ANIMALS AND AIR RAIDS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 05, Issue 65, 15 June 1942, Page 5

ANIMALS AND AIR RAIDS

SAVE YOUR PETS FIRST AID HINTS The following advice upon looking after animal victims of air raids is contained in a circular issued by the Socictj 7 for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. If an animal is injured, remove it to a place of safety. Make the patient as comfortable as possible and keep it warm. If veterinary advicel and assistance should be unobtainable, treat injuries in the followingwwar:— For shock give Chlorotone Capssule (5 grains); otherwise 1 Aspro every hour until relieved. For Bleeding The simplest way to stop bleeding is by pressure. Place antiseptic dressing and firm patl of cotton wool soaked in Friars Balsam, or dry if that is not hand}', on 'wound, and keep in position by bandaging firmly over and all round.

If bleeding is very profuse a tourniquet may be applied above the wound if the situation permits. A tourniquet is easy tci improvise by tying a handkerchief above and around the wound, then tightening by inserting a stick and screwing it to bring the desired pressure to bear on the wad underneath. A quarter of an hour is the maximum period tourniquet should be left on. After this period the tourniquet should be loosened and reapplied if a longer time is desired. Wounds, Burns and! Scalds For wounds, apply a dressing of watery solution of common salt, alum water, Milton. Dettol, Permanganate of Potash (condy's crystals),. Hydrogen Peroxide, etc. In the case of serious or extensive burns or scalds it should be firsl considered whether the injuries arc so severe as not to justify treatment, in which case the animal should be destroyed as soon as possible.

In minor cases, however, put the animal under restraint and apply as quickly as possible olive oil, or a 2 per cent solution of tannic acid in water or strong cold tea. Broken Leg The setting of a broken leg is not { necessary immediately, and provid- j the animal is comfortable, and | the limb at rest and in a natural! position, wait until veterinary assistance; arrives. If the animal ; struggles however, it might be ad-j visable to roll it tightly in a towel j or sack. Remember an animal may onlyi be suffering from shock and ' a time will recover completely if kept warm and quiet. Just Like Humans | When handling an injured animal ; exercise care as even the greatest pet may bite when in pain o'- | frightened, remembcrinf that animals just like human beings: can easily become panic stricken. • The London R.S.P.C.A. advise ; that the casualties among i pets arc remarkably few, and cats and dogs seem 1o disappear when my given area is bombed, returning j a day or two later.