Pet First Aid & Care

Summer Safety Tips

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) found that preventable accidents are the number one cause of death of pre-senior dogs and cats. The approaching summer will present its’ own set of challenges.

POOL

Pool chemicals are caustic and can cause burns; make sure to store them properly. In addition, pets need an easy exit from the pool. There are ramps readily available designed specifically for this purpose.

BARBEQUE GRILLS

                                                            RECIPE FOR DISASTER

1.       Start with a hot, unattended grill.

2.       Mix in meat of your choice.

3.       Add the family dog.

Grills are very hot! Furthermore, cooked bones are not an appropriate treat. They can splinter causing intestinal damage as well as present a choking hazard. Likewise, corncobs cause the same problems. You should be aware of the seasoning used on the leftovers you give your pets. For example, onion is poisonous.

YARD AND OTHER OUTDOOR AREAS

Pesticide and fertilizer applications are poisonous to your pet; either by absorption or ingestion. They should not have access to treated areas. Additionally, pest traps use very yummy stuff as bait. Remember, what poisons the pest will also poison the pets. Topical pesticide treatments should be species appropriate. This is a serious issue for cats and small mammals.

Many commercially prepared types of mulch are chemically treated and can pose a health risk for your pet. Furthermore, you should not use cocoa mulch in pet areas.

Familiarize yourself with local wildlife and the dangers they present to your pets. This includes coyotes, bats, snakes, insects etc.

Monitored, appropriately-sized treats and toys will prevent a choking hazard.

Hot pavement and sand can burn pads. You can apply topical salves and ointments for protection. In addition, pets can sunburn. Make sure shade is always available. Preventing dehydration is as easy as always providing clean, fresh, cool water.

Thunderstorms and lightening are frightening to some pets. Keep them indoors at such times. Check your electronic fences after a thunderstorm. Lightening can short-circuit a fence rendering it useless.

CAR SAFETY

More injuries and fatalities occur in the interior rather than the exterior of the vehicle. We have all seen what a pebble can do to a windshield. Imagine the damage that pebble could do the soft corneal tissue of an eye. Keep your pets’ head in the car.

Pet restraints are widely available. In the event of an accident, an unrestrained pet can face or cause serious injuries. Airbags deploy at more than 200mph. A pet in the front seat risks having its’ tongue amputated by a deployed airbag. They can bleed out in 20 minutes. EMS protocol is “people over pets”. They are equipped and have the option to put down your pet if your pet will not allow access to you.

PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PET UNATTENDED IN YOUR CAR FOR ANY REASON. It doesn’t matter if you leave the A/C on as it is a mechanical device. Mechanical devices are subject to breakdown. The interior temperature of a car in 78 degree weather can reach 150 degrees in 15 minutes. It doesn’t matter if it is parked in the shade, the color of the car or if the windows are open or closed. It doesn’t matter because those factors are not influenced by the suns’ shortwave radiation. Rather, the interior components of the vehicle such as seats and dashboard are heated. They give off the long-wave radiation that heats the interior of the car. This could result in heatstroke. In turn, this could result in your pets’ death.

Even though you have done your best to provide a safe environment for your pet, accidents can and do happen. The AAHA states that 25% more pets could have been saved if only one pet first aid technique was applied prior to veterinary treatment. Do you know what to do in an emergency? Do you know where the nearest animal emergency HOSPITAL is? Have you prepared yourself by taking a pet first aid class? Your pet would do it all for you.

My Dog Is Cool

A very preventable cause of death of pets is heatstroke. It occurs when owners leave their pets in the car for “just a few minutes”.  “People mean well by taking their pet along with them while they work, visit, shop or run errands. However, warm temperature can turn a car into a death trap, “said UAN President and CEO Nicole Forsyth.

It is for this reason that United Animal Nations (UAN) operates an educational website: www.MyDogIsCool.com. It is a valuable resource to spread the word on the dangers of leaving pets in cars.

The site features include:

1.       “It’s Hot” fliers to leave on car windshields.

2.       A weather forecasting tool. This allows people to enter their zip code and find out if it’s too hot to take your pet in the car.

3.       Free downloadable “Hot Weather Warning” posters to hang in store fronts.

San Francisco State University, Louisiana Medical Society, Stanford University and the Animal Protection Institute have all done separate studies and reached the same conclusion. It doesn’t matter if the windows are open. It doesn’t matter what the color of the car is. It doesn’t matter if you park in the shade. In temperatures as low as 72 degrees, the inside temperature of the car will rise 19 degrees in 10 minutes. In 20 minutes it will rise 29 degrees and so on. In as little as 15 minutes, the car can become deadly.

