Lesson 2: Responsible Pet Ownership
Emergencies and First Aid
It always happens to someone else (smile), yet it still may be wise to have a disaster plan for our pets as well as for ourselves. You can establish a buddy system so that friends can check on each other’s pets. Place stickers on the entrances of your home telling how many and what kind of pets live there to help rescuers. Plan ahead for evacuation locations for your pet. Keep a crate or leash for each pet in your household. Keep on hand, an emergency supply of food, water and any medications your pet may need. Know where local shelters and rescue organizations are. Have pictures of your pet available to aid in identification if lost. Keep id on your pet at all times.
Poisoning is a common pet emergency. Symptoms can be confusion, seizures, urinary or nose bleeds, diarrhea, salivating, stomach pain, or vomiting. If you suspect your pet has been poisoned, quick action is required to prevent permanent damage or death. The ASPCA Poison Control number is 1-888-426-4435. For more information on poisonings see http://www.best-pet-supplies.com/newslet...
An injured or very sick pet can go into shock. This means that his cardiovascular system shuts down and blood is not being circulated to vital body tissues. Symptoms are weakness, confusion, shivering, rapid heartbeat, irregular breathing, dilated pupils, and pale mucous membranes. Shock is fatal if the animal is not treated immediately, including intravenous fluids. Wrap the animal in a blanket to keep its body temperature normal, slightly elevate the lower body, and get veterinary help immediately. A blanket or floor mat can be used to transport a large animal. Caution: Always approach an injured animal with caution. Even a docile pet may bite when in pain. In the absence of vomiting, a rope or belt may be used to wrap around the nose, cross under the chin and tie behind the ears as a muzzle.
Animals can become dangerously ill by overheating, which is characterized by heavy panting, deep red tongue, rapid pulse (felt in the groin area), glazed eyes, unsteadiness or vomiting. If an animal is suffering from heatstroke, it is important to lower his temperature immediately. Move him into a cool place, sponge him with cool water and offer cool water to drink. Do not use cold water. Normal temperature in dogs is 100 to 102.5 and in cats a normal temperature is 100.5 to 102.5. You can check for dehydration by lifting up the skin over the shoulder. In dehydration it will not snap back right away.
“Mouth to snout” breathing and CPR may help when an injured or very sick pet stops breathing or has no heartbeat. Pull the tongue out and check the airway for obstruction. After it has been cleared, straighten the animal’s head in line with the neck, close its mouth and breathe into its nose. If the breaths do not go in easily, apply the Heimlich maneuver.
Turn the animal upside down with its back against your chest. In a “bear hug” give 5 sharp thrusts to the abdomen. Check the airway again. Clear it and try the mouth to nose breaths again. If they go in, continue with chest compressions as described below. If not, repeat the Heimlich.
CPR may be applied after the airway is cleared and breathing accomplished. Check for bleeding, and control that as necessary and then place the animal on its right side on a hard surface. Place the heel of your hands where its elbow meets its chest, approximately the middle of the rib cage. Compress the chest appropriately for the size of the animal, 10 to 15 times (3 compressions every 2 seconds), followed by 2 breaths. Repeat until the animal is breathing on his own. If he is not breathing after 10 or 15 minutes rescue actions are probably in vain.
Animals can not speak for themselves so it is always IMPORTANT to report any animal abuse, cruelty or neglect to local police or humane organization. According to information compiled by Dr. Shelburne of the Portland Veterinary Medical Association's animal welfare committee, studies of prison inmates reveal that as many as 75% of violent offenders have a history of animal cruelty. Dr Neil Barnard, psychologist, and president of the Physicians Committee of Responsible Medicine urges parents, guardians, and educators to seek immediate counseling for children who harm animals.
For more First-Aid info see http://www.petalert.com.au/faid/fa1.php
Something to Think About:
In his book, Dominion, Matthew Scully discusses the issue of human dominion and mercy concerning animals.
After reading page 135, why do you think one kind of animal is afforded more compassion than another?
Where do you think the value of an animal’s life comes from?
