Mary Allen
In the summer, many people spend more time outdoors with their pets, which in turn increases the risk of accidents and injured animals. Ensure your holiday peace of mind by having basic knowledge of first aid and avoiding the most common dangers.
During the summer months, we enjoy being out in nature and are happy to take cats and dogs out to the summer cottage or in the woods. But in the summer there are also many risks, such as vipers, heat and drowning accidents. If you are also traveling, it can be a long way to the nearest veterinary clinic.
– We get many emergency visits from seriously ill or injured animals during the summer months. What many do not know is that you can give your pets first aid in much the same way as humans. With basic knowledge, you can both buy time until you have reached the nearest veterinarian and potentially save the life of your best friend, says Carol Ringstrom, legal veterinary nurse and unit manager at AniCura Gardet’s Animal Clinic.
First Aid ABC
If your pet becomes seriously ill or injured, you should, as with humans, check ABC – breathing, bleeding, and shock:
Breathing: Look at the animal’s chest or hold your hand in front of your nose and feel for the breath. If the animal is not breathing, cardiopulmonary resuscitation is needed. A cardiac massage is given with one or both hands on the side of the chest behind the left elbow. Artificial respiration is given via the nostrils, with the head extended and the airways free of obstructions. Give 30 quick chest compressions for about 15 seconds, followed by two mouth-to-nose breaths. Repeat until the animal begins to breathe on its own or comes under care.
Bleeding: When breathing works properly, the next step is to stop major bleeding. Pressure bandages may need to be applied to prevent the animal from losing too much blood. Press several compresses, a roll of gauze, or a clean piece of cloth against the wound. Maintain the pressure while the animal is being transported to the animal hospital, by keeping your hand pressed against the bandage.
Shock: To assess if the animal is in shock, start by looking at the lining of the mouth by lifting the upper lip. The mucous membrane should be pink and moist, if it is pale and grayish it indicates poor blood circulation. Also check the animal’s heart rate by feeling the inside of the thigh, up towards the groin. Normal heart rate is about 60 – 120 heartbeats/minute for dogs and 110 – 130 heartbeats/minute for cats. Pale mucous membranes in combination with a fast, fluttering pulse can indicate that the animal is on its way into shock. Then it is important to get to the animal hospital for emergency care quickly. Make sure the animal is kept warm and has its head low in relation to the body unless the dog or cat has serious head injuries.
– Just as it is important to practice first aid for humans, it is just as important to practice on animals. But the best insurance is of course to think through in advance what dangers the dog or cat may face this summer so that they can be prevented. For example, never leave the animal in the car in the summer, make sure that the dog wears a life jacket at sea and try to ensure that they do not have the opportunity to rush out on roads in front of vehicles, says Carol Ringstrom.
Other Conditions That Need Urgent Veterinary Care
Stomach upset in a dog: The stomach swells up and the dog becomes anxious and drowsy. It can try to vomit without getting anything up and can look at its stomach. Symptoms of stomach upset occur quickly and the condition is life-threatening.
Urinary obstruction in cats: The cat repeatedly tries to walk on the crate without being able to urinate, or there are only a few drops that are often mixed with blood. The cat may also appear to be in pain when trying to urinate. The longer the urine stop lasts (hours), the worse the cat feels, as urea penetrates into the blood. The condition can be life-threatening if the cat does not come under care.
Ingestion of foreign objects or toxic substances: If you see or suspect that the dog or cat has ingested something inappropriate, go to the vet as soon as possible. Vomiting agents can often be given if it has not been too long after the ingestion. How long you wear varies depending on what is swallowed and whether the animal has been on an empty stomach or not, but it is usually a couple of hours. NOTE – do not try to try to make the dog or cat vomit at home through various home remedies, as this can affect the animal negatively and make treatment more difficult.
Eye damage: Either pinch or squint the animal with the eye. Red and watery eyes are often seen. In the worst case, an injury or disease in the eye can quickly lead to blindness and it is important that the animal goes to the vet quickly.
Algae poisoning, viper bites, and heat stroke are other conditions that are common during the summer and when you should always see a veterinarian urgently.
Always contact a veterinarian if you are unsure about your animal’s health.