Hello and Good morning fellow animal advocates- it's a snowy March 1 here in Nelson BC Canada..
Apparently winter is here for a while longer...
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First Aid
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Emergencies- whether they are a wound, or as serious as choking, happen- and usually when we least expect it.
If you are prepared- great.
If not I advise that you get a copy of my book on Dog and Cat First Aid
This is a small section from my book...
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Bandaging
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In some instances, wounds and injuries need to be bandaged. However, as a rule, most are better off NOT bandaged. The problem arises when your pet decides to excessively lick the injury, causing further irritation. Using an Elizabethan Collar or covering the area up with a bandage can prevent this.
Materials
White Tape: This can be used as a first layer to prevent slipping, and as a final layer of bandaging. The tape can be purchased at any pharmacy.
Sterile Non-Stick Pads: Telfa Pads are ideal. IF this is an emergency bandage, then use a small piece of cloth, but apply K-Y jelly first so the cloth doesn't stick.
Cotton padding: For injuries that need support, such as ligament injuries or fractures, I apply cotton padding as well. You can purchase large cotton rolls at any pharmacy. An emergency padding can easily be a small towel that is wrapped around the leg.
Gauze: Roll gauze is the clingy material that stretches and has holes in it. It can be purchased at any pharmacy. In an emergency, you can use Panty Hose.
Tape: The last layer on a bandage is the adhesive that secures the pad and gauze in place. I usually use a product called Vet-Wrap; it stretches and sticks to the gauze. In an emergency, you can use Duct Tape, Saran Wrap, anything that will stick and hold the bandage material in place.
The key to applying a bandage is to make the bandage tight enough that it won't slip, but NOT too tight so that it cuts off circulation. If the bandage is TOO tight, you will see the digits swell (the area below the bandage). I always try and leave a few toes exposed so I can check this. If the bandage is too tight, then the toes swell and spread apart.
The other important part of bandage care is keeping the bandage dry. If it gets wet it will cause serious skin irritation and infection. If it gets wet, then You MUST change it. Keep the bandage covered with a plastic bag; ask your local veterinarian for an empty IV Fluid Bags- they are made of heavy-duty plastic and work great.
Leg Bandage
The most common area to bandage is the leg.
Clean the wound properly.
Apply 2 strips of white "hospital" tape to the inside and outside of the leg.
Apply the non-stick Telfa pad to the wound.
Wrap the leg with gauze, beginning at the toes, but leave the toes exposed. Overlap the gauze as you wrap up the leg. Make the gauze wrap firm to keep the Pad in place, extend up to the next joint. If your dog has a wound on his paw, I would wrap to above the wrist.
Cover the gauze with Vet Wrap or Tape. Once again make it firm, but not too firm. Keep the toes exposed to check for swelling.
Head Bandage
The head is another area that may need to be bandaged, especially in the case of an injured ear that won't stop bleeding.
This is best accomplished by folding the earflaps on top of the head, then wrapping gauze and tape around the head covering the ears.
Another option is to use pantyhose; I find it remains in place much better.
Keep the bandage in front of the eyes, and ensure that you can stick one finger underneath the bandage at the neck.
Body Bandage
In the event that you need to cover a wound on the chest or abdomen, there are a couple of ways.
T-shirt technique: Put your dog's front legs through the armholes, and cover the rest of his body with the shirt. You can then apply Tape to secure the back of the T-shirt.
Panty Hose: A second method is to cover your pet's chest or abdomen with pantyhose. Pull it over your pet's head and cover the affected area.
P.S. Pet First Aid Secrets covers CPR, to How to Stop Your Pet Bleeding.
A Complete Resource that you really should have, and be prepared to use.
Click on the image to order
Visit www.vetsecrets.info for more info
also www.happytalespets.com
and www.FlintRiverRanchStore.com
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