What are the principals behind vehicle warming?

The atmosphere and the windows of the car are transparent to the suns’ shortwave radiation. This is why it doesn’t matter if the windows are opened or closed. This shortwave radiation heats solid objects such as the dashboard and seats. These objects heat the adjacent air by conduction and convection. The objects give off longwave radiation which warms the trapped air in the vehicle.

Leaving the air conditioner on while your pets are waiting for you is not a good idea either.  For one, it is a mechanical device and mechanical devices are subject to breakdown. Instead of cooling the vehicle, it may warm it instead. Secondly, in your pets’ excitement, they may be all over your car. They could inadvertently turn it off.

Heatstroke begins when your pets’ body temperature surpasses 104 degrees. This happens when the temperature in their environment (car) becomes higher than their body temperature with little or no air circulation (car), high humidity (heavy panting) and close quarters (car). Signs include lethargy, heavy breathing and panting, bright red gums and tongue, vomiting and diarrhea.

Heatstroke can cause shock, respiratory distress, kidney failure, heart abnormalities among other complications. Damage can become irreversible once their body temperature reaches 106 degrees. Death follows.

What can be done if heatstroke occurs?

1.       Remove the pet from the hot environment!

2.       Turn on the A/C if possible.

3.       Lower the body temperature by wetting with cool water.

4.       Do not use cold water or ice water. It is counterproductive. It will shock the system and cause a thermal barrier. The pet will be unable to cool itself.

5.       Contact a veterinarian for instructions.

6.       Transport to veterinarian as soon as possible.

Every year every animal control officer has the same story to tell. One they are tired of telling. Please leave your pets home if you have to leave them in the car.

Danbury Animal Welfare Society

 The Danbury Animal Welfare Society: www.daws.org, is a no-kill shelter. It began in 1974 with Anne Tracey and Sherrie Delaney adopting pets out of their homes. 147 Grassy Plain Road in Bethel, CT was originally a veterinarian hospital. In 1993, DAWS receives a generous donation of that building and the acre parcel of land it sits on. They can house 30 dogs and 60 cats and consistently do so throughout the year. In addition, they have as many as 50 animals in foster care. Foster care families are always in demand. Most of the pets in foster care are injured or babies. They need the love, attention and nurturing that only a family can provide away from the stresses of shelter life.

There are three ways for a dog or cat to become a resident of DAWS.

1.       The owner surrenders them to the shelter. This is usually due to financial hardship, relocation or death.

2.       Dogs are transported from high-kill shelters or the save-a-sato foundation: www.saveasato.org.  This program gives these dogs an opportunity to find a forever home. The only other option for these dogs is euthanasia. Upon arrival, the animal is sent to the on-site clinic. Here they’re evaluated and any medical needs attended to. Such needs could include neutering, vaccinations and any injury or illness addressed.

3.       DAWS periodically rescues dogs from local pounds. In addition, if space allows, friendly cats from the Trap/Neuter/Return program are given the chance to find a forever home.

Last year, they placed 293 dogs and 169 cats. The return rate for dogs was 7%. This compared to a national average of 50%. Their low rate of return is due to their comprehensive Training and Evaluation Program. Bruce Caplan: www.10minutedog.com  is the Training Director and has instituted a program that addresses behavior issues and properly matching dogs to family.

DAWS is a strong presence in the community. Last year, they performed 30 low cost spay/neuters at the on-site clinic. In addition, 66 cats were part of the Trap/Neuter/Return Program. These programs help to reduce unwanted pets and to control the feral cat population.

 Volunteers from Danbury Animal Welfare Society also visit schools, youth organizations and businesses to educate people in the care of animals, importance of spay/neuter programs, responsible ownership, the prevention of cruelty and the importance of adopting and not shopping for companion animals. Their youth volunteers are organizing a mentoring program to educate young children about animal welfare.

Every June, they hold the Hound Hike. Alumni of the shelter meet at Tarrywile Park for a day of fun.

The Ani-meals program works with Meals-on-Wheels. Morgan Stanley has sponsored this program for the last two years. They deliver dog and cat food to housebound and senior families. For some owners, this is the only way they can keep their pets. They also help with home-to-home adoptions and finding lost pets.

