chest and give a
quick, gentle thrust inward and upward.
Step 4 Remember to scale the force of the thrust to the size of your pet.
REMEMBER You need to be extremely gentle with small pets. Imagine your
: performing this on an infant or toddler.
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L O OS E S T O O L S
CAUSES We’ve all eaten something that doesn’t agree with us, but at least
we can talk about it and ask for an extra roll of toilet paper.
Luckily, we don’t eat from the compost pile, but unfortunately,
pets do.
SYMPTOMS When food moves through the gut, the result is loose stools. In
dogs and cats with chronic inflammatory bowel disease, the gut
responds as if irritated at the slightest stress or change of diet.
A MIRA CLE
PLANT
S L IP P E R Y ELM
This herb is available as powder or capsules and coats the lining of the
gastrointestinal tract, counteracting the irritation and allowing stools to firm up.
25
BURRS I N THE FUR
What is it?
What to do?
DOGS
Comb the burrs in their fur with a metal comb immediately. If burrs are badly
tangled rub vegetable oil on your fingers and work the lubrication slowly
through the fur until you can pull the burrs out.
CATS
Typically, cats will want to take care of their own grooming but you can help by
gently working through the mess with a wire brush. Most cats won’t let you cut
26
ITCHY EARS
&
SORE EYES
ITCHY EARS
REMEMBER: Dog and cat ear canals take a right-angle turn at the base of
the ear. Be careful not to jam anything deep into the ear
canal.
SORE OR R U N N Y EYES
A simple rinse of saline solution can help a mild eye irritation.
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S K U N K S P RAYS
A sticky situation that will cause nausea or vomiting if swallowed and will act
like tear gas if sprayed in the eyes. If your dog gets sprayed directly in the eyes
or mouth, seek immediate veterinary treatment.
HOME REMEDIES
Tomato juice is the key. Douse your pet and leave it on for several
minutes before rinsing it off.
Got a big dog? A single washing can require several cans of tomato juice. You
may have to repeat the procedure, but the odour will eventually work itself out
of your pet’s coat. Hang in there!
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URINARY TRACT
INFECTIONS
HOME REMEDIES
WATER
TOP TIP: It may help to make a “soup” with water and your dog’s kibble or
offer some baby food (make sure there’s no onion or garlic in
the ingredients!) and dilute it with water.
STAY COOL: Dogs may like to eat ice cubes, which are another great
way to get some extras fluids. Make sure there’s not too
much gulping at once, or he may get an upset stomach.
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VITIMAN C
NOTE: Some vets do not believe this works; others think it may be helpful.
Cranberry juice may lower the PH of the urine and prevent bacteria from
attaching to the bladder wall. However, just as with vitamin C, it may cause the
urine to become acidic, which may be a problem if the dog happens to have
oxalate crystals.
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U R I N A RY Home remedies for pets
TRACT
I N F EC T I O N S
A PP L E CIDER V I N E G A R ( A C V )
An apple a day may keep the doctor away but ACV can do all sorts
of things! Dogs may benefit from it as well and the principle again lies in its acidic content.
Acetic acid will effectively neutralize the harmful bacteria causing the infection.
IMPORTANT: Uristat and phenazopyridine HCI are not safe for dogs!
Urinary tract infections may not be an immediate emergency but owners should keep
a watchful eye on symptoms and report signs of worsening to their veterinarians
promptly.
DON’T RISK IT: Symptoms of bladder stones may mimic those of a urinary
tract infection, so it is highly advisable to consult with a
veterinarian about the appropriate course of action.
MOST IMPORTANT: ALWAYS ASK YOUR VET!
Alexadry (2016) Home remedies for dogs with urinary tract infections.
Available at: https://pethelpful.com/dogs/Home-remedies-for-dogs-affected-by-urinary-tract-infections
(Accessed: 22 June 2016).
31
O VER-THE-COUNTER
MEDICATION
THAT I S S A F E
FOR PETS
32
HOW TO:
Determining if your OTC medication is dog or cat friendly and how much should be
administered is tricky. Always check with your veterinarian that understands your
pet’s health and history before giving any medications.
TOP TIP: Double-check with a vet who knows your pet's medical history.
DOSAGES?
Depends on the size, other drugs administered and your pet’s general condition.
TRIPLE NOTE: DOUBLE-CHECK with your vet first. Be certain that you’re using
only the medication listed, not the other ingredients.
EXAMPLE:
Many antihistamines, include added decongestants that can be lethal for your dog.
WHY IT’S TRICKY: Collies and other herding breeds may have a genetic mutation
that makes certain OTC drugs on this list – even those
considered safe for other breeds – very dangerous.
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33
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY:
BENADRYL
Treats allergies and itching.
CANINE DOSE: 0,5-1 mg per pound of body weight. Maximum dose 2 mg/lb.
