MAY
2011: PET MEDICAL EMERGENCIES
As with
children, determining if your pet needs a trip to the vet or emergency clinic
can be nerve-wracking. Many times an injury will resolve itself, but, of
course, a pet caretaker can’t always know at the time. Just in case, it’s
important to know how to get to the closest 24 hour pet emergency center.
Also, compile an emergency Pet First Aid Kit that includes:
-bottle of
hydrogen peroxide, (always check first with your vet before inducing
vomiting) and a bulb syringe to administer the peroxide. - Saline eye solution
to flush eyes - Tweezers to remove splinters and stingers. - Thermometer (ear
thermometers are available for pets) - Muzzle (to protect against fear induced
biting).
- Dawn dish
detergent is an excellent neutralizer to cut through substances like oil or
other skin contaminates. – a can of your pet’s favorite wet food -
Benadryl for insect bites (1 ml/pet pound)- Towel or blanket to transport a
traumatized cat to a pet carrier.
Probably, a
rule of thumb is to have all injuries checked as soon as possible, but not
necessarily by a trip to a pet emergency center (which can be very
expensive and bring further trauma), when rest may be all that’s necessary
before seeing your primary vet. (http://canine-clippers.com/
Ingestion of
possible poisons, however, is a different situation altogether and needs
veterinary attention as soon as possible, because timing is the key to saving a
pet’s life. Ingestion of human medicine is a frequent emergency seen by
veterinarians. Remember: Any sugar-free product that contains Xylitol; e.g. Trident
chewing gum is extremely & rapidly toxic to pets. (http://www.canine-clippers.
If you
think your pet has eaten something toxic, stay calm, and try to work out what,
how much was eaten, and how much time has elapsed.
If you
found an empty or partially eaten container of something possibly harmful, be
sure to save it just as you found it. Note how your pet is behaving and keep
her with you while you call your vet. Has she vomited (don’t induce
vomiting unless instructed to do so.), drunk any water or eaten anything else
since then?
Get your pet to
the vet ASAP, but call first with the information you have. While you’re in
transit, they’ll have a chance to prepare and, if needed, contact Poison
Control. If you can’t reach your vet, call the ASPCA 24 hour Poison Control
Center at (888) 426-4435 and press 1. See
their FAQ sheet: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/
Other toxic
risks, especially if you hike with your dog, are snake bites. If your pet
returns from being outside with a wound, swelling, bleeding, weakness and pain,
suspect a bite and follow the same time sensitive protocol as with other
poisonings. Get your pet to a vet and, if possible, keep him stationary, with
the wound below heart level.
As in humans,
stinging insects like wasps or bees can cause Anaphylactic
shock in pets. Dogs and cats will respond to Benadryl, which can be
administered at a ratio of 1 ml per pound (children’s Benadryl should be
available for smaller pets). If a pet’ throat has started to swell and he can’t
swallow, the tablets can be applied rectally (better add plastic gloves to your
emergency kit!).
When attending
a pet in distress, also remember to protect yourself. Our pets don’t want to
bite, but, when traumatized, they may react from instinct, fear and self
protection. A cat bite, especially, can be very serious and, if bitten, needs
immediate attention. Cat saliva is very dirty and, because of the thin, pointed
shape of its teeth, bite wounds are likely to become infected very quickly and
need to be treated and drained, followed by antibiotics. See http://www.vetmed.lsu.edu/
If you would like to learn how to become a dog
groomer, our classes begin the second Tuesday of every month. Please contact
our Dumfries School at 703-221-3647.
On April 26, Scott Eason attended the Prince
William Chamber of Commerce “2011 Education Summit”. Canine Clippers School of
Pet Grooming was honored. for its involvement in Forest Park High
School’s work release program. For several years we've been participating
in the program, whereby disabled students can intern at our school, with a
couple of students moving on to become employees. Canine Clippers has also been
selected to win a Prince William County Public Schools 2011 "Business
Partnership of the Year" Award.
All three of
our Northern Virginia locations need groomers & bathers. If you or anyone
you know is interested, please see below, and give us a call!
~ Written by Rebecca Nilson ~
703-378-9500;
featherlepetcarechantilly@
703-430-0414; featherlepetcaresterling@
703-221-3647;
canineclipperschool@verizon.