First Aid for Pets

Fundamentals of First Aid Getting Emergency Treatment Road Traffic Accidents Bleeding Cuts and Wounds Burns/Scalds Foreign Bodies	Bloat Poisoning Fits Collapse Hyperthermia (heatstroke) Swelling from Insect/ Snake bites Safety Tips

Bloat Usually seen in large breeds of dog, often a few hours after feeding. The stomach swells rapidly, and the dog will often make repeated, unsuccessful attempts to vomit. The condition will progress rapidly and is fatal in most cases where emergency treatment is not given straight away. If you are suspicious that your dog is suffering from this condition, then you should get him/her to the hospital as soon as possible. Poisoning Correct treatment is highly dependent on the exact composition of the poison. Make every attempt to identify the product - bring in a sample of the product itself with the packaging along with your pet. DO NOT attempt to induce vomiting unless specifically instructed to do so by a vet. Remember everyday items such as chocolate and grapes or sultanas can be toxic to dogs. If you are concerned your pet may have eaten something untoward contact the hospital for advice.	Fits The majority of fits are self-limiting. First aid consists of removing anything your pet might injure itself on, and loosening any tight-fitting collars etc. Should fits last more than five minutes then emergency treatment at the hospital will be required. In every case, unless your animal is known epileptic, contact us for further advice. Collapse This may be due to a number of different causes such as heart problems, blood sugar/ salt disorders and diseases of the nervous system. Try to calm your pet and keep it warm. The majority of cases will require assessment by a veterinary surgeon to determine the cause of the problem and therefore the best course of treatment.