PDSA is appealing for support so that we can continue to help keep people and pets together this Christmas.
Our charity provides free and low cost vet care for owners who are struggling to afford the treatment costs for their sick and injured pets. The cost of living crisis is hitting hard meaning many people are struggling – nearly a quarter (23%) of the owners we help have used a food bank for them or their family over the last 12 months. With basic essentials such as food unaffordable for so many, our vital, life-saving services are needed now more than ever.
In December 2022 our dedicated teams treated more than 53,000 pets, and performed over 2,300 operations. In fact, we treat 10 pets every minute! But in the last 12 months there has been an estimated 1.6% increase in people receiving benefits, meaning many more people are now eligible for our charitable veterinary services. This equates to an additional 83,000 people who may turn to us, desperate for help in their time of need.
Our pets give us so much unconditional love and companionship, but without our help thousands of people could suffer a devastating loss because they can’t afford vital treatment for their pet. We don’t receive any government funding, relying entirely on generous public support to keep our 48 Pet Hospitals open.
With the festive season in full swing, the time for gift giving is about to be upon us.
This December, leading vet charity PDSA is hoping people can give the gift of time and do their bit in helping the charity support those who need it most – by volunteering in one of it’s charity shops across the UK.
Jennie Pearson, Volunteering Business Partner at PDSA, said: “We’re heading into a widely celebrated time of year for generosity and giving, and we’d be forever grateful for some helping hands this holiday season. For anyone looking to give back to the community, we’d love to have you on board in our team of volunteers.
“Our volunteers are an amazing group of people who all contribute something very special to PDSA. By giving us the gift of their time, they are helping us to support pet owners in their time of need – who would otherwise struggle to cover the cost of unexpected veterinary bills should their pet fall ill or become injured. Their efforts mean we can help families stay together.”
Benefits of volunteering
“We offer a warm and supportive environment for all of our volunteers. The shops enable people to give something back to their local community, all whilst supporting a vital charity cause.
“Our shops welcome people from all walks of life within local communities, whether they are coming to the shop for a browse or to donate an item. They are great social spots for both volunteers and visitors.
“Volunteering can also help people improve their confidence while enabling them to develop and improve on their knowledge and skills.
“It can be a great way to get out of the house, especially for those who may feel isolated, and all for such a good cause.
“Our charity shops are vital to PDSA. They provide much needed funding for our 48 Pet Hospitals across the UK, so the teams can continue to help thousands of the nation’s most vulnerable pets. All of our volunteers provide an essential contribution to the charity, and every hour spared to help out goes a really long way.
“We are extremely grateful to all of the people who support PDSA because they believe in what we do. It’s the generous support from donating unwanted items, making a purchase, or volunteering in our charity shops, that goes back into helping keep people and pets together in their times of need through our Pet Hospitals.”
If you would like to make a positive difference to your own life and the lives of others by lending a hand, there are lots of volunteering roles available across PDSA’s over 100 charity shops up and down the country.
Whether you would like to help customers with their shopping, sort through donations, create eye-catching window displays or serve at the till. To find out more about volunteering, head to PDSA’s website: www.pdsa.org.uk/volunteering
As Christmas approaches vet charity PDSA has issued a chocolate warning for all pet owners, after a 13-year-old dog decided Christmas would come early, tucking into an entire gift-wrapped selection box.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Max, was discovered by his stunned owners next to the Christmas tree, with scraps of wrapping paper and the remains of what was a gift-wrapped selection box.
Having had Max since he was a puppy, he had never shown interest in presents under the tree, or tried to get his paws on chocolate, so his family was in total shock to find he’d ripped open a present from under the tree, and eaten not only all six packets of chocolate in the selection box, but some of the box itself and the wrapping paper!
Max’s loving owner, Stacey, said: “Max is the light of our lives, he’s definitely a real character, but after all these years we never imagined he’d open up a gift from under the tree!
