First Aid for Cats and Dogs

Check List Safety First for Dogs

Do provide your dog with their own warm basket or box in a quiet place.

Do take them for regular walks whatever the weather.

Do take them out on a lead in traffic.

Do make sure they have an Identity Disc on the collar and are Microchipped.

Do reward them when they behave especially well.

Don’t pull their ears or tail.

Don’t leave them alone for long periods of time.

Don’t leave them in a hot car.

Don’t let them out on their own.

Don’t shout at them or kick them.

Transporting a Dog to the Veterinary Practise or Animal Hospital

It is not always possible for a Vet to come and see your dog; in fact, it is often better to take them to the surgery, where there is specialised equipment to deal with emergencies. If there is any possibility that the dog may have been given anaesthetic, for example to stitch a cut foot or to X-ray a broken leg, do not give them anything to eat or drink.

To transport an injured dog to the Vet or Animal Hospital, place a blanket or an old coat on the ground above the back as they are lying, then gently lift and pull, body first legs trailing, onto the blanket. In this way any broken legs or other injuries will be pulled onto the blanket in a way less likely to cause further injury and distress.

If the dog is attempting to bite, tie the mouth gently but firmly with a bandage (a necktie, belt or dog lead will do in an emergency). Tie it firmly under the jaw and secure the loose ends behind the neck.

Should the dog be very difficult, they may be secured by putting the end of a dog lead through the handle and dropping the noose so formed over the head. However if the dog struggles and then collapses, release the noose immediately.

Two people can pick up the corners of the blanket to form a soft stretcher and can transfer the dog to the back seat of a car or the back of an estate car, The person walking backwards should go right through the car so the dog in the blanket can be lowered onto the back seat. Contact your Vet practise or Animal Hospital before leaving so that they can be prepared to deal with the emergency.

Acute Diarrhoea

Signs:Very loose motions which may contain blood and may be accompanied by vomiting and weakness of the hind legs. This can be a sudden emergency.

Action: Withhold all food and keep the dog warm. Offer a small amount of glucose (available from the chemist - a tablespoon of glucose to a pint of water). If the dog is weak take to a Vet quickly, if the dog is otherwise bright take himduring normal surgery hours.

Bloat

Signs: Stomach full of gas and greatly expanded in size.

Action: An emergency – go to the Vet or Animal Hospital immediately.

Choking

Signs: The dog may try to vomit,or he may tear frantically at his mouth with his paws.

Action: Try to open the dog’s mouth and remove the foreign body, often a piece of bone or wooden stick gets stuck across the roof of the mouth. In some case general anaesthetic is needed for it to be safely removed. In all cases take to Vet for check up.

Collapse

Signs: The dog will lie on his stomach or side and be unable to rise. He may be breathing heavily.

Action: Get Veterinary advice as soon as possible. In the meantime transfer the patient onto a suitable mattress or blanket and keep him warm unless the reason is obvious for example heat stroke. Do not let the dog lie on one side for more than 20 minutes.

Cut Foot

Signs: Sudden bleeding from a foot or leg without lameness often occurs on beaches and when dogs swim ponds containing broken glass. Similar signs may be shown by a claw broken near its base.

Action: If bleeding is profuse wrap foot in lint or cotton wool and apply a firm roller bandage with even pressure round the claw. Take the dog to the Vet for whatever treatment is required. Never use and elastic band or other constricting material.

Earache

Signs: The dog will scratch his ear or ears and hold his head on one side and shake it.

Action: If there is a very sudden onset, there may be a grass seed in the ear. Contact your Vet, but do no put anything into the ear. In less acute cases, if it is necessary to wait for professional treatment, put a little warm olive oil (pour a few drops of olive oil in a teaspoon and light a match under it to warm it through – make sure it is only tepid) or medicinal liquid paraffin into the ear.

Fits

Signs: Sudden uncontrolled spasmodic movements, often with champing of the jaw and usually accompanied by salivation. The dog may fall onto his side. There may be violent twitching of the muscle across the top of the head and down the neck.

Action: Remove the collar if it tight, and be sure that the dog cannot injure himself. Make sure that he can breathe by holding the head and neck extended if necessary. Keep in a darkened and quiet room until you can get help, and prevent all sudden noises - doorbells, slamming doors etc. Most fits are over quite rapidly. Make a note of the exact signs shown by your dog and seek professional advice as soon as possible.

Note: If it is not your dog and this happens in mainland Europe, please be aware fits can be associated with the disease Rabies. So do what you can as above if applicable and wear gloves. Contact a vet as soon as possible.

Heart Attack

Signs: Usually the owner is already aware that the dog has a heart condition. Attacks often occur in hot weather after exercise, particularly in older dogs.

Action: Lie the dog on his side with the head and neck extended. Open doors and windows to obtain as much fresh air as possible. If the tongue becomes blue, or breathing stops, massage the chest vigorously. Obtain veterinary advice immediately.

