Emergencies happen — be ready to take care of your pets

by Dr. Jo Olver      

Hurricanes.  Thunderstorms.  Flash floods.  Auto accidents.  These are but some examples of unexpected emergencies that are worrisome and stressful for animals and humans alike.

But you can take a lot of the anxiety from these situations with preparation ahead of time.  The same applies for you and your family. 

Here are some common items to keep in a pet first aid kit and what you may need them for.

• •            Medical and vaccination records
• •            Bottled water for drinking or flushing wounds
• •            Collapsible bowls
• •            Treats to coax them to the car or a safer place and a small supply of food
• •            Small flashlight – check the batteries
• •            Soft muzzle, leash, and collar or harness
• •            Medical gloves for you if you have to treat wounds
• •            Tweezers for removing stingers, ticks, and other foreign materials
• •            Clean towels to clean a wound, act as stretcher, or wrap an anxious pet in (See online Thundershirt  — it helps calm your pet.)
• •            Emergency blanket for cold environments or a pet that is in shock
• •            Rectal thermometer as well as a water-based lubricant like KY jelly (normal human digital thermometer from the pharmacy – check with your vet office how to use it properly as they are not used in the mouth as with humans.)
• •            Antiseptic soap (antiseptic hand soap NOT hand sanitizer) to clean around small wounds. 
• •            Saline solution or just use your bottled water to flush (pour carefully and slowly into the wound and let it come out naturally) deep wounds.
• •            Canine or feline-specific NSAIDs provided by a veterinarian – NSAID stands for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and helps pain, swelling and inflammation.  Some especially found in the pharmacy are dangerous or fatal for cats and dogs.
• •            Antihistamine for mild allergic reactions to stings, bites, or ingestions – get type and dose from your vet.
• •            Cold compress for decreasing swelling and inflammation.
• •            Gauze, tape, elastic wrap, scissors – if swelling occurs after you have placed a bandage, remove it and replace less tightly.  Check bandaging details with your vet office.
• •            Cotton balls or swabs.
• •            Burn relief gel or aloe vera to apply on skin (topical).
• •            Hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting if you know or suspect they have eaten something they should not – check with your vet office to get the dose and directions for your pets, and when not to use it.
• •            Milk of Magnesia or activated charcoal – give this after they vomit as these products tend to bind toxins or poisons.  This helps prevent them from being absorbed into the body.
• •            Saline solution for flushing wounds/eyes.
• •            Eye dropper or syringes for flushing wounds or administering oral medications.
• •            Antibiotic ointment to help prevent infection, relieve pain, and act as a barrier from bacteria and germs – honey is the best for our purposes here and you can put some in your tea!

Keep everything in a watertight bag or plastic container and in an accessible place.   A brightly colored container or bucket with lid would make an excellent Pet First Aid container.

Remember that first aid does not take the place of veterinary care – if and when possible, and as soon as possible, have a vet visit. 

Teach your dog to walk nicely on a leash – short daily training with treats will ensure that they will not be completely scared if they have to suddenly wear a leash when going to the vet, or transported to a safe place. 

Get a safe secure carrier or basket with lid and zip ties to safely transport your cat.  A towel or small sheet to partially cover an open basket will make the cat feel more secure.  Don’t let them out until you are in a safe place to do so or you risk your cat darting away.

FIRST AID needs to occur when you are unable to get your animal to the vet (maybe the office is not open, maybe you are waiting for transport, or for other reasons).

FIRST AID always involves putting your animal in a safe confined space, provide a water bowl with fresh water, provide a clean and dry comfortable place to lay, allow them to rest, put pressure or a bandage on a bleeding wound.  DO NOT give medication unless you know what it is, what it is used for and you have been provided dosing information from your veterinarian.

Lots of good websites to get more information such as https://thesavvysitter.org/blog/preparing-for-a-hurricane-with-your-pet

Remember the importance of Prevention and Preparation!

PET OF THE WEEK 

We have many adorable pets that need loving homes Come in and adopt one of our pets, like this little cutie who is looking for someone to love. Please come visit us at the Veterinary Clinic in Tafuna. All our pets up for adoption have all the shots they are eligible for and are healthy and ready for a loving home. 

Check our new ASDOH adoptions Facebook site for current puppies, kittens, dogs and cats who really, really need to find a home. 

And if you’ve lost a pet, be sure to check at the Animal Services Shelter if your dog is missing! We just reunited a dog and its owner this week – the dog went missing and it was turned in at the shelter.