“We know chocolate can be really bad for dogs, so I immediately searched online to find out the total grams, to see how bad it was. I then called the vets, who told me I needed to bring Max in straight away.”
Across it’s 48 Pet Hospitals, PDSA sees a 35% increase in a medication used to treat poisonings around Christmas, which is likely linked to the abundance of dangerous food in the home such as chocolates and mince pies.
PDSA Vet Nurse Shauna Walsh said: “The seriousness of chocolate poisoning depends on how much your pet has eaten, how big they are, and the cocoa content of the chocolate – the darker the chocolate the more toxic it is for your pet.”
Thankfully for Max, it didn’t take long for him to perk up again after being treated with fluids, charcoal and medication to induce vomiting. He was soon able to head home to fully recover, and enjoy the rest of the festive season with his family.
The most severe cases of chocolate poisoning in pets can lead to heart failure, coma and even death. Although this is rare this is why it’s really important to keep chocolate safely away from any curious pets. Especially during celebrations like Christmas when there’s likely more chocolate than usual in the house.
Symptoms of chocolate poisoning usually appear within two to four hours, but can take up to 12 hours. In severe cases, toxicity can cause:
Fast breathing or panting
Shaking, trembling and tremors
High temperature (fever)
Seizures
A fast heart rate
High blood pressure
It’s also important to be aware of mild symptoms too:
Hyperactivity
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Signs of abdominal discomfort/pain
If you think your pet could have ingested some chocolate, don’t wait for chocolate poisoning symptoms to appear, keep the packaging and call your vet immediately.
Thousands of people could suffer a devastating loss because they can’t afford their pets veterinary treatment, together this Christmas we can save pets’ lives. For more information on how you can help PDSA keep people and pets together this visit:
Dog behaviourists reveal why our pets can feel SAD, just the same as humans
Whilst it’s common knowledge that 2 million people in the UK suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), did you know that dogs can be impacted by it too?
Vet charity PDSA found that 1 in 3 dog owners notice their pets appear down or depressed during the dreary, cold months, which equates to around four million dogs across the UK.
With this in mind, the outdoor dog gear experts at Ruffwear have collaborated with Rachel Rodgers, clinical animal behaviouralist at Nose to Trail, on how dogs can suffer from SAD, how to spot if your dog is experiencing SAD and how to overcome it with your four-legged friends:
Speaking to Ruffwear, clinical animal behaviourist Rachel Rodgers said: “When the clocks change, and the dark nights draw in, this can be the time where people notice their dog showing signs of ‘sadness’ or ‘doggy depression’ similar to SAD. Dogs typically thrive off routine, so when this changes, it can throw them off.
“Many breeds, particularly younger dogs with lots of energy, really do need ample amounts of exercise. Hence, if you’re out working all day and then not doing as much with them in the evening, what we may see is them being quite bored and miserable. It isn’t just the physical activity they are missing out on, but walks provide mental stimulation.
“Sniffing releases dopamine which has a calming effect on the brain, it also lowers heart rate and blood pressure so has other benefits for the dogs which they may be missing out on at this time of year.”
Six signs that your dog is suffering from SAD
In order to spot if your dog is suffering from SAD, Ruffwear have provided the top six signs to look out for this winter.
Changes in their sleeping patterns
Much like humans, dogs can experience a change in sleeping patterns which can be influenced by their owners. Excessive sleeping or difficulty sleeping can be indicative of emotional distress.
Decreased energy levels
If your dog seems unusually tired, lacks energy, or is less interested in activities they usually enjoy, it might be a sign of SAD.This can also manifest itself in your dog not wanting to go on walks or not being as physically active as usual.
Naughty and destructive behaviour
During the winter months, in comparison to low energy levels, some dogs may exhibit destructive behaviour. This can include the likes of chewing furniture or personal items.
These naughty and destructive behaviours tend to occur when they are feeling stressed or anxious, and also a result of boredom.