Injured Eye

Signs: One eye is suddenly very sore or is kept closed.

Action: Look for and carefully remove any obvious foreign body, such as a grass seed. This may be done by washing the eye with clean warm water and thus flushing out the foreign body. Keep the dog in semi-darkness. Take him to a Vet for treatment. If this is not possible immediately, add a drop of olive oil or medicinal liquid paraffin in the eye as an emergency measure and prevent the dog from rubbing the affected eye with his paws or on furnishings.

Poisoning

Signs: There may be sudden acute sickness, prostration or violent muscular movements. These can also be symptoms of other conditions.

Action: If the dog is seen to swallow a known poison, induce vomiting by pouring a solution of salt down the throat (a teaspoonful in a tumbler of water for an average sized dog). Only give milk if the substance swallowed is at all corrosive. Never do this more than once and never if your dog is unconscious. Seek your Vet’s or Animal Hospital’s advice quickly se Vets page. Take with you the rest of the poisonous agent and its packaging if it is available and the location of the poison if it was outside. Report this location firstly to your Vet see Vet page and secondly to the Policia Local 956 450400 (Cadiz Province, Andalucia) on 091 or 092 (for Spanish National Telephone Numbers) or the Guardia Civil 956 450079 (Cadiz Province, Andalucia) or on 062 (Spanish National Telephone Number) to prevent this from happening again to anyone else’s animal. These professions are obligated to report the location of the poison to a central unit in the region to try and monitor who and where this is happening so that a prosecution can take place.

For information on Poison Toxicology phone 915 620420 (Spain). It is serious and illegal, causing painful deaths. It is your duty to report it.

Note: Procession Caterpillars are active near Umbrella Pine Trees during the months of January and February. For more information please look on the internet. They behave as their name and are deadly if swallowed by dogs and cats. Even if a dog licks them their tiny hairs can cause the dog’s tongue to swell up, where amputation is necessary if it does not die from choking. Keep your dog on the lead when walking near pine forests during these months.

Road Traffic Accident

Signs: You may see the accident or your dog may return obviously injured or lame. Action: Restrain your dog if necessary to prevent further injury and get it and bystanders away from the side of the road. See notes on ‘Transporting a dog to the Veterinary practise or animal hospital’ above to avoid being bitten. Be careful with injured limbs. Put a cold compress on any obviously bleeding points, but above all keep the dog warm and comfortable. Contact your Vet or Animal Hospital for further advice as soon as possible. Do not leave your dog lying in the road.

Stings and Snake Bites

Signs: Sudden acute pain or irritation often followed by swelling. If the sting is in or near the throat, breathing may be difficult.

Action: Keep the dog cool and avoid any exercise. Bathe the swelling with cold water. Take the dog to the Vet for treatment if the swelling persists for more than one hour, or as soon as possible if it on its face or neck. Keep the tongue forward and the airway clear if breathing is difficult.

First Aid for Cats

Check List Safety First for Cats

Do check washing machines before loading and after loading

Do check cupboards, wardrobes, ovens, fridges, freezers and garages before shutting the doors.

Do keep the toilet lid down.

Do keep electrical appliances above ground level so that your male cat cannot spray on them - get your male cat neutered, castrated to prevent this.

Do cover all outdoor water containers, ponds and water butts.

Do check beneath your car before driving off – this is a common accident. Even stray kittens can get into the engines of warm cars.

Don’t slam doors shut without first looking.

Don’t leave food out unattended on table tops and work surfaces.

Don’t leave the bathroom door open when running a bath.

Don’t leave ornaments in precarious places.

Don’t use nylon netting with holes bigger than one inch (2.5cm) for covering trees or gaps in fences.

Don’t let your cat onto areas where you have used insecticides and weed killers.

Transporting a Cat to the Veterinary Practise or Animal Hospital

It is not always possible for a Vet to come and see your cat; in fact, it is often better to take them to the surgery, where there is specialised equipment to deal with emergencies. If there is any possibility that the dog may have been given anaesthetic, for example to stitch a cut foot or to X-ray a broken leg, do not give them anything to eat or drink.

A container is essential to transport a cat in a car. If a proper cat basket is not available, a stout cardboard box such as those used to contain twelve wine or spirit bottles makes a good substitute. Cut or punch small holes for ventilation and tie the box firmly with string or adhesive tape. Do not make the common error of half-filling the box with a cushion, as this will not leave enough room for the cat. A few layers of newspaper or an old woollen garment are ideal. Pick up the injured cat by supporting it firmly from underneath and steadying its head. If a cat is vicious, the best method is to drop an old thick coat or blanket over it. Tuck the edges towards and under the cat and pick up the whole bundle and put it in the box taking care not to suffocate the patient.

Contact your Vet practise or Animal Hospital before leaving so that they can be prepared to deal with the emergency.

