Living in beautiful British Columbia means that we have many outdoor areas to explore, but this also means there is added risk for injury while out partaking in the many activities the area has to offer. Pets are no different, and we need to be cognizant and prepared for the common situations you may encounter while outside.
We recommend preparing a pet-first aid kit that you can easily pack to bring on your adventures. Your kit should include, but is not limited to, the following items:
If possible, temporarily wrap the wound in gauze/vet wrap to control any bleeding and to keep the wound clean. Wounds can be flushed with clean water, but do not flush the wound with hydrogen peroxide as this can be very painful and can actually inhibit healing. Call your vet as it is best to suture fresh wounds as well as start antibiotics.
If you suspect your pet has broken a bone, carry them if possible and call your veterinarian. Having a plan for evacuating and carrying your pet prepared ahead of time is key. Pets can go into shock after severe trauma and it is important that they as well as their fracture are stabilized as soon as possible.
The spring and summer is the most common time to see “Hit-By-Car” dogs and cats. Injuries resulting from these accidents include broken bones, bruising of the lungs, abrasions/lacerations and ruptured internal organs. Even if your pet is acting normally, it is best to have them checked out as some injuries are not always evident right away.
The most common signs of heatstroke include heavy panting, excessive drooling, vomiting, and deep red or purple gums/tongue. Immediately move your pet out of direct sunlight into a cool place, offer small amounts of water, and soak the fur with cool water. Once again, call your veterinarian immediately as heat stroke can be life threating, especially in dogs which struggle to cool themselves effectively (brachycephalic dogs like French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Boxers etc.). Do NOT leave your pets in the car during the summer months, even if “it will only be a few minutes”!
Living in the BC Interior, we see a variety of interesting plants including cacti! Cactus spines can very easily become lodged between toes, in paw pads, or stuck to the limbs. Carefully remove the spines and wash the area with dilute soap and water. If part of the spine remains lodged in the tissue, it can be a source of infection. Unfortunately, some dogs will try to remove the cactus themselves using their teeth, so always be aware that this is a possibility, at which point veterinary involvement is recommended.
Because the nail bed has such a good blood supply, torn nails often look very traumatic and involve a lot of blood. If the nail itself has cracked and has separated from the quick (the blood supply of the nail), it is likely you will need to see your vet because these are very painful. Often times sedation is needed in order to trim the nail and the quick to the same length to ensure proper healing. While arranging getting into your veterinarian, you can try styptic powder (or cornstarch) to stop the bleeding and wrap the paw with a light bandage.
‘Tis the season of bees and wasps! Many dogs enjoy a good chase of flying insects, but it is not always good when they catch them as they can suffer from allergic reactions. Bring your animal inside to a cool environment and watch them closely. If you notice your pet is starting to have swelling around the face or neck, or hives over the body, we would recommend calling your veterinarian to discuss the severity of the reaction to decide whether a visit is warranted or whether you can try some at-home remedies.
Please check out our previous Kamloops Now Article for more information on what to do if you encounter a Rattle Snake.
Dogs and cats can get into a lot of things they shouldn’t when they are out and about. We recommend calling your veterinarian if you are concerned about what your pet has ingested. Hydrogen Peroxide is commonly used as an at-home treatment to induce vomiting, but we recommend extreme caution in using this substance as it can cause burning and ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
We hope this information was useful and helps keep your furry friends safe this summer!
The Pet Health column was brought to you by Neighbourhood Veterinary Hospital.
