First Aid

Bee stings

Bathe the affected area with a solution of bicarbonate of soda or soap. If the sting is in the mouth or on the face then bring your pet to the surgery immediately

Wasp stings

Bathe the affected area with a solution of vinegar. If the sting is in the mouth or on the face then bring the pet to the surgery immediately

Snake bite

Bring to the surgery immediately. Do not give antihistamines and stop all exercise

Small wounds

Clean the wound with water or saline solution. Control bleeding with pressure if necessary. Bring to the surgery for evaluation.

Bites and fights

If your animal has been involved in a fight the risk of infected wounds are high as animal's teeth, especially cats, are covered in all kinds of nasty bacteria. Minor skin abrasions can be cleaned with salty water. Deeper puncture wounds will need cleaning at the hospital and a course of antibiotics. If the animal's neck or chest have been injured more serious complications may arise so you should bring the animal to the surgery immediately.

Bleeding

Control bleeding with a bandage which is tied firmly or by keeping your fingers on the area for at least 5 minutes. A clean handkerchief or tea towel can be used. Bring your pet to the surgery immediately.

Scalds/burns

Cool affected area immediately with water and or ice. Continue cooling for at least 10 minutes. Remove hot fat with kitchen roll and then use cold water and detergent mix. Cling film can be applied over the burn to keep it moist and clean but no other dressings should be used. Chemical burns should be rinsed with copious amounts of water immediately. Bring your pet to the surgery after initial cooling.

Heat stroke

Animals should never be left in a car in warm or sunny weather. Remember even on quite cool days, the car will heat up fast in direct sunlight.

Start cooling with ice/water immediately and bring your pet to the surgery.

Blocked airways

Try to remove the foreign body if possible. Use the Heimlich manoeuvre to dislodge balls.

Using the Heimlich manoeuvre in pets

The animal should be held in a head down position so that the foreign body will fall from the mouth once dislodged. Small dogs and cats can be suspended by their hind legs, larger dogs may need to be suspended from the table edge or over a fence. Once in position a sharp punch should be administered to the abdominal wall, just behind the sternum and angled towards the dogs head. This should result in a cough that dislodges the foreign body. If this does not work then both hands can be placed either side of the animal chest and a sharp compression of the chest can be delivered. This procedure can be repeated 4 times.

Road traffic accident

See notes on bleeding and fractures

Bring your pet to the surgery straight away.

Fractured bones

Keep injured limb as still as possible. Bring your pet to the surgery straight away. Do not try and splint.

Paralysis

Bring your pet to the surgery straight away. Avoid twisting or jarring the spine in case of spinal injury. Use a towel or sheet as a stretcher. Let your pet find a comfortable position.

Unconsciousness

Ensure the airway is not blocked and that the animal is breathing okay. Bring your pet to the surgery straight away.

Convulsions and fits

Keep your pet in a dark and quiet room. Remain with him to prevent injury but do not touch or talk to him as this may make the situation worse. Make a note of the time the convulsions started. Phone the surgery for further advice.

Electrocution

Switch of the electricity supply. If not possible move the animal away from the supply with a dry wooden object such as a broom handle. Bring your pet to the surgery immediately.

Insulin overdose

Give an oral glucose solution e.g. honey, sugar water. Sugar solutions can also be smeared on the gums. Bring your pet to the surgery immediately.

Poisoning

Signs of poisoning can include excessive salivation, vomiting, strange behaviour, sleepiness and fitting.

Treatment depends on specific poison. Bring a sample and /or the packet with your pet to the surgery immediately.

Eye injuries

These injuries can occur as a result of a fight or a road traffic injury. They can also occur if your dog has been running through long grass and gets a grass seed in the eye, or they may indicate another medical condition. Signs of eye injuries include pawing at the face, excessive blinking, a fluid or jelly like substance on the surface of the eye or watering eyes.

Eye injuries are generally very painful and you should bring your pet to the surgery immediately without touching the area or investigating further.

The exception to this is when the animal's eye is out of the socket. The eyeball needs careful protection to prevent further damage. It is also important to reduce the pull on the nerves and blood vessels and to keep the inside of the socket clean. A clean cloth, dampened with clean water (or ideally sterile saline or contact lens solution) should be carefully placed over the eyeball and the socket area, if possible slightly, gently, lifting the eyeball towards the socket and then held in place against the side of the face. Immediate veterinary attention is required.

First Aid Kits

We can supply first aid kits for you to keep at home. Please enquire at the surgery.