WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY PET STOPS BREATHING?

Despite our best efforts to protect our pets, accidents can and do happen.

In serious cases, knowing what to do in an emergency can be the difference between life and death.

In normal circumstances, vet charity PDSA offers pet first aid courses to help owners learn vital skills if they find their pet in an emergency situation.

While these courses are on pause during the crisis, PDSA is offering the ABC steps to follow if your pet gets into an accident.

“Accidents can happen at any time and require speedy action,” said Anna Ewers Clark, PDSA vet.

“Many people have a basic understanding of first aid for humans but when it comes to pets, there’s less awareness. Taking some basic precautions can mean you have the information and tools you need to help a pet that’s in need.”

Always have access to your vet’s name, address and telephone number, and keep a pen and paper handy for any instructions they give you. If you recognise any concerning signs, it is important to consider this as a pet emergency. Normally in an emergency you should take your pet straight to the vet but, with many vets currently running an emergency-only service, it’s important to call first so your vet can let you know how to get help.

A common time when you may need to act with pet first aid is if your pet becomes unconscious or unresponsive. The key is to remain calm and not panic. Check their ‘ABC’ vital signs:

A – Check the Airway is clear. Pull their tongue forward and ensure there’s nothing stuck in the throat.

B – Check they are Breathing. Look at their chest to see if it’s moving and listen over their nose or mouth for airflow.

C – Check their Circulation. Put your hand on their chest just behind their elbow. Do they have a heartbeat?

If you are sure there is no breathing or heartbeat, you may need to perform CPR. Find out more about CPR for pets at www.pdsa.org.uk/firstaid