Withdrawal and less interaction
Dogs that are feeling down may withdraw from social interactions. They might not greet you at the door as enthusiastically as usual or may prefer to be alone.
Changes in appetite
A decrease or increase in appetite can be a sign of emotional distress. Some dogs may lose interest in food, while others may start eating more than usual.
Increased vocalisation
Some dogs may express their distress through increased whining, barking, or howling. On the other hand, some dogs may become unusually quiet.
Four expert tips to overcome SAD with your dog
If you’ve spotted these signs of SAD in your dog, Ruffwear have also provided their top tips on how to help overcome it and set a new routine.
It’s important to note that the first thing you should do is to check with your vet to ensure there is no underlying pain causing your dog to seem depressed, as this can sometimes cause behavioural changes in our pets.
Teach your dog a few new tricks
The saying goes you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but when it’s dark and miserable outside, work through some new training.
Make feeding fun
If your dog isn’t getting excited about their feeding time, something is definitely up. Try to make meal times a little more exciting for them by using puzzle games or fun treat dispensers.
Increase your one-on-one time
Spend more one-on-one time with your dog. Rachel advises “As we get closer to the festive season some people will be out more vising friends and family, or at the office Christmas do and your dog may just be missing that social companionship with you.”
Prep for next year
Once you’ve figured out what works for both of you, you can keep this in mind for next year. You know your dog better than anyone, and if you notice something isn’t right with your dog, it’s always best to have a plan in place for when the miserable weather comes back around.
Earlier this year, a fire broke out in the building above the PDSA South Bridge charity shop, causing the shop to close for the foreseeable future. The shop located at 88-89 South Bridge, EH1 1HN, closed in June, but is very nearly ready to officially re-open again.
Before the shop reopens its doors again to eager shoppers, the team are hoping the supportive local community will head over there to donate any unwanted goodies.
PDSA Cluster Shop Manager, Fiona Lawrie, said: “Since the unavoidable closure of South Bridge five months ago, we’ve had a flurry of support from locals at our nearby Nicolson Street shop. We’re hoping before we re-open South Bridge, lovely locals will pop by to donate any unwanted items they may have, so we can open the doors again, stocked with fresh finds!
“We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us, the fire was a big shock to our team, but we’re more than ready to head back into the shop and welcome previous supporters, and new faces through the door.”
The shop is not yet open for people to browse around, however the official re-opening date will be announced very soon.
For anyone who wishes to donate any items, please drop any goods off at PDSA South Bridge, 88-89 South Bridge, EH1 1HN.
A puppy from Dundee is back home with his loving family in time for Christmas after needing emergency care at PDSA when he was badly bitten by a larger dog.
The leading vet charity – which treats 10 pets every minute – is sharing 11-month-old Boomi’s story ahead of Giving Tuesday (Tuesday 28 November) and appealing for donations to help them keep pets and people together this Christmas.
Boomi’s story
Crossbreed puppy, Boomi, and his owner, Tom, had nipped outside their home for a toilet break when things took an unexpected turn.
Tom, who has autism, explained: “A large dog saw us from about 15 metres away. He came bounding over with his lead trailing behind and began to jump at Boomi. I knew we were vulnerable, as the owner of the dog hadn’t noticed what was happening.
“The dog was really trying to get hold of Boomi and eventually managed to sink his teeth in. He began shaking Boomi around in the air. I was frantically holding onto Boomi to try to rescue him despite feeling panicked and scared for my own safety.
“Eventually, the owner managed to restrain his dog with the help of a passer-by. I don’t know what I would’ve done if somebody else hadn’t intervened. I immediately scooped Boomi, who was covered in blood and crying out in pain, up into my arms and ran straight to the car to get help.”
Boomi was initially seen at a private veterinary clinic, where he was assessed and received emergency care. The next morning, Boomi was transferred to Dundee PDSA Pet Hospital for ongoing treatment.