The shelter operates on a bare-bone budget of $400,000. This is the absolute minimum needed to run the shelter. There are also the medical needs of the residents to consider. Though many area veterinarians offer reduced rates, it is still a formidable expense. In addition, there is food, electric, heat, telephone, office and shelter expenses, salaries and taxes and building maintenance. Last year, a roof, windows, doors and thermostats were NEEDED. This year, it is the perimeter fencing that NEEDS replacement. Then there are the “vetting or pulling fees”. Ironically, these are the fees DAWS must pay to rescue animals from high-kill shelters and local pounds. At first glance this seems hard to believe, that DAWS must pay to give dogs a second chance. These fees are one of the few revenue sources high-kill and local pounds have and they are critical to their ability to stay afloat. They do not have enough community support to survive on their own.

DAWS has a volunteer base of 182, a full-time Shelter Manager and a staff of 19. This staff and volunteer force work collaboratively to rescue, rehome and care for the animals that come to DAWS. A portion of the building maintenance labor is donated or billed at a reduced rate and volunteers perform all administration duties.

Through adoption fees, they raised $71,475 in 2008.That leaves a shortfall of $325,000. So, where do they come up with the rest of the money?

1.       They have an affiliate program with www.zazzle.com, www.amazon.com and www.igive.com. This allows people to make online donations.

2.       You can visit their ebay store at http://www.stores.ebay.com/dawsct.  It is stocked with 100% community donated items.

3.       Companies like Pitney Bowes, IBM and Cartus hold non-profit agency days.

4.       Their marketing committee in conjunction with their clinic committee has spent untold hours applying for grants.

5.       Their annual tag sale raised $6,800 last year.

6.       The Mother’s Day Bake Sale raised $1,700.

7.       Picture with Your Pet Day.

8.       You can donate your car at www.donationline.com .

9.       The annual Walk for Animals raised $53,000.

10.   The Puppy Love Ball and Silent Auction raised $26,000 after expenses. It featured formal dining and dancing. It is where yours’ truly successfully bid on a pair of earrings.

11.   Last, but not least, personal donations, sponsorships and memberships. A revamped Membership Program in 2008 raised more than $30,000.

For the shelter that does so much for its community, its community also rallies for them.

Girl Scout and Brownie Troops have ongoing programs to raise money and collect much needed items. The items collected include bowls, food, toys and blankets. Many area children will ask for donations to DAWS instead of presents. In addition, many local wedding and anniversary celebrations also ask for donations to DAWS.

Last year, more than 2,000 DAWS supporters logged onto www.zootoo.com FIVE weeks before the end of the contest. They went from dead last to the #8 spot. When the Zootoo crew came to Danbury, many area businesses shut down to offer services, food, money and their support. Schools bussed interested children from grade school to high school for the event. While they did not win first place with Zootoo, they had already won first place in the hearts of Danbury.   

From their humble beginnings in Anne’s and Sherrie’s kitchen, they now serve a vital need in the community. Their impact reaches much further than the Danbury border. As DAWS celebrates their 35^th anniversary, let’s continue to give them the ability to help their and other shelters across the country to operate.

Pet First Aid Kits Ver.2.0

What’s so important about pet first aid kits? Accidents aren’t planned, they can and do happen. Therefore, you need to be prepared. According to the American Animal Hospital Association, 25% more pets could have been saved if only ONE pet first aid technique was applied prior to veterinary treatment. First aid means the difference between life and death, between temporary and permanent disability and between a short recuperation and a long recovery. A pet first aid kit plays a vital role.

I recommend that you take the time to put your own kit together. If you choose to buy a pre-packaged kit, verify the contents suit your needs. In addition, you should replace items when used and check expiration dates on a regular basis.

What’s in my kit? I keep the contents in a large, denim Tinkerbell bag. Aside from Tink being the “bomb”, the bag is convenient to move from location to location. Other options include fishing (tackle) and craft boxes, which have plenty of compartments for storage. Suggested items are listed by category. You will notice some overlap.

BLEEDING/WOUND INJURIES

1.       Adhesive tape.

2.       Gauze pads.

3.       Gauze rolls.

4.       Vet wrap.

5.       Rubbing alcohol to clean out wounds. Keep in a sealed bottle- unsealed bottles have a tendency to leak leaving you with an empty bottle.

6.       Hydrogen peroxide in a sealed bottle. It is used to clean out bite wounds specifically. Hydrogen peroxide will damage surrounding tissue. However, its benefits outweigh its disadvantages. Its effervescent properties help to clean pus and cellular debris from bite wounds.

7.       Antibiotic cream.

8.       Providone Iodine ointment.

9.       Sanitary napkins. They are used to soak up excess blood.

10.   Bandanas/triangular bandages. They can be used for splinting fractures and covering wounds. In addition, they can be used to aid a dog in walking by taking the pressure off of an injured limb.

