Pet First Aid Essentials 3: Common Emergencies

This third installment in our series on Pet First Aid will cover the most common emergencies you may encounter at home with a cat or dog. It is important to have your pet First Aid Kit well-supplied and accessible in times of need. We’ve also discussed the ABC basics of assessing an emergency situation.  Having a little bit of knowledge about each particular situation can help you act sooner and could improve the outcome.

Fever

I’ve often had owners call to tell me that their pet ‘feels hot’. If you think that your pet ‘feels hot’ to the touch on the ears, head or abdomen, she may or may not have a fever. The normal body temperature of dogs and cats is higher than for humans (100-102 F) so pets can ‘feel hot’ in comparison to our normal body temperature of around 98.6 F. 

The only way to know for sure is to take a rectal temperature reading. In your pet First Aid Kit you should have a digital thermometer and lubrication such as Vaseline or KY Jelly.  Put a little lube on the end of the thermometer and gently insert into your pet’s rectum.  Most pets will not tolerate this – have someone secure your pet’s head and stay safe – avoid getting bitten or scratched.  If you cannot take a temperature reading or it is unsafe to do so, go to the veterinarian as soon as possible.

There are two different things that can cause an elevation in body temperature: fever and heat stroke. Here are signs of fever that you need to be aware of:

• Pet may feel “hot”, lethargic, not eating, shivering, coughing, nasal discharge, etc.
• Fever:  Rectal temperature over 102.5 F when at rest

A fever is the body’s natural response to inflammation or infection.  Fevers can be a good thing in helping the body fight off illness, but they are worrisome because they can also be damaging if not monitored closely.

• If over 103 F, contact a veterinarian
• Fever over 106 F can be life threatening

What do I do?

• Stay calm. Keep your pet comfortable.
• Check ABCs – note any abnormalities
• Record the rectal temperature for the vet 
• If temp over 105 F, apply cool water or rubbing alcohol to the paw pads and ears
• Direct a fan on pet
• Discontinue cooling once rectal temp is 103
• Encourage pet to drink cool water
• DO NOT GIVE ANY MEDICATIONS BY MOUTH
• DO NOT IMMERSE PET IN COLD WATER  

However, it is important to differentiate heatstroke with fever:

Hyperthermia/Heatstroke-

• Elevated temperature above 103 F
• More common during hot summer days
• Exercise on hot/humid days
• Obese animals are at higher risk
• ‘Smushy-face’ breeds (brachycephalics) such as bulldogs and pugs are at higher risk
• Dogs with airway disease are at higher risk
• Inside a car, even with windows down
• Temperatures inside a car can increase by 40 degrees within one hour, even when the outside temp is as low as 70 F!

• Remove pet to a cooler environment
• Direct a fan onto pet
• Check ABCs- note any abnormalities
• Monitor rectal temperature, record it every couple of minutes
• Place cool, wet towels along the pet’s back, apply cool water frequently to ears and paw pads
• DO NOT 
• Use ice for cooling
• Immerse pet in water
• Leave pet unattended 
• Contact a veterinarian ASAP

Seizures

Another common emergency is a seizure. Seizures can affect old and young pets. A seizure is recognized by sudden and uncontrolled body movement. They can affect the entire body or just part of it. The pet will become unresponsive, may urinate and/or defecate during the episode. They can last a few seconds or several minutes. There are many causes of seizures.

Seizures are very scary to witness. Here are some key points to remember: 

• Remain calm
• Speak to him or her in a calm, soothing voice
• Keep pet from injuring itself—move away from stairs or water
• Check ABCs- note any abnormalities
• Protect yourself from being bitten
• Do not put your hand in their mouth - they will NOT swallow their tongue! 
• Record the time the seizure begins and ends
• Record any particular characteristics
• Twitching, ‘paddling’
• Eye movement
• Response to your voice, or lack of
• Blindness or visual deficits after the event
• If your dog or cat is less than 12 weeks of age and has a seizure, this may be due to low blood sugar. Use the end of a spoon and scrape ½ teaspoon of honey from your pet First Aid Kit onto the tongue and gums. 
• If the seizure lasts for more than 3 minutes, take their rectal temperature and speak to your veterinarian as soon as possible. In this situation the veterinarian may give specific instructions on how to transport your pet to the hospital. 

