Whenever a cat or dog is injured it should be taken
to the vets as quickly as possible, however, there
are some things which can be done to ease the distress
and pain first.
BARBED
OBJECTS
Objects
such as fish hooks can become embedded in an animals
skin. Cut the hook free from any fishing
line, however, leave enough line attached to ensure
the hook is visible (especially if covered by
fur). If the hook cannot be easily freed,
gently ease it through until the barb is exposed.
Cut off the barb with wire cutters or pliers,
then ease the shank back and out through the original
incision. Clean and dress the wound and
take the animal to the vets immediately.
If
the hook has entered the eyes, mouth or ears DO
NOT attempt removal. Take the animal to
the vets immediately as an anaesthetic may be
required.
BITES
First
find the wound, then using small scissors cut
away the fur and clean with warm water containing
a little antiseptic. If possible, cover
the wound with a pad of clean cloth e.g. a folded
handkerchief and bandage it to hold pad in place.
These wounds should be seen by a vet as soon as
possible and they can turn septic.
With
cats the first sign of a bite may be an abscess
or swelling and it may become listless and off
its food. Bathe the swelling with warm water and
mild disinfectant and take it to the vets immediately.
BLEEDING
Locate
the source of the bleeding, cover with a pad of
clean cloth and bandage and visit the vet immediately.
BROKEN
LEG
If
an animal's limb is at an awkward angle it may
well be broken. Gently ease the leg into
a comfortable, more normal, position and, using
a piece of wood roughly the same shape as the
limb as a splint, bandage gently but firmly to
support the broken bone. Visit the vet immediately
being as gentle as possible.
CHOKING
Immediately
remove any collar. Hold its mouth open and try
to remove the offending object. Place an
object such as a spoon across the corners of the
animal's mouth to prevent the animal's jaw closing.
If the dog has swallowed a ball, try to get your
fingers behind it and hook out.
Even
if this action has been successful, do not let
the dog eat or drink, keep it warm and visit the
vet as the throat could have been damaged and
need professional attention.
HEAT
STROKE
Never
leave an animal in a car on a hot day.
If
a dog does get overheated, take it to a cool place
immediately and, using sponges, towels or any
other available material, soak it in cold water.
Wrap cold, wet towels around its head and body.
If possible give it ice cubes to suck. Take
it to the vets immediately.
LIMPING
There
can be several reasons for an animal limping.
Examine the affected leg from the paw upwards
for swelling, heat and obvious pain. Look
for cuts, grit, thorns or splinters, especially
in the pad.
Remove
any foreign bodies that will come out easily but
go very gently to ensure nothing is behind.
Clean any cuts in cold water. Do not attempt
to remove glass or anything which is firmly embedded
as slivers may be left behind, the animal should
be taken straight to the vet.
If
the leg is swollen bathe in hot water and mild
disinfectant and go to the vet.
If
there is signs of a septic wound apply a hot poultice
made from hot kaolin paste (available from chemists)
on a bandage. This will reduce the inflammation
until it can be seen by a vet.
POISON
If your pet shows
any of the following symptoms it is a possibility
it could have been poisoned. This can be
as a result of eating a poisonous plant, pills,
solvents etc:-
Symptoms:
Lack of co-ordination,
convulsions, coma, shivering, tremors, drooling,
panting, vomiting, diarrhoea or burns to the mouth.
Action:
- If your pet
is in a coma take it to the vets immediately.
- Try to find
out what your pet has swallowed. If a
toxic substance such has solvent, the container's
label may give an antidote. If you think it
was a corrosive poison such as acid or caustic
soda, wash its mouth out with milk or water
by holding the animal's mouth open and pouring
in the liquid.
- Call a vet nary
or vet nary hospital immediately.
- As long as your
pet is not convulsing or unconscious, let it
drink as much water as it wants, this will dilute
the poison.
- Take any remaining
toxic substance and/or packaging with you to
the vet. If you are not sure what it has
swallowed taking any suspected items.
- If you pet has
been sick, take a sample with you.
STINGS
If an animal is
stung by a wasp or bee it is usually around the
mouth area. If the sting is on the skin
rub in an antihistamine ensuring the cream is
kept away from the eyes and mouth. However,
if the sting is inside the mouth the animal should
be seen by a vet immediately.
courtesy of
http://www.hintsandthings.co.uk/
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