Emergency Procedure (Immediate Response)

If you encounter an injured animal, road accident victim, or an animal in severe distress, stay calm and act quickly. Begin with basic emergency assessment before shifting the animal to a veterinary facility.

Step 1: Check Vital Signs

• If the animal is not breathing normally, first check for a heartbeat.

• Place your fingertips on the lower left side of the chest, just behind the front leg, to feel the heartbeat.

Step 2: The ABC Emergency Drill

A – Airway

• Ensure the nasal passage and mouth are clear of mud, blood, vomit, or foreign objects.

• Gently squeeze the nostrils and blow air into the nose if required to help clear blockages.

B – Bleeding

• Apply firm pressure using a clean cloth or cold compress.

• If bleeding continues, bandage tightly.

• Bright red, spurting blood indicates an arterial wound – apply a tourniquet above the wound.

• Dark red, steady-flowing blood – apply a tourniquet below the wound.

C – Collapse / Convulsions / Unconsciousness

• Move the animal to a safe area where it cannot hurt itself.

• Start artificial respiration if required.

• Do not restrain an animal during seizures.

• Convulsions may occur due to heatstroke, poisoning, or exhaustion.

• Once stabilized, glucose water may be given orally.

• Diazepam should be administered only after consulting a veterinarian.

Essential First Aid Techniques

Pulse Monitoring

• Dogs: 80–120 beats per minute (smaller breeds have faster pulses)

• Cats: 110–140 beats per minute

• Locate the artery on the inner thigh where it crosses the thigh bone.

• Count beats for 10 seconds and multiply by 6.

Artificial Respiration

• Lay the animal on its right side if possible.

• Open the mouth, clear the airway, and pull the tongue forward.

• Press firmly over the ribs just below the shoulder, then release briskly.

Mouth-to-Nose Respiration

• Clear the mouth completely.

• Keep the mouth closed and gently blow air into the nostrils.

Common Emergencies & First Aid

Blood in Vomit

• Do not feed the animal.

• Rush to a veterinarian immediately.

• Possible causes include internal injuries, sharp foreign objects, or nasal bleeding.

Burns

• Rinse the affected area thoroughly with cold running water.

• Cover with a clean soft cloth (dry or soaked in mild tea decoction).

• Keep the animal warm to prevent shock.

• Give glucose water if conscious.

• Contact a veterinarian urgently.

Choking

• Try to remove visible objects carefully using fingers or a spoon.

• If unconscious, massage the throat downward to dislodge the object.

• Never give dogs or cats small chicken or fish bones.

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke occurs due to high temperature, humidity, poor ventilation, or direct sun exposure.

Warning Signs:

• Extremely high body temperature

• Bright red gums and inner lips

• Heavy panting and breathing

• Weakness or collapse

• Convulsions and shock

First Aid:

• Shift the animal to a cool, shaded, well-ventilated area.

• Apply ice packs or cold towels to head and chest.

• Sponge the body with cool water.

• Give cold water with glucose in small amounts.

• Once stable, take the animal to a veterinarian.

Basic First Aid Kit (Recommended)

Always keep a first aid kit at home and in your vehicle.

Must-have items:

• Gauze bandages, cotton wool, cotton rope

• Adhesive tape, scissors

• Antiseptics (Dettol, Savlon)

• Betadine lotion, antibiotic ointment

• Disposable gloves

• Clean white cloth

• Tissue paper

• Thermometer

Medicines (only under guidance):

• Paracetamol / Crocin

• Avil, Perinorm

• Brufen, Analgin / Novalgin

Useful Extras:

• Torch, blanket, old rugs

• Paper, pencil

• Muzzle, chains, tape

Skin Disorders & First Aid

Skin problems usually appear as itching, hair loss, redness, thickened skin, or eruptions.

Symptoms by Type

Bacterial Infection

• Pus formation

• Oozing blood

Fungal Infection

• Circular hairless patches (ringworm)

• Crusting and blackened skin

• Foul smell

• Severe itching

Allergy / Eczema

• Redness without major hair loss

• Bee-sting–like eruptions

First Aid Measures

• Wash affected area with mild antiseptic lotion.

• Keep the animal clean and dry.

• Apply Gentian Violet mixed with Gamma Benzene Hexachloride (equal parts) where hair loss is present.

• Bathe using Petmosol soap as advised.

Mange (Treatable Condition)

Mange is not untreatable. With consistent care, even severe cases can recover.

Types:

• Demodectic Mange

• Sarcoptic Mange

Signs:

• Hair loss and thickened skin

• Scaly, wrinkled appearance

• Pus-filled lesions

Care & First Aid:

• Weekly bath with Petmosol soap.

• Apply Ecktodex (1 tsp per 1 litre water) for 5–7 weeks.

• Alternatively, Escabiol (Gamma Benzene Hexachloride) may be used.

• Always consult a veterinarian for ongoing treatment.

Important Medical Disclaimer

The medical treatment protocols below are strictly for veterinary reference only and must be administered only by qualified veterinarians. Dosages depend on body weight and condition.

Canine Distemper (Veterinary Use Only)

• Treatment varies based on temperature (High / Normal)

• Includes IV fluids, antibiotics, anti-convulsants, vitamins, and serum support

• Nebulization and long-term supportive syrups advised

Canine Parvovirus (Veterinary Use Only)

• Intensive IV fluid therapy

• Antibiotics, anti-vomiting medication

• Parvo serum administration as per body weight

• Strict fasting and monitoring

Final Note

Early intervention saves lives. First aid is not a replacement for veterinary treatment, but timely action can stabilize an animal until professional care is available.

Prepared for awareness and emergency response by Blue Cape Animal Rescue and Welfare Foundation, Pulgaon.