Your pet may act ‘strangely’ after a seizure. Some can seem really tired, while others are wired and almost ‘manic.’ This can be typical. It is important to stay with your pet during and after the seizure. It is safest to move your pet and travel to the veterinarian after the seizure episode is over. Any information you can gather for the veterinarian is important. Some owners are able to use a smartphone or camera and videotape the episode. If your pet is in a safe location, a video like this can help with your vet’s diagnostic process.

For our fourth and final article in this series on Pet First Aid, we will discuss other common emergencies such as dog fights and allergies. Stay tuned! 

Resources

• American National Red Cross. Dog First Aid: Be Read Cross Ready. Safety Series Vol. 2. Staywell Co. 2008. 
• Mamatto, Bobbie. Pet First Aid: Cats and Dogs.  American Red Cross and the Humane Society of the United States.  Mosby 1997.

Pet First Aid Essentials 2: How to Know if It's a Medical Emergency

Just like with other things in life, accidents and emergencies can happen to anyone. Many different situations can arise, but it is important for all pet owners to know the basics before heading to the veterinary hospital. The very first step is to recognize normal from abnormal. This can be done in just a couple of minutes and can help save your pet’s life.

If you suspect that your pet is in trouble, take a deep breath and follow these recommendations:

• Appraise the situation
• Remain calm – it may be emotionally taxing but you will be able to think more clearly if you remain calm.
• Be safe – remove yourself and your pet from further danger (ie. in the road)
• Can your pet walk or not?
• What happened? 
• Weakness or lethargy
• Vomiting
• Coughing
• Trauma
• Toxicity
• Seizure

It takes just a few seconds to appraise the situation and move on to the next step.

Evaluate the ABCs:

• Airway
• Breathing
• Circulation

While your pet is normal and healthy, it is a good idea to find out what your pet’s normal ‘vital signs’ are. You can do this at home or have your veterinarian help you.  Knowing your pet’s typical heart rate, temperature, etc. can help you determine when to act. 

Airway:

• Is it open or obstructed?
• Was your pet chewing on a toy and suddenly collapsed or started coughing or breathing heavy?
• Look inside the mouth – take care, don’t get bitten!
• If you suspect a choke, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
• Take note of your pet’s gum and tongue color (mucous membrane color)*
• Normal: pink, moist
• Abnormal: purple, blue, brick red, white, yellow, or brown. Call your veterinarian.

* If your pet has a pigmented tongue, mucous membrane color can be checked on the vulva or inner eyelid

Breathing:

• Is your pet breathing?
• How fast or how slowly?
• Is it normal?
• Normal Respiration (breathing) rate
• What is normal for your pet?
• 10-30 breaths per minute is average ‘normal’
• Panting = up to 200 breaths per minute
• Panting can be a sign of pain or respiratory distress 

Circulation:

• Is there a heartbeat or a pulse present?
• You can check for a pulse on the inside of the rear leg, where the thigh meets the body wall. Press down gently. You can have your veterinarian show you how to do this.
• Is the heart rate normal?
• Normal heart rates
• What is normal for your pet?
• Puppy under 1 year of age: 120-160 beats per minute
• Adult under 30 pounds: 100-140 beats per minute
• Greater than 30 pounds: 60-120 beats per minute
• Not uncommon for giant breeds like Great Danes to have a heart rate of 70 

Other basic assessment information:

Temperature:

• It is best to take a rectal temperature on all animals
• Pets with a fever may be especially lethargic
• Normal temperatures for cats and dogs
• 100-102.5 F

If your pet’s temperature is below 99 F or above 104 F, this is an EMERGENCY, please call your veterinarian!

Once you have made your basic assessment of the situation and checked the ABCs, call the veterinarian. If you have someone with you to help, they can get the vet on the phone while you make your assessment. With a little know-how and practice, you can assess your animal swiftly in less than a couple of minutes.