FELINE DOSE: 0,5 mg per pound every 8 hours. Can cause excitability.
BUFFERED A S P R I N
Pain relief and anti-inflammatory.
CANINE DOSE: 5 mg per pound of body weight every 12 hours.
IMPORTANT! Do NOT give your dog aspirin without first consulting your veterinarian,
especially if your dog is already taking steroids or prescribed pain medication. New
studies have linked aspirin with gastric ulcers in dogs.
D R A M A M IN E
Used to reduce motion sickness.
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H Y D R O G E N PEROXIDE
Relieves diarrhea.
Relieves diarrhea.
35
MINE RA L O I L
Eliminates constipation.
CANINE DOSE: Up to 4 tablespoons daily.
CANNED PUMPKIN
Relieves diarrhea, eliminates constipation. (Note: use only 100%
pumpkin, NOT pie filling).
CANINE DOSE: 2-3 teaspoons every 8-12 hours
PEPTO B I S MO L
Relieves diarrhea, vomiting, and gas.
CANINE DOSE: 1 teaspoon per 5 pounds of body weight or 1 capsule per 20
pounds every 6 hours.
R O B I T U SS IN DM
Relieves coughing and hacking.
CANINE DOSE: 1 teaspoon per 20 pounds of body weight every 8-12 hours.
Arnold, B. (2016) Over-the-counter medications that are safe for dogs (and how much to give!).
Available at: http://www.do-gingtonpost.com/over-the-counter-medications-
that-are-safe-for-dogs-and-how-much-to-give/
(Accessed: 22 June 2016).
36
Eye Irritation: Use 1 percent saline solution to flush eyes.
Bite Wounds: Clean and treat wound with hydrogen peroxide and triple
antibiotic ointment
Garbage Raid: Give dog white bread and butter if you simply want
something to pass. If concerned about toxic substances,
call poison control.
Bee Sting or Allergies: Give Benadryl pills for generalized allergies and cream for
topical rash. Go to the emergency vet if pet is in distress.
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TIPS F O R THE
FIRST 3 0 D A YS
OF ADOPTION
38
One of Woodrock Animal Rescue’s priorities is to find forever homes for all the
animals we rescue. We are pro-life, and we believe every animal deserves the love
and security they’d find with a family in a forever home.
1. You’ll save a life. It is estimated that 2.7 million homeless animals are put down every
year.
2. You’ll get a great animal. Animal shelters are overflowing with healthy, happy pets
just waiting for someone to take them home.
3. It will cost you less. When you adopt, the costs of vaccinations, sterilisation and
microchipping is included in the cost of adoption. Depending on the animal, you may
even save on training expenses, and you might not need to do any housebreaking
training either.
4. You know what you’re getting. Buying from pet stores, online sellers or flea markets
sometimes means that the suppliers put profits over the welfare of the animals. This
can mean that the animals were bred and housed in horrendous conditions, are sick and
sometimes behaviourally troubled. Because rescue animals will have been with us for
some time while we nurture them back to health and society, problems are picked up
and treated, wherever possible.
5. You’ll feel proud about helping an animal in need. Not only do animals give you
unconditional love, but they have been shown to be psychologically, emotionally and
physically beneficial to their companions. Caring for a pet can provide a sense of
purpose and fulfilment, and lessen feelings of loneliness.
6. Adoption helps more than just one animal. Not only are you giving more animals a
second chance, but the cost of adoption goes toward helping care for other animals.
7. You’ll change a homeless animal’s whole world and gain a new best friend in the
process.
If you’re looking to adopt or want to find out more, call us on 082 925 3133,
or visit our website: https://woodrockanimalrescue.co.za/adopt/
Article: https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/top-reasons-adopt-pet
39
D O G ADOPTION:
MAKING YOUR HOUSE A HOME FOR YOUR NEW DOG
TOP TIP: Your new best friend needs structure, so brief your family on how to
treat your new best friend.
Determine where your dog will be spending most of their time. They will
be under a lot of stress with the change of environment (from shelter or
foster home to your house), and they may forget any housebreaking
habits they have learned, if any. Often a kitchen will work best for easy
clean-up.
CRUCIAL
Bring an ID tag with your phone number on it with you when you pick up
your dog so that he has an extra measure of safety for the ride home and
the first few uneasy days. If he/she is micro-chipped, be sure to register
your contact information with the chip’s company.
40
First 3 0 days of adoption
• Store household chemicals on high shelves (or behind lock and key)
Reme plants.
• Reme rugs.
• Reme breakables.
• Set up a crate.
TRAINING
Ready, steady and go from the second your pet walks through your door.
TOP TIP: Take time to create a vocabulary list everyone will use when giving your dog
directions. This will help prevent confusion and help your dog learn commands
faster.
Moving stresses EVERYBODY out, and your new dog feels the same way!
