Over the next couple of articles I will attempt to give a little insight to some common situations. You will find just as you did with the First Aid Kit, that there are a lot of similarities between animal and human needs. I must stress that the articles are just meant to be helpful just as taking a First Aid class is meant to be helpful. Never self diagnose your pet, consult a veterinarian. Hopefully, these article can help until you can get professional treatment.
The concept of First Aid means: emergency car and treatment of an injured or ill patient until proper medical treatment is obtained. It may be critical to move the patient from further injury, but try not to make the situation worse ("DO NO HARM"). First Aid should never take the place of professional advice and care.
The first tool you will need is common sense. Remember, your pet cannot communicate to you the full nature of the injury or illness. Realize that your pet is probably going to be upset and frightened. Determine whether or not you will have to muzzle your pet. Take stock of the situation, and decide what equipment and help you will need. Relax yourself. Your being upset will only further upset your pet. Take a deep breath and talk calmly and softly to the injured pet. Use basic psychology. It works for pets as well. Treat your pet just as you would like to be treated in the same situation. You will accomplish more than you would expect. This will help your pet, yourself, and your veterinarian. Once you have conversed with a veterinarian and have decided to transport the pet to the hospital if necessary, DRIVE SAFELY! If a muzzle is necessary, one can be created from a belt, a necktie, or gauze. Wrap the gauze around the muzzle, cross the strips under the chin and then bring the gauze around the neck and tie it behind the ears. This will prevent the dog from biting you if it is upset. Small animals can be restrained in a blanket. Blankets can also be used to move an injured animal off the road. They can also be used warm and comfort an animal that is possibly going into shock. So, lets begin:
ALLERGIES -if you suspect allergies because the animal has hives, has swelling of the face or ears, vomiting or diarrhea, respiratory problems you should immediately contact your veterinarian. Some common allergies are spider bites, wasp or bee stings, foods, fleas, cedar, drugs such as penicillin or sulpha drugs. Keep your pet from biting or scratching itself, which may cause further problems such as infection. It's easier said than done.
ANAPHYLAXIS -this is a severe life threatening allergic reaction. In some cases not only will there be respiratory failure but also internal bleeding. This requires immediate veterinary treatment. Keep the pet warm and relaxed until you get there.
BURNS -It is rare that a dog gets burned accidentally by fire. Most common injuries are from falling into hot water, or having hot water or grease spilled on the animal. Pets can also get burns in the throat or esophagus from trying to eat hot foods that may have been dropped in the kitchen. All of these situations require veterinary care. Keep the pet relaxed in a clean spot until you get to the veterinarian.
BITE WOUNDS -assess the severity of the wound. Wash with lots of clean fresh water. Bandage and apply a pressure bandage if the pet is bleeding severely. Determine if the biter has rabies. Contact the veterinarian who will determine how quickly the injured pet needs to be seen.
This will be continued next week. If Jiminy Cricket were a cricket for pets instead of Pinocchio, he wouldn't be singing "Let your conscience be your guide" he would be singing "Let your veterinarian be your guide".
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Terrie Simpson, http://www.k9klearup.com. K9 KlearUp is the only organic dog balm guaranteed to help clear up the 17 most common canine skin and coat problems. See all the success stories at http://www.k9klearup.com.
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