Pam sat down in front of the TV for an evening snack and a rerun of "Friends" with her Miniature Schnauzers at her feet waiting for a morsel -- their eyes wide open, ears pricked high with their hot doggie breath hitting her legs. She tossed them each a kernel of popcorn and the food-hound of the duo gulped it at the speed of lightning! Suddenly he opened his mouth, gagged and then stopped coughing altogether before going silent. Not only was the food lodged in his tiny windpipe, Pam's furry child had stopped breathing!
Pet First-Aid is the immediate care given to an animal that is ill or injured and generally requires follow-up veterinary care. Veterinarians are the experts, but they are rarely on the scene when something happens to your pet, so by reacting quickly, effectively and confidently before professional medical care is available, you may save your best friend's life!
- To stop Bleeding, apply direct pressure with clean gauze before bandaging.
- Gently flush Burns with cool water. If blisters or charring are present, cover with a non-stick bandage to prevent infection and quickly get to your Veterinarian.
- For Heat Stroke (body temperature 104°F or higher), cool skin (paws, belly, pits and groin) with luke-warm to cool water and get prompt medical attention. Always provide shade and fresh water and never leave your pet in a parked car!
Examine your house from your pet’s perspective getting down on all fours. Remember…anything on the floor can end up in his mouth!
- If you suspect Poisoning, call your Veterinarian or Poison Control (ASPCA 888-426-4435). You will be advised to dilute the poison (caustic substances) or induce vomiting by administering one tablespoon of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide per 15 lbs. of the animal’s weight and then get quickly to your Veterinarian or Emergency Animal Hospital.
- For Choking incidents, use your fingers to remove any visible obstruction, but look at what you’re doing – do not blindly sweep his mouth. If that doesn’t work, a modified version of the Heimlich Maneuver may be necessary which can be learned in a Pet First-Aid Class. Stand behind animal and place your arms around his waist keeping his head down. Close your hand making a fist and place your fist in the soft part of the stomach just behind the last rib (use just a couple fingers for smaller pets). Grasp the fist with your other hand and compress the abdomen by pushing up in a quick and rapid manner similar to the Heimlich Technique commonly performed on humans. If pet goes unconscious, lay him on his side and compress lungs by squeezing with the heel of your hand (or a few fingers) on the side of his chest to dislodge object.
- CPR can keep pets alive on the way to the animal hospital. Breathe into your pet’s nostrils (only if he is not breathing at all) and compress his chest (only if he does not have a pulse) with the heel of your hand or several fingers – alternating 2 breaths to 5-10 or 15 compressions depending on size of the animal (5 for animals 20 lbs and under; 10 for up to 50 lbs; 15 for 50 lbs+).
Locate your nearest Animal Emergency Center and learn Pet First-Aid before you wish you had. Classes are available every few weeks throughout Southern California in which you can practice these skills.
Fortunately for the Schnauzer, his owner knew how to perform the Canine Heimlich and the popcorn kernel flew out of his doggie mouth. Unfortunately though, he was quicker than his human and retrieved it, but this time swallowed without a problem.
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