When your pet has an emergency, being prepared is very important. This is why we have now completed a canine first response (CFR) and CPR course. In addition to 8 years experience as a veterinary assistant you can rest assured that should an emergency arise, your pet will be in good hands until a vet can be seen.
We are now well equipped to deal with: - Canine CPR and rescue breathing - Spinal injury management - Control of serious bleeding - Shock management - Heat stroke - Splinting broken limbs - Choking - Poisoning
* The canine first response (CFR) is a worldwide certification agency for first aid and CPR. This is the only course approved by canine first response.
** This course is designed to give a foundational knowledge of canine first aid and CPR and is by no means a substitute for comprehensive medical care provided by a veterinarian.
Basic first aid at home
There are a few circumstances where basic first aid knowledge can benfit your pet however it's always best to contact your vet as soon as you can.
Animal physiology is different to that of humans, so you should never use any human medications, especially pain killers and disinfectants without veterinary advice.
We recommend you first aid kit (specifically for pets) handy, and your vets emergency number in your phone.
Your pet's first aid kit
Sterile gauze pads and gauze bandage rolls
First-aid adhesive tape.
Cotton swabs
Tweezers and scissors
Small bottle of 3% hydrogen peroxide
Styptic pencil or cornstarch (stems blood flow from minor cuts)
Antibacterial ointment
Antiseptic cleansing wipes
A current pet first-aid book
Eyewash and eyedropper
Mineral oil (a laxative when given by mouth)
Digital or rectal thermometer
Latex gloves
Leash
Splint materials
Here are some common problems and ways in which you can provide assistance untill the vet can be contacted.
Heat stress
Move to a cool area
Cool animal slowly with a towel soaked in cold water.
Wrap tea-towel around ice pack and place between legs, armpits & paws.
Offer small amounts of water, preferably with electrolytes.
Cuts and wounds
If not too painful, gently clean the affected area with saline solution.
Apply ice pack wrapped in tea-towel for 10 minues if neccessary.
If bleeding is profuse, apply a pressure dressing, wrapping the dressing with moderate pressure.
Apply ice pack wrapped in tea-towel for 10 minues if neccessary.
* Some animals can be allergic to insect bites so monitor them closely, if swelling occurs, go straight to your vet as he will need treatment.
Vomitting or diahorreah
Vomitting or diahorrea can be caused by a number of things. If you suspect your pet may have come in contact with poison or swallowed something, seek veterinary help immediately.
If there is no apparent reason for the symptoms:
Starve for 24 hours (consult your vet first) Give fluids, preferably electrolytes. After 24 hour starvation, give small, but frequent portions of well boiled (boneless, skinless) chicken breast and rice for 2-3 days, then return to normal diet.
* If there is no improvement after the first 24 hours you should see a vet.