PDSA Vet Nurse, Paolo Panetta, said: “Boomi arrived with a large, deep wound on his leg and was admitted straight away. He was put on a drip and given pain relief, anti-sickness medication, and antibiotic injections.
“Once he was stabilised, we anaesthetised him to assess his wounds further. Thankfully, x-rays showed that there were no fractures, though his muscles had been severely traumatised. The large wound was stitched up but, due to the severity of the trauma, a small hole was left in the wound to allow any fluid to drain out. Boomi stayed overnight for ongoing care and pain relief.”
The next day, Boomi was recovering well, so he was able to return home to Tom with antibiotics, pain relief medication, and instructions for strict rest. He also needed to wear a recovery cone to protect the wound.
Tom continued: “I was just so relieved to have him back home with me. As well as his medication, I made sure he had lots of company, cuddles, reassurance, and of course his favourite food!”
Sadly, the trauma inflicted by dog bites can mean that wounds struggle to heal, and Boomi’s wound re-opened a few days later. He returned to Dundee PDSA Pet Hospital to have the wound re-stitched and was discharged the same day with more antibiotics and pain relief.
Over the next month, Boomi attended regular check-up appointments. Each time, PDSA’s vet team were delighted with his progress and eventually signed Boomi off from any further treatment.
Explaining the aftermath of the incident, Tom added: “I experienced severe panic and anxiety attacks, and I struggled to sleep properly as I kept having flashbacks. The horrific sounds coming from Boomi as he was injured are something I will never forget.
“Thankfully, Boomi is back to his happy self, and you wouldn’t know the ordeal he had been through if you saw him. His confidence seems untouched. He has dog friends at the park who are much bigger than him, so it doesn’t seem like the size of the dog who injured him has scarred him.”
Ever since the day Tom brought Boomi home, the two have formed an unbreakable bond: “Boomi’s a cuddly, attention-seeking cutie. He’s got those stereotypical puppy dog eyes that he puts on to get belly rubs and ear scratches. He’s growing into such a confident and social boy too, which is lovely to watch.”
Boomi’s treatment at PDSA cost £1,460.96.
PDSA cared for over 53,000 pets like Boomi last December. This Giving Tuesday (Tuesday 28 November), the charity is appealing for donations so it can help keep pets and people together this Christmas.
Every day across its 48 Pet Hospitals, PDSA protects the special bond between owners and their four-legged friends. The teams provide veterinary care to sick and injured pets whose owners otherwise couldn’t afford to pay the full cost of treatment. The charity has been keeping people and pets together for over a hundred years. Find out more: pdsa.org.uk/learn-why-were-special
You can help save pets like Boomi by supporting PDSA’s vital work keeping people and pets together this Giving Tuesday. Our dedicated vet teams see 10 pets every single minute, but we don’t receive any government funding, relying only on generous public support. Donate and save pets’ lives: pdsa.org.uk/together-this-winter
We’re a nation of cat lovers with an estimated 11 million living as pets in the UK*. However, sometimes certain characteristics mean pets can be a little overlooked and sadly, black cats are one of them.
Not only do rehoming charities often have black cats waiting longer to find homes than other cats, but in a world dominated by social media, black cats are also often said to be ‘less photogenic’ than other more ‘colourful’ cats.
PDSA vets together with PDSA Pet Insurance have debunked some of the most common myths about black cats.
“Good luck, bad luck, a witch’s pet… there’s a lot of myths around our mysterious feline friends and we’ll admit that not all of them are great,” explains PDSA Vet Lynne James.
“We, however, think black cats are wonderful and there’s loads of reasons they can make brilliant pets.”
Lynne has debunked some of the biggest myths surrounding black cats:
We don’t live in the middle ages.
“It’s thought that the black cats and witches myth started sometime in the middle ages. We’re talking a thousand years ago here. They’ve gotten a whole negative reputation based on myth, when really they’re no different to any other cat.
