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Whenever a cat or dog is injured it should be taken to the vets as quickly as possible, however, there are some things which can be done to ease the distress and pain first. Anti-freeze Poisoning Animal Concern Advice Line (ACAL) has issued a warning on the danger anti-freeze poses to animals. Ethylene glycol, the active ingredient in most types of anti-freeze, has a sweet taste which attracts animals. Ingesting only small amounts can cause a slow, painful death. BARBED OBJECTS Objects such as fish hooks can become embedded in an animals skin. Cut the hook free from any fishing line, however, leave enough line attached to ensure the hook is visible (especially if covered by fur). If the hook cannot be easily freed, gently ease it through until the barb is exposed. Cut off the barb with wire cutters or pliers, then ease the shank back and out through the original incision. Clean and dress the wound and take the animal to the vets immediately. If the hook has entered the eyes, mouth or ears DO NOT attempt removal. Take the animal to the vets immediately as an anaesthetic may be required. BITES First find the wound, then using small scissors cut away the fur and clean with warm water containing a little antiseptic. If possible, cover the wound with a pad of clean cloth e.g. a folded handkerchief and bandage it to hold pad in place. These wounds should be seen by a vet as soon as possible and they can turn septic. With cats the first sign of a bite may be an abscess or swelling and it may become listless and off its food. Bathe the swelling with warm water and mild disinfectant and take it to the vets immediately. BLEEDING Locate the source of the bleeding, cover with a pad of clean cloth and bandage and visit the vet immediately. BROKEN LEG If an animal's limb is at an awkward angle it may well be broken. Gently ease the leg into a comfortable, more normal, position and, using a piece of wood roughly the same shape as the limb as a splint, bandage gently but firmly to support the broken bone. Visit the vet immediately being as gentle as possible. CHOKING Immediately remove any collar. Hold its mouth open and try to remove the offending object. Place an object such as a spoon across the corners of the animal's mouth to prevent the animal's jaw closing. If the dog has swallowed a ball, try to get your fingers behind it and hook out. Even if this action has been successful, do not let the dog eat or drink, keep it warm and visit the vet as the throat could have been damaged and need professional attention. HEAT STROKE Never leave an animal in a car on a hot day. If a dog does get overheated, take it to a cool place immediately and, using sponges, towels or any other available material, soak it in cold water. Wrap cold, wet towels around its head and body. If possible give it ice cubes to suck. Take it to the vets immediately. LIMPING There can be several reasons for an animal limping. Examine the affected leg from the paw upwards for swelling, heat and obvious pain. Look for cuts, grit, thorns or splinters, especially in the pad. Remove any foreign bodies that will come out easily but go very gently to ensure nothing is behind. Clean any cuts in cold water. Do not attempt to remove glass or anything which is firmly embedded as slivers may be left behind, the animal should be taken straight to the vet. If the leg is swollen bathe in hot water and mild disinfectant and go to the vet. If there is signs of a septic wound apply a hot poultice made from hot kaolin paste (available from chemists) on a bandage. This will reduce the inflammation until it can be seen by a vet. POISON If your pet shows any of the following symptoms it is a possibility it could have been poisoned. This can be as a result of eating a poisonous plant, pills, solvents etc:- Symptoms: Lack of co-ordination, convulsions, coma, shivering, tremors, drooling, panting, vomiting, diarrhoea or burns to the mouth. Action:
STINGS If an animal is stung by a wasp or bee it is usually around the mouth area. If the sting is on the skin rub in an antihistamine ensuring the cream is kept away from the eyes and mouth. However, if the sting is inside the mouth the animal should be seen by a vet immediately. The following was kindly sent into us by "Linda" - "My cat just had a tumor removed and kept scratching at it.
He pulled the incision open and I had to take him back to the Dr. before I could
get there I started giving him an antihistimine to calm him down and to stop the itching.
The Dr. said it was a great thing to do since he needed to be still". WORMS I am a trainee vet nurse and would like you to share some information on fleas and worms in cats and dogs. Most of the flea and worming treatment that you can buy from pet shops don't work because they are old remedies to which fleas and worms have become immune. To deal with worms go to your vet and ask for worming tablets e.g. Drontal Panacur If your animals are in contact with small children or catch wildlife they need worming every 3 months other wise every 6 months larvae from the worms can cause blindness to children if ingested. FLEAS For fleas ask for Frontline or Advocate; the flea collars you can buy from pet shops don't work, The fleas bite the skin the products above are spot on treatments that are absorbed all over the skin and work within 24 hrs. Once treated, vacuum every room the pet goes in particular edges near skirting board then wash pets bedding and any other bedding pet comes into contact with. Just wanted to help lots of people come to our practise after spending lots of money for treatment from pet shops saying that its not working: only vets are allowed to sell strong enough treatments that work. Kaye Griffiths
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