PATIENCE: Give your new best buddy time to acclimatise to your home and family
before introducing him/her to strangers. Make sure children know how to approach the
dog without overwhelming them.
REMEMBER: Ask what and when they were fed. Replicate that schedule for at least the
first few days to avoid gastric distress.
41
First 3 0 days of adoption
FEEDING 101
If you want to switch food brands, do so over a period of about a week by
adding one-part new food to three parts of the old for several days; then
switch to half new food, half old, and then one-part old to three parts new.
car trips stressful, so having them in a safe place will make the trip home
TOILET TRAINING
Take your new pet to their toileting area immediately and spend a good
amount of time with them so they will get used to the area.
during this time, be prepared for accidents. A new home with new
people, new smells and new sounds can throw even the most
If you plan on crate training your dog, leave the crate open so that your
42
First 3 0 days of adoption
Nail down your schedule of feeding, toileting, play and exercise. From Day
One, your dog will need family time and brief periods of solitary confinement.
Don’t give in and comfort them if they whine when left alone. Instead, give
them attention for good behaviour, such as chewing on a toy or resting
quietly.
43
First 3 0 days of adoption
WHEN IN DOUBT
If you encounter behaviour issues you are unfamiliar with, ask your veterinarian for a
trainer recommendation. Select a trainer who uses positive-reinforcement techniques
to help you and your dog overcome these behaviour obstacles.
Congratulations! If you follow these tips, you’ll be on your way to having a well-
adjusted canine family member.
Sara (no date). Tips for the First 30 days of dog adoption.
Available at: https://www.petfinder.com/dogs/bringing-a-dog-home/tips-for-first-30-days-dog/
(Accessed: 22 June 2016).
44
First 3 0 days of adoption
CAT A D O P T I O N :
MAKING YOUR HOUSE A HOME FOR YOUR NEW CAT
BE PREPARED
2 IMPORTANT words when bringing a new pet into your home. Cats are
particularly sensitive to new surroundings and some may hide under a bed or in a
closet for days or even weeks. You can avoid pitfalls with your new kitty and help
him or her adapt more easily.
PURRfect TIP: provide a small area to call their own for the first few days or
weeks. A bathroom or laundry room works well. Furnish the room with cat
amenities, such as food, water and a litter box. You’ll want to spend time with
your cat, so make sure there’s a comfortable place for you to sit as well.
PURRfect TIP: Set up a feeding station with food and water bowls. Locate it away
from the litter box.
45
First 3 0 days of adoption
A cat’s claws need to be worn down, and they do this by scratching on things.
Since you prefer that it not be your chairs and sofa, provide your cat with a
socially acceptable scratching place. Some types are made of corrugated
cardboard and lie on the floor; others are posts which have to be tall enough
so that the cat can extend themselves upward to scratch.
46
First 3 0 days of adoption
HOW TO START
PLEASE NOTE: Firemen can be sexy until they are jackhammering your floor to
rescue your cat. Look for holes or registers that leave ductwork accessible
and cover them up. A kitten can easily crawl into one of these.
INTRODUCTION 101
Introducing your new cat to new pets is best done by slowly bringing the
newbie into the same room with the doors closed.
47
First 3 0 days of adoption
PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE
Sit on the floor, let them come to you. Don’t force anything. Just let your kitty
get acquainted in their own time. If they don’t approach, leave them alone and
try again later. Some cats are particularly frightened, and your cat may retreat
to their hidey hole and not come out when you’re around at all. They may only
come out at night when the house is quiet.
REMEMBER: Your newly adopted cat may not eat much or at all at first.
KEEP the same food they had at the shelter or in their foster home. Keeping
some things familiar will make your cat feel more secure. Be sure to change
their water frequently and make sure they are drinking.
47
48
First 3 0 days of adoption
MONITOR FEEDING
If your cat hasn’t eaten for a few days, call your vet to ask for advice.
FOLLOWING WEEKS
It may take your cat a week or two to adjust.
BE PATIENT. Within a week of being adopted, take your new cat
for their first wellness visit at a veterinarian.
IMPORTANT: If you have a record of immunizations from the shelter, take it
with you.
EXPLORING
As your cat adjusts, they will show signs that they want to venture outside
their safe haven. Make sure other pets or family members won’t startle
them while they gradually expand their territory. Your cat may be ready to
play, so you can get some toys.
49
First 3 0 days of adoption
WOODROCK
PET HOTEL
Woodrock Pet Hotel is a luxury pet boarding facility that
goes above and beyond, to give your dogs the five-star love
and attention they need when you’re away from them.
Nestled on the beautiful slopes of the peaceful Hennops River Valley (just 20
minutes north of Fourways Mall), is a magical place where animals and humans
come together as a happy family.
