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Pet
First Aid
Follow these
basic
rules
of first aid:
3
Be prepared
- keep your kit
up to date.
3
Don’t panic, take a deep
breath and try to think
logically
. Assess the
situation, is the animal in
danger of more injury, does
it need moving immediately
and how you can safely help
without putting yourself in
danger? If the animal tries
to bite you, you may need to
make a temporary muzzle.
You could use a looped shoe
lace, sock, scarf or belt to tie
around the mouth, but do
not muzzle if the patient is
having breathing problems
or has facial injuries.
3
Seek further help if a
situation is severe or you
are uncertain of anything.
First Aid
for your pet
Andrew Cornelius
BVSc, MRCVS
Kernow Veterinary
Group
Initial assessment
A
- Airway
Check that there is nothing in the
mouth causing a blockage. Check
airway by putting your hand in front
of the nose and mouth.
B
- Breathing
Feeling for air movement and checking
that the chest is moving. If the animal is
not breathing, start artificial respiration.
C
- Circulation
Is the animal’s heart beating? Place
your hand on the chest just below the
elbow, on the left side is easiest, to
feel for a beat.
Next, control any bleeding with
pressure from ideally a dressing but
if not available a towel or clothing.
Make the animal comfortable and
prevent heat loss by covering with a
coat, cardigan etc.
3
bandages -
a roll of self
adhesive or
crepe bandage
3
conforming/open-weave
bandages
3
some non-adhesive
absorbent dressings
3
surgical tape
3
curved, blunt ended
scissors
3
a roll of cotton wool
3
a packet of sterile
absorbent gauze
3
an Elizabethan collar
3
a towel
3
details of your local
vet’s address and phone
number
First aid kit
should include:
Contact the vet as
soon as possible
Always seek advice and phone
ahead so a vet can be made
available and staff will be able
to suggest the best immediate
action. For animals that are
fitting, possibly poisoned,
have broken bones, suspected
heat stroke, more serious
fight wounds or uncontrolled
bleeding seek veterinary
advice immediately.
Never give human medications
to an animal - many will do
more harm than good. Do not
offer food or drink in case an
anaesthetic is needed.
If you know the basics of first aid you may be able
to prevent your or another owners' animal suffering,
prevent a condition from worsening and perhaps even
save the animal’s life. Having basic knowledge and
materials on hand can allow you to make a big
difference to the outcome of an emergency situation.