Care and first aid of animals

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33728, 28 December 1974, Page 6

Care and first aid of animals

To help foster a knowledge of animal health from the outset, a useful little book called “Care and First Aid of Pets” has been produced by the New Zealand Veterinary Association.

; The publication was pro-1 duced specially for pet-keep-; ;ing young New Zealanders. I and for scouts, cubs, guides. I I brownies, girls’ and boys’ bri-i . gade members, and others; who have to become know-i i ledgeable to win pet-care I I badges. The book tells pet-owners I how to give first aid, and how Ito recognise when they j should consult a veterinarian, j The horse and pony section 1 ‘ deals with grooming, rugging,) j shoeing, feeding. teeth, j tetanus, and even the opera-’ • tions of pony clubs. I Goats, sheep, rabbits,; guinea pigs and cage birds are also covered, but cats) and dogs occupy more space 1 because thev are the more ; universally kept pets. SICK ANIMAL The first aid section tells; ■ how to handle a sick or in-' i iured animal; how to stop ' (bleeding; how to clean dirty, ; wounds; how to act in cases;, of fractures, burns and! ; scalds, poisoning, or fits; and treatment of shock. There is', 'important advice about the i * administration of liquids or ! tablets to dogs and cats. , “Things you should ) 1 know” includes information’, on registration and dosing of;! dogs, tracing lost animals, j I how to make an appointment I

with a veterinarian, and | gestation periods. The book concludes withi a series of tests on the know- i ledge gained from reading this attractive, well-| I

I illustrated, and readable publication. ! Adequate arrangements for I care of pets during the i owners’ holidays are essential iboth on humane and on legal i grounds—wilful neglect, or a 'dog running wild, can lead ' an owner into serious trouble. Often, adequate care for a ( pet can be arranged with a reliable neighbour who will I see to feeding, shelter, superi vision, and exercise. Where reliable local help is {not available, a boarding ’kennel for dogs or a cattery for cats is essential. Advice ;on boarding facilities to- suit your net can be sought from •friends, from a veterinarian.; or the yellow pages of the' telephone directory. VETERINARIANS Careful pet owners main-, tain contact with their’ i veterinarian as required, and new owners should make a point of so doing from the outset. Veterinarians can advise cat owners on diet; parasites such as worms, fleas, and lice and how these are eliminated; on spaying or neutering; and most important, on prevention of disease. A veterinarian will also be able to advise about vaccination to prevent cat flu in a kitten, or distemper in a pup