Woodrock Pet Hotel provides the highest levels of care and pampering for
your treasured pets. he levels of love and attention every animal receives
makes their stay ones you can trust completely, with total peace of mind. Our
respectable, loyal clients agree, and entrust us with the care of their pets year
after year.
50
IDENTIFYING &
DEALING WITH
EMERGENCIES
51
Dealing with emergencies
by www.vetdepot.com
First aid is not a replacement for veterinary care. Ideally, one person attends to
the pet while another calls the vet for advice on what to do next.
THINK FAST: If you are the only one there, you should call the vet once you
have stabilised the pet’s condition.
52
Dealing with emergencies
BACK INJURIES
1. Place a piece of plywood, board, rug, blanket or something sturdy behind the pet’s
back.
2. Gently slide pet on to stretcher, while making sure to keep movement to a minimum.
3. Place a blanket over pet and hold the edges down to prevent the pet falling.
4. Transport pet to nearest vet.
53
Dealing with emergencies
CHOKING
Food or other objects can get caught in pet’s throat. As long as the
animal is coughing and or breathing, it is best to simply rush the
pet to your nearest vet. If the object becomes fully lodged in the
windpipe and the animal can no longer breath, a version of the
Heimlich maneuvre can be a LITERAL lifesaver.
1. Try and remove the object from the back of the throat with tweezers or your finger.
2. If you are unable to dislodge the object after a couple of attempts, lay the pet on the
ground on it’s side, place your hands over the widest part of its chest and press
down firmly to push out as much air out of the lungs as quickly as possible
3. REPEAT until the object is dislodged or you arrive at the vet.
54
Dealing with emergencies
HYPOTHERMIA
3. Wrap warm water bottles in blankets and place them under the blankets
with the pet or have a person snuggle with the pet inside the blankets
(body heat).
55
Dealing with emergencies
BURNS
1. Rinse the burnt areas with cold water for a few minutes, this will
remove any chemicals or heat from the area preventing further
damage.
56
Dealing with emergencies
POISONING
57
Dealing with emergencies
SHOCK
2. Lay the pet down in a position where its head is level with the rest of its
body.
58
Dealing with emergencies
1. Gently place small dogs or cats in a pet carrier with soft bedding
lining the bottom.
2. Larger dogs that are able to walk should be allowed to get into the car
with minimum assistance.
3. If a large dog cannot walk, follow the instructions listed under back
injuries.
4. Transport pet to nearest vet.
59
Dealing with emergencies
BROKEN LEG
1. If a wound is evident at the site of the fracture, cover it with a loose bandage
to prevent contamination and infection. Several pieces of paper towel can
be held in place with some tape of no bandage is available.
2. To stabilize fractures in the lower leg, roll-up some newspaper or a
magazine and wrap the leg and makeshift splints with cloth, tape or elastic
bands. The bandage should not be tight enough to compromise blood flow.
3. Do not try to straighten-out the leg before splinting it.
4. Start wrapping at the bottom of the leg, leaving the toes exposed and
moving up the leg as high as possible.
5. Transport the pet to the nearest vet.
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When a pet stops breathing and does not have a heart beat (feel by placing a
hand over the left side of the pet’s chest just behind the elbow), bystanders
can initiate CPR.
This is often not successful; it may give the pet time to get to the vet.
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Dealing with emergencies
HEAT STROKE
Heatstroke commonly develops when pets are left in cars, when they
exercise or when they don’t have access to cool water and shade
when temperatures are high. Symptoms include a bright red tongue
and gums, panting, weakness and collapsing.
1. Soak towels in cold water and place them around dog’s head, armpits
and groin.
2. Remove towels as they warm, soak them in cold water again and reapply.
3. If towels aren’t available, run cool (not frigid) water over the dog’s legs,
armpits, groin and belly.
4. If pet is able to drink, offer a cool bowl of water.
5. Transport the dog to a veterinarian in an air conditioned vehicle as
quickly as possible.
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Dealing with emergencies
SEIZURES
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Dealing with emergencies
1. Apply a clean cloth or paper towels over the wound and apply
pressure until bleeding stops.
2. Wrap the affected part of the body with an elastic bandage, strips
of cloth or tape to hold it in place as you take the pet to the vet.
3. If blood soaks through the bandage, apply another layer over the
top WITHOUT removing the first layer.
4. For chest wounds where air is leaking through the wound, place a
layer of plastic wrap over the wound, use petroleum or KY jelly to
stick the plastic wrap to the surrounding skin and bandage as
above.
5. If abdominal contents are protruding through the wound, gently
place them back inside the abdomen if you can do so with little
pressure and bandage as above.
6. For extreme bleeding from an extremity that doesn’t improve
with pressure, use a strip of cloth as a tourniquet above the
wound. Loosen it for 15 seconds every 15 minutes as you travel
to the veterinarian clinic.
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THE E N D