Black cats are actually good luck!
“Sailors used to take black cats aboard ships not only to catch mice but also because they believed they brought them good luck. In Scotland, a black cat turning up at your door is a sign of prosperity!
They *might* live longer.
“According to researchers at the National Institute of Health, the gene that causes their fur to be black could also protect them against certain diseases. So your black cat may be scientifically less likely to fall ill with certain diseases.
Black cats can help your love life.
“Believe it or not, in some parts of the world black cats are considered ‘matchmakers’ and are thought to help their owners find true love! They’re even believed to be the perfect wedding gift in some areas of the UK as they are thought to bring luck and happiness to the bride.
They were worshipped.
“In Ancient Egypt, all cats were worshipped – including black cats. All cats were seen as sacred. In fact, the Egyptian goddess Bastet (who protected the home from evil spirits and disease) is often portrayed as having the body of a woman and the head of a black cat. Bastet is still worshipped today and her protection is believed by some to be cast over modern cats.”
PDSA is the UK’s largest vet charity providing a vital service for pets across the UK whose owners struggle to afford treatment costs for their sick and injured pets. For many vulnerable pets, PDSA is there to help when there is nowhere else for their owners to turn.
The charity’s insurance arm, PDSA Pet Insurance, offers a range of policies to cover cats and dogs for accidents and illness, as well as providing access to a 24/7 veterinary helpline. Every policy sold raises funds for the charity’s life-saving veterinary work.
AUTUMN is upon us! It’s the season for muddy woodland walks and enjoying the delights this time of year has to offer.
The trees will shed, and you’ll find yourself kicking through piles of crunchy golden leaves on walks. Tree seeds will also ripen and fall, and you’ll find heaps of acorns and shiny conkers on the ground.
Although autumnal walks with your dog can be beautiful, it’s important to be aware of the seasonal dangers that could be harmful to them.
PDSA Vet Lynne James says: “Acorns and conkers perfectly signify the seasons changing, and whilst we may enjoy collecting or playing with them, don’t forget that they can be a danger for our pets if they’re swallowed.
“Thankfully, the bitter taste stops most pets eating them, however they can be tempting to play with and some owners enjoy throwing conkers for pets to catch without realising the risks.
“They can easily swallow them, causing tummy upsets or even a potentially life-threatening blockage of their throat or intestines. Not forgetting they do also contain toxins, which can be harmful to pets.
“If your pet is showing signs of choking on an acorn or conker, this is when pet first aid can become a life-saver. We would advise pet owners to download our free pet first aid guide and learn a few very basic steps to help protect your pets.”
What to do if your pet is choking
“A choking pet will usually have difficulty breathing, make choking sounds, might paw at their mouth and you might see their lips, gums and tongue turning blue.
“Although panic can be a natural reaction in an emergency, try to keep yourself and your pet calm. If they are choking and conscious, try to gently open their mouth to look for something that’s stuck. If you can see a blockage in their mouth, you can use tweezers from your pet first aid kit, or a strong pen to remove it. Always take care when putting anything in your pet’s mouth and never use your fingers as they may panic and could bite you by accident.
“If you can’t remove it and your pet is collapsed and unconscious, lay your pet on their side and place both hands on the side of your pet’s rib cage. Then push quickly and firmly or strike the rib cage with the flat of your hand three to four times – the idea is to push air and the object out of their lungs.
“If you are still unable to dislodge the object, call your vet straight away for an emergency appointment.
“Contact the vet even if you successfully remove the blockage or if your pet clears the object but is still coughing.
Acorns
“Acorns contain a toxin that if ingested, can upset your pet’s stomach, and make them sick. Although rare, if eaten in large amounts, acorns can even cause kidney and liver failure. It’s actually unripe, green acorns that are more poisonous than brown ones, but all parts of the oak tree are poisonous if eaten!