Having basic information about the situation and how your pet is doing is helpful to the veterinarian. He or she can use this information to help you figure out what to do next.  Many times he or she will give instructions on how to safely transport your pet and keep him or her stable en route to the hospital.

Moving your Pet in an Emergency    

It is best to have a second or even third person to help in these times. Some dogs are especially large and you may injure yourself or your pet further without extra help. Call your neighbor or family member if you can.  Also keep in mind:

• Always take care to PROTECT YOURSELF
• DOGS and CATS WILL BITE OUT OF FEAR OR PAIN
• Use a ‘slip leash’ from your first aid kit as a muzzle if necessary to prevent bites
• Cover a cat’s head with a towel to prevent bites
• Get assistance when lifting dogs over 50 pounds
• Handle your pet as little as possible
• Use a gentle touch
• Lie pet on its side, if possible
• Place on a hard surface for transport
• Cover pet’s body with a blanket
• Position head in alignment with the body
• Drive carefully!

Our next installment in this series will cover common emergency situations. This will give you a basic idea of what to look out for and how to act quickly and effectively. Stay tuned!

Resources-

American National Red Cross. Dog First Aid: Be Read Cross Ready. Safety Series Vol. 2. Staywell Co. 2008.

Mamatto, Bobbie. Pet First Aid: Cats and Dogs.  American Red Cross and the Humane Society of the United States.  Mosby 1997.

Pet Hot Spots- The Basics Every Pet Owner Should Know

Almost every pet owner has returned home to discover that their beloved pooch seems rather uncomfortable in his or her skin.  One of the more common skin problems in dogs is the ‘hot spot.’ What exactly is a ‘hot spot’ and how does it happen? It seems like one moment the dog’s skin is fine and the next, there is an area of hairless, oozing, itchy skin. 

“Hot spots’ are medically called pyotraumatic dermatitis. Further classifications can refer to how deep into the skin the inflammation and/or infection reaches. These areas are typically one or more spots on the dog’s skin that are hairless, moist or weeping, and sometimes bloody, but turn dry and scabby when they begin to heal. These areas are very itchy and even painful, which stimulates the dog to lick and chew. This licking and chewing is a vicious cycle which produces more trauma to the skin and infection caused by bacteria. Golden retrievers are especially prone to developing hot spots on their neck and under their ear on the face. These areas are often covered with hair and need clipping with more intensive care.

There are many causes that need to be investigated by your veterinarian before treatment and prevention measures can begin.  Causes may include:

• Flea allergy, flea infestation
• Mites, such as sarcoptes or demodex
• Food allergy
• ‘Environmental’ allergy (pollen, mold, etc.), atopic dermatitis
• Irritation, such as from groomer’s clipper blades

Once an underlying cause is identified, treatment and preventative measures need to be taken. Your veterinarian may recommend a pain medication and antibiotics if the hot spot is severe enough. Some veterinarians will recommend a topical treatment as well.  Elizabethan collars (E-collars, or the “lamp shade collar”) are very helpful in that they prevent the dog from licking and chewing the area.  If your dog has a hot spot on the shoulder area, covering it by putting a small t-shirt or infant ‘onesie’ over it may be necessary to prevent further trauma.

If your dog develops a hot spot at home and you can’t make it to the vet quickly, there are certain steps you can take to keep your dog feeling comfortable. Keep in mind that some smaller hot spots can be treated successfully at home by following these basic ‘first aid’ tips:

• If you have an E-collar handy, have your dog wear it until you see the vet
• Cover the area by putting a t-shirt or infant ‘onesie’ (usually fits toy breeds) on your dog to help prevent further licking and chewing
• Don’t use human over-the-counter topical treatments
• Many of these ointments contain zinc oxide, which can be toxic to dogs if ingested
• Since dogs will often lick off ointments when they are applied, it is important to select a non-toxic pet ointment.