Abscesses

Signs: An abscess is an infected pus filled swelling which is frequently the result of failing to treat a bite. Sometimes a large tense lump is noticed; usually the abscess is only noticed after it has burst and produces a large, smelly wound. Abscesses often occur around the head and at the root of the tail as a result of cat fighting. Bites from cats infected with or which are carriers of the Cat Leukaemia disease (Feline Panleucopoenia) spread this disease to otherwise healthy cats. Ensure your cat has been Vaccinated against Cat Leukaemia (Feline Panleucopoenia) which kills 1 in 5 cats before they reach the age of three years. It is at epidemic proportions in the cat population because of the amount of untreated stray and street cats and pet cats not receiving the vaccination protection.

Action: An intact abscess should be drained and cleaned by your vet. They will give appropriate treatment and tell you how to keep the wound clean. Veterinary treatment will probably still be necessary even after an abscess has burst. It is essential that the wound is kept open until all the infection has been eliminated. Bathing the wound with a warm solution of salt water is often beneficial.

Acute Diarrhoea

Signs: Loose or soft motions and a cat which is obviously ill. Diarrhoea in the young kitten can be very dangerous.

Action: Withhold food and give only liquids. Withholdmilk. If diarrhoea is severe or if it persists for more than 12 hours, seek professional help.

Bites

Signs: Pet cats are often bitten by other cats. The bites are usually small puncture wounds rather than tears in the skin.

Action: Sudden lameness or swelling of one leg or the tail root is often caused by a bite. Puncture wounds do not drain easily and antibiotic treatment is usually necessary. Antibiotics should only be given professionally. If the condition is untreated an abscess may develop. Keep in a darkened quiet room until seen by a vet. Never give aspirin or paracetamol to a cat.

Bone or Needle stuck in the Mouth or Throat

Signs: The cat will shake its head or scratch its ears. On closer examination the ear(s) may be found to contain foreign matter which may smell. Tiny white mites may occupy the ear and cause a good deal of irritation.

Action: Pending proper treatment, some relief may be given by putting warm olive oil (pour a few drops of olive oil in a teaspoon and light a match under it to warm it through – make sure it is only tepid) or medicinal liquid paraffin in the ears. Gently remove any wax or debris which is softened., Do not probe down into the ear or use any spirit preparation.

Gingivitis (sore gums) Stomatitis (sore mouth)

Signs: Very sore mouth usually with scale (tartar) on the teeth. The gums are reddened and ulceration may be present. The cat is reluctant to eat or drink, or may do so with its head on one side. There may be one or more loose teeth.

Action: Proper dental treatment under anaesthetic is usually necessary. This may be accompanied by treatment for the mouth and gum infection.In an emergency, as a temporary measure, bathe the mouth with a warm, very dilute salt solution.

Influenza

Signs: these are very infection viral diseases in cats. Outbreaks most commonly occur in summer. The first signs are sneezing, moist or running eyes and nose, sometimes with profuse salivation.

Action: These diseases are very infectious, so isolate your cat from other cats and keep them warm and dry. He will usually continue to eat until the nasal passages become congested. Nowadays prompt treatment will save the greatmajority of cases. Do not take a cat with ‘flu’ into a crowded waiting room at the Vets – leave them outside in the car, if that is possible, until called in for attention. It is particularly important to ensure the cat drinks planty of fluids, even spoon feeding if necessary. Please note that there is a Vaccination to protect your cat and ultimately other cats from this disease, speak to your vet about Vaccination.

Poisoning

Signs: Usually very obvious and dramatic with marked hypersensitivity to all stimuli such as sound, touch and light. The signs can be produced by other conditions.

Action: Put animal into a quiet,dark room and contact your vet for advice. If possible take a sample of what has been eaten to the Vet surgery or Animal Hospital. Take with you the rest of the poisonous agent and its packaging if it is available and the location of the poison if it was outside. Report this location firstly to your Vet see Vet page and secondly to the Policia Local 956 450400 (Cadiz Province, Andalucia) on 091 or 092 (for Spanish National Telephone Numbers) or the Guardia Civil 956 450079 (Cadiz Province, Andalucia) or on 062 (Spanish National Telephone Number) to prevent this from happening again to anyone else’s animal. These professions are obligated to report the location of the poison to a central unit in the region to try and monitor who and where this is happening so that a prosecution can take place.

For information on Poison Toxicology phone 915 620420 (Spain). It is serious and illegal, causing painful deaths. It is your duty to report it.

Note: Procession Caterpillars are active near Umbrella Pine Trees during the months of January and February. For more information please look on the internet. They behave as their name and are deadly if swallowed by dogs and cats. Even if a cat licks them their tiny hairs can cause the cat’s tongue to swell up, where amputation is necessary if it does not die from choking.

Road Traffic Accident

Signs: Cats involved in accidents do not always show external signs of injury. Cat skin is very resilient and may remain unbroken despite severe internal injuries. Cats which are found dead without obvious cause have usually died from internal injuries sustained in the accident.