When a dog is stuck in a ditch or a kitten is injured, our very instinct is to rescue the animal in trouble. However, there are certain things one must take care of before rescuing an injured animal; as they are more scared than we are and if they sense anything suspicious they tend to attack you. To prevent any such attacks or to give first aid to the animal before taking it to the veterinary there are some rules which you need to follow:
- Make sure you are safe: While rescuing the injured dog or the kitten on the street do not get yourself into trouble. Take safety measures and then proceed to the evacuation process.
- Take care of the effect of temperature: When a human being faints our first intuition is to spray water on their face. However, this does not apply to animals. In most scenarios, the animals that faint have a body temperature dropped below 100° F and getting them all drenched can further worsen their condition as the bodily functions start to shut off.
- If the injured animal is threatened it may attack you: When an animal is already injured, it is already very frightened more than you are and therefore any menacing signs will make the animal attack you. Therefore, it is suggested you use soft voices around them; food generally works in cases of dogs. However, you need to be extra careful near wounded kittens.
- When there are situations of overheating: When an animal is hurt, it is unable to regulate its body temperature adequately. If the animal that you are salvaging looks all flushed or is breathing with its mouth open, try and wrap it with a thin wet cloth while transferring it to the veterinary. Be extra cautious in cases of cats as their body temperature becomes doubly sensitive when in danger.
- Know about the basic ABC rule for first aid: The ABC rule applies to animals too, for those who have no idea about it:
Airway –make sure the animal you are saving has a clear pathway to breathe; clogged nostrils usually get them to choke.
Breathing –once you have made sure the airway is cleared help the injured animal take full lung breaths.
Circulation –when an animal is being rescued, it is under stress. Carefully try opening its lips to expose the gums and check for the return of normal colour by pressing a finger. Then stabilise the pet and rush to a nearby facility.