It’s a good idea to have a first aid kit on hand in case of an emergency, minor cut or hot spot. A few good things to have in your kit include sterile gauze, a non-toxic pet skin ointment or stick, and petroleum jelly. Be sure to tune in next week as I discuss making your own First Aid Kit at home. Hopefully you'll never have to use it, but having the right supplies on hand will help tremendously in the event of a painful and irritating hot spot!

Does your dog suffer from hot spots? Share how you help your pet in the comments section below. We’d love to hear how you’re helping your pets live a healthier, more comfortable life. 

5 Healthy Diet Tips for Pet Owners

It breaks my heart to see so many pets come into the animal hospital suffering from preventable diseases usually caused by lifestyle choices, not bodily invaders. While the battle rages on between researchers on the causes of obesity in humans (Is it caused by food addiction? Is sugar addictive? How do genetics play into the problem? Is it a lack of food education or worse- simply bad food choices?) – we are 100% in charge of our pet’s food intake. For dogs and cats and even horses, humans dictate what and when they eat- they have no choice.

After helping obese and underweight pets for many years, I’ve found that some small changes can make a big difference in managing your dog’s weight.

1. Portion control

Most pet owners are guilty of over-feeding their pets. We like to show our love and affection by providing full bowls.  Sometimes we feed more than we should when our animals beg for more. They like the way their food tastes and it is our job to say when enough is enough. If you are not sure about how much your pet should be eating, look on the side of the bag of food for recommendations and talk to your veterinarian.

2. Limit or eliminate snacks

For many years scientists have been debating the causes behind the “French paradox”. This ‘paradox’ is that while the French eat what Americans consider the ‘bad foods’- full-fat dairy, fatty meats, alcohol and carbs – they have some of the lowest instances of coronary disease and obesity in the world.

After living in Europe for a few years, I think I have cracked this ‘paradox.’  The French, like the Poles and other European groups, limit their portion sizes at meals and do not snack between meals.  The culture around their food is one of pleasure and celebration, they don’t want to ‘ruin their appetite’ by snacking between meals.  Processed snacks, while not taboo, are especially frowned upon.

These cultural lessons can be applied to ourselves and our pets. There is no nutritional reason to give our dogs treats or snacks between meals. Pet stores are bursting with fatty, salty processed snacks for dogs and they love them. Their waistlines and their health do not. Small snacks can help while training because dogs are usually very food-motivated. However, these snacks should be very tiny and only given during training sessions.

If you must give a snack or a reward during training, portion control is key. Use a very small piece of raw veggie or fruit, such as carrot or apple. I’m talking the size of your thumbnail. It is low-calorie and just enough to let your dog know that he/she is being rewarded and enjoying a tasty treat.

3. Whole-foods

Whole foods that are less processed provide better nutrition for your pet. Select commercial brands of dog food that list whole-food ingredients such as ‘brown rice’ and ‘chicken breast’ and leave out ingredients such as ‘high fructose corn syrup’ and other by-products. Some dogs that are chronically underweight may have problems absorbing nutrients and commercial dog food just isn’t for them. For these types of patients, home-cooking a diet custom-formulated by a veterinary nutritionist may help them maintain a healthy weight.

4. Incorporate ‘superfoods’

‘Superfoods’ such as sea buckthorn berries, blueberries and sweet potato are great additions to your dog’s diet.  These can be incorporated in small amounts every day for a nutritional boost without adding too many calories. Even if you select a high-quality, whole-foods based commercial pet food, some essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-7 need to be supplemented, as processing can diminish the levels of these nutrients. 

If your pet suffers from chronic disease, food can also be medicinal and extremely helpful in the healing process. Talk to your veterinarian about the role that superfoods and supplements can have for your pet’s health.

5. Unusual but nutritious

If you cook for your pet, consider incorporating less expensive but highly nutritious cuts of meat and offal. Talk to your butcher about purchasing organ meats such as beef heart for your dog or cat. Beef heart is less expensive than other ‘choice’ cuts of meat and is packed full of vitamins such as B12, and minerals like iron and high-quality protein.

What are your top diet tips for your pets? Share them in the comments below.