11.   Paint stirrers can be used for splinting.

12.   Sealed sterile solution for flushing wounds. Unsealed bottles are no longer sterile, nor is bottled water.

ANAPHYLACTIC SHOCK, ALLERGIC REACTIONS AND INSECT BITES

1.       Premeasured dose of LIQUID gel antihistamine as determined by your vet.

2.       Safety pin.

The safety pin is used to puncture a hole in the liquid gel. It is then squirted onto the tongue of the pet. This is the easiest and most effective way to administer an antihistamine.

3.       Plastic card for flicking out bee stingers. Do not tweeze them out as you will only inject more venom into the pet. Place the card under the stinger and lift up and out.

HEAT STROKE

1.       Chemical cold pack or instant cold gel wrap. They can be placed against pressure points to aid in cooling the pet.

2.       Rubbing alcohol can be squirted onto the pads. As this can cause alcohol poisoning, you should first talk to emergency veterinary personnel.

POISONING

1.       Poison Control Center’s phone number is 888-426-4435.

 DO NOT ASSUME YOU SHOULD INDUCE VOMITING! Different poisons call for different protocols. What will help one situation will cause harm in another.

2.       Hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting.

3.       Activated charcoal to absorb poison.

4.       Baking soda to absorb topical caustic material.

5.       Squirt bottle to administer treatment.

6.       Plastic baggie/latex gloves for vomit or stool sample.

BURNS

1.       Sterile solution for 1^st and 2^nd degree burns. DO NOT RINSE 3^rd DEGREE BURNS. 3^rd degree burns are characterized by the burn being through the full thickness of the skin.

2.       Bandana/gauze to cover burns.

CHOKING

       1. Small flashlight with spare battery to check throat for debris.

       2. Plastic baggies/latex gloves for debris sample.

MISCELLANEOUS

1.       Emergency muzzle.

If you need to use your kit, your pet is probably in pain. Any pet in pain or being moved into pain can and will bite.

2.       Digital thermometer and petroleum jelly. They will thank you later.

3.       Blunt tip scissors.

4.       Tweezers.

5.       Eye dropper.

6.       Eye wash.

7.       Honey packets for hypoglycemic dogs.

8.       Survivor blanket will help keep pet warm due to shock in cold weather ONLY.  It should not be used in warm weather.

9.       Glow sticks can be used to illuminate most common strains of ringworm. However, keep in mind this is not a full-proof diagnostic tool.

10.   Smart Water or unflavored Pedialyte will help to re-hydrate stressed pets. Pedialyte must be unflavored because the other varieties contain artificial sweeteners.

11.   Photos of me WITH my dogs. The photo will establish ownership should I become separated from my dog(s) while hiking or traveling.

12.   Latex gloves to protect from zoonotics.

13.   Constricting band. I live in an area with poisonous snakes. If the bite occurs on an extremity, then place the constricting band after the wound. It will help to slow down the venom. Remove any collars from the pet. Intense body swelling can occur.

These items are in my kit because they suit my needs. Your kit should suit your needs.

Pet First Aid Awareness Month

April is National Pet First Aid Awareness Month and Pet Tech is its proud sponsor. Our goal is to inform and educate pet professionals as well as the pet owner about the importance of learning the skills and techniques of pet first aid.

Written materials and videos alone are not a pet first aid class. To learn these life saving skills, you must take a pet first aid and CPR course taught by a properly trained instructor. Pet first aid and CPR is best learned through lecture, demonstration and hands-on skills practice. A proper training course should cover the following: bleeding and shock, restraining and muzzling, primary pet assessment, rescue breathing, CPR, heat and cold injuries, fracture and limb injuries, insect bite and sting, snakebite, seizures, first aid and emergency preparedness kits, poisoning and poisonous substances, choking and snout to tail assessments. A better seminar will also advocate and address a healthy pet lifestyle. This includes dental care and how to provide that optimally healthy lifestyle. Furthermore, it should also stress the importance of both when to seek veterinary care and of establishing a relationship with your vet.

Pet first aid is exactly what it sounds like. The first aid your pet receives when injured. According to the American Animal Hospital Association, 25% more pets could have been saved if only ONE pet first aid technique was applied prior to veterinarian treatment. Proper first aid can mean the difference between life and death, between a short recovery and a long recuperation and between short and long term disability. Remember, preventable accidents are the number one cause of death of pre-senior dogs and cats.

For all our pets do for us, shouldn't we be prepared to help them in an emergency?

Photos from April 2009 HHBacker Class Part 2

 

 

 

 

 

Photos from April 2009 HHBacker Class Part 1

 

 

 

 

 

Shop's Open, Dry Safe

Walk into any grooming salon and you will see dryers everywhere. They’re in the dry grooming room and kennel area and the wet bathing room. We cannot work without them, therefore we need to be aware of the dangers they possess.

