How to give first aid and other MUST-KNOW veterinary advice
As a pet owner; you should know that there are different types of emergencies that are likely to occur and, therefore, you need to be knowledgeable and prepared for any eventualities. If you reside in Markham, it is important to make sure that you work with a reputable and well experienced veterinarian who is not only equipped and staffed to handle an emergency, but also has the experience how to deal with them.
Being prepared for pet emergencies means you should see to it that you have an the phone number an a pet hospital equipped for emergencies on you. Also, having a well-equipped first aid with the necessary equipment is essential. Some of the most important items found in a first aid kit include non-stick bandages used to safeguard wounds and control bleeding, gauze for wrapping wounds, digital thermometer (remember, temperature should be taken rectally) and Hydrogen Peroxide 3% for inducing vomiting.
Safety Considerations when Using the Pet First Aid Kit
A first aid kit for your pet should be placed in a strategic location next to the one for the family where you can quickly remember in case of emergencies. In order to effectively use the first aid kit, you should ensure you have put on gloves to prevent contamination. Furthermore, you should not place a thermometer in the mouth of your pet and give medication using syringes. Avoid using a leash when transporting your pet and ensure wounds are cleaned using the right chemicals or just plain tap water if nothing else is at hand. If you are unsure of what you should have in your kit, consult with your veterinarian for more information.
Bite Wounds and Bleeding
These are some of the most common emergencies: It is, usually, difficult to determine the extent of the wound because the visual damage might not show the extent of the damage under the skin. Bite wounds should be treated with extreme caution and immediately referred to a veterinarian for expert medical help. These wounds are, usually painful and, therefore, you must be cautious when you approach your pet because it will definitely react when you touch the wound.
Wounds with significant debris should be rinsed out using Betadine or Chlorhexidine or saline which are all antiseptics. Bleeding wounds are tricky to deal with especially stopping the bleeding, and this is why you should make arrangements to visit a Markham veterinarian clinic as soon as possible. Meanwhile, large wounds should be covered with gauze but this could be a challenge depending on where the wound is located. Pressure should be applied to bleeding wounds to try and prevent further loss of blood. It is also advisable not to use a tourniquet and instead, antibiotics should be used to prevent infections. They will be given to you by your veterinary doctor.
Choking: Even if your veterinarian in Markham is near, chocking is a life threatening emergency and first aid must be immediately performed. The Heimlich manoeuvre technique is effective for chocking emergencies, but you need to ask your Markham veterinarian on know how to do it. It is performed differently than in people.
Burns: This are treated same way as human burns. In this case, you should apply soothing oil like Vitamin E or Aloe Vera to promote healing. Electric burns can be fatal, and immediate veterinarian Markham attention is required. All burns tend to get nasty infections and antibiotics are a must.
Seizures: If your pet has convulsions, it is important to stay calm, hold him or her down to avoid thrashing injuries and wait for the seizure to pass. Most seizures are under one minute, although it may be the longest minute of your life! Some pets throw up during a seizure. Make sure s/he does not aspirate the vomit, but be careful not to get bitten. Immediately after a seizure, bring your pet to the veterinarian since a fast examination will help determine the cause of the seizure and help us to prevent it from recurring.
If you found this blog informative, please share it with your friends on Facebook.
Dr. Ernst Marsig, veterinarian in Markham
Practicing Veterinary Medicine in Markham for a Long and Happy Life of ALL Your Pets.
Animal Hospital of Unionville, a pet hospital on the north side of Hwy 7, serving all pets in Markham, Richmond Hill, Scarborough, Stouffville, and North York since 1966. We are your family vets for dogs, cats, pocket pets (rabbits, chinchillas, gerbils, mice, rats, hamsters, guinea pigs, skinny pigs, etc.), ferrets, and birds (budgies, cockatiel, parrots, amazon, cockatoo, love birds, conures, African greys, finches, canaries, etc.).
Disclaimer: No part of this website constitutes medical advice. Readers are advised to consult with their veterinarian.