Dryers located in the bathing area should plug into a Ground Fault Interrupter or GFI outlet. This will cut the power to the circuit if it becomes wet, preventing electrical shock that could result in serious burns and/or cardiac arrest for either the groomer or the pet. You should position the dryers’ base unit away from the tub.

 Properly wrapping up cords and dryer hoses when not in use will prevent sudden blunt force trauma due to tripping. In addition, you do not want your guests chewing on the electrical cords. Chewing on the cords will cause burns and electrical shock. Should this happen, do not pull the cord out of their mouth. Instead, pull the plug out of the outlet and then attend to the pet.

There are five types of dryers:

1.       Hand dryers are small and unobtrusive. Many dogs and cats fearful of the larger dryers do well with these.

2.       Stand dryers are used for fluff and finish drying. They are also good around feet and faces.

3.       High Velocity (HV) or force dryers are used to blow out coat and to quickly table dry a dog. You should not use them around cats unless you have removed the nozzle. Removing the nozzle turns this dryer into a stand dryer with a hose. As the name implies, the air comes out at a high velocity. Exercise caution when drying around the head as you can blow out an eardrum. A towel wrapped around the head or using a Happy Hoodie will prevent this. Also, you should muzzle the dog that insists on biting the nozzle head-on as to prevent damage to a lung. Furthermore, the high velocity of air flow can damage the soft tissue of the eyes and could cause rectal prolapse. As with cats, removing the nozzle around the face and head will help prevent injuries.

 This dryer can induce atypical seizures. While this is rare, the signs include uncontrollable pooping and peeing .This pet may also scream and seem disconnected. You cannot HV these pets. The owner should notify their vet if this occurs.

4.       Attachable cage dryers will fully dry a pet in a kennel. In addition, use them to finish drying a pet that is fearful of the HV dryers.

5.       Dryer cages are a kennel with a built in dryer. It usually has a plexi-glass door and a timer. As there is no air circulation in these dryers, you must carefully monitor pets. Pets that are prone to heat stroke should never use this dryer. These include brachycephalic dogs, elderly pets, puppies and kittens, and overweight and otherwise health-compromised pets. Brachycephalic dogs are those dogs with the pushed-in faces such as Pugs and Shih Tzu’s.

The above dryers can also run on a cool setting. You should be aware of the signs of hypothermia in addition to dehydration and heat stroke.

Dehydration can lead to organ failure. Dehydration occurs when the temperature in the environment is higher than an animal’s body temperature and no water is provided. Signs include a lack of elasticity in the skin, sunken eyes, tacky gums and a capillary refill of more than two seconds.

Capillary refill is the exchange rate of Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide in the blood stream. If you press your thumb against the gums, the time it takes for the gums to return to normal color is the capillary refill time.  

Heatstroke can lead to death. Heatstroke occurs when the temperature in the environment is higher than the body temperature with little or no air circulation, high humidity and close quarters.  Heatstroke happens VERY QUICKLY.  Signs include a body temperature of more than 103 degrees, lethargy, heavy breathing, bright red gums and tongue, vomiting and diarrhea. If heatstroke occurs, you should place the pet in a tub of cool water. Do not use cold water as it will constrict the blood vessels and slow down the cooling process. Call the veterinarian for transport instructions.

Hypothermia occurs when you expose the pet to cooler than body temperatures over a period of time. Hypothermia can occur when you place a wet animal in a kennel and dry the pet on a cool setting. Signs include a body temperature of four degrees less than normal, shivering and bluish gums. If hypothermia occurs, take the pet out of the kennel and wrap her with warm towels and call the vet for instructions.

Hypothermia, dehydration and heatstroke require immediate veterinary care. To minimize any risk, you should carefully monitor all pets during the drying process. Water should always be available to the pet. Kennel crates and cage water bottles will prevent the pet from rewetting themselves by a knocking over a water dish. Cleaning the filters regularly keeps the motor from running too hot and burning out- it will also keep the hoses cooler.

Every year the media runs a story on the deathtrap commonly referred to as a grooming shop/salon. It usually occurs when a pet has died of heatstroke because it was in an overheated kennel with no water or monitoring. Every groomer should practice safe dryer use. We are responsible for the safety of the pets in our care.

I would like to thank the Roberts Family for allowing me to photograph Riley, or as he is better known as Awesome Riley.

Instructor training class-Boston-2009 Part 3

 

 

 

Instructor training class- Boston -2009 part 2