Conkers
“Conkers contain a mixture of toxic compounds which may cause signs of poisoning, such as vomiting, diarrhoea and collapse. They do have a bitter taste that puts most pets off from eating a lot of them, however if consumed in large amounts, conkers can cause more serious effects, and in some rare cases, can even be deadly.
“It’s important to know what signs to look out for, should your pet get their paws on acorns or conkers and consume them. Signs of illness will usually show within a few hours following chewing or ingestion, but can be delayed for up to a couple of days. The most common signs include:
Loss of appetite
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Restlessness
Collapsing
“Should your pet show any of the above, or other unusual signs, it could be an indication that they are unwell. Always seek advice from your Vet as soon as possible.”
Fireworks can be super scary for our pets. According to the 2022 PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report, 41% of dogs and 30% of cats are scared of fireworks – that’s 4.1 million dogs and 3.3 million cats across the UK.
“Fireworks can be very scary and stressful for our pets,” explains PDSA Vet Nurse Nina Downing. “It’s difficult for them to understand that they aren’t and shouldn’t be in danger when they hear or see fireworks, but as their senses are much stronger than ours, they experience fireworks so much more intensely than we do.
“Fortunately, there are plenty of little things you can do to keep your cats and dogs calm throughout fireworks season, and the earlier you start, the easier it will be on the night!”
Preparation is key
Check the dates of any nearby firework displays so you know when to expect the loud bangs and flashes.
Make sure you have curtains/blinds on all your windows and close them to block out the flashes of light.
Shut and secure all windows, doors and cat flaps and play some music or have the TV on to drown out some of the noise outside
Build pets a safe haven den
Ensure your pet’s microchip details are up-to-date to give you a better chance of being reunited if they run away from home.
Plug in a pheromone diffuser
Create a ‘safe space’ for them by making a firework den
“A cosy, safe den can help your pet feel safe and secure if they are frightened on fireworks night,” suggests Nina.
Make it somewhere they go when they feel worried. Cats often feel safest when they’re up high, so they’ll probably like their den to be on a shelf, on top of a wardrobe, or in the top of a cupboard. A covered cat bed is ideal for helping them feel protected, but make sure it’s well secured and won’t fall off wherever you put it. Dogs may prefer their den behind the sofa, under a table, in a crate, or inside a big, safe, empty cupboard. You know your pet best!
Make the den a few weeks before fireworks season starts so they get used to it, and give them treats/praise when they go in so they think of it as a nice place.
Make it as enclosed as possible by using an enclosed bed, a cardboard box, or by draping blankets over whatever you’re using.
Make it comfortable with their bed or lots of cushions and blankets, put some of their favourite toys and treats in it, too.
Give them access to it at all times, but never force them into it or shut them inside it.
Make sure they have a bowl of water very near to it.
Don’t be disheartened if they don’t use it, or choose to hide somewhere else.
Keep an eye on them when they’re in the den, but don’t disturb them – if they’re in it, it’s likely they want to be alone.
Never force them out of the den even if they’ve been in it for a long time – just make sure they have access to food and water.
Pheromones for cats and dogs – get started early
“Pheromones are chemical messages that animals produce to mark their territory and communicate with each other, some of which help them feel calm,” explains Nina.
“You can help your pet feel extra calm on fireworks night by using a pheromone diffuser, or spray, which contains man-made ‘happy’ pheromones.
“For the best effect, plug a diffuser in a few weeks before firework season begins and keep it topped up until the season has ended. If you’re using a spray (for more immediate effect), let it settle for 15 minutes before allowing your pet into the room so all the alcohol in it has evaporated – it’s not dangerous, they just don’t like the smell.”
When to contact your vet
“If you have tried all the recommended steps and your pet is still scared of fireworks, your vet may be able to prescribe medication to help relax them on the night.
“These medications should only be used as a short-term solution. Speak to your vet well before fireworks season to allow yourself enough time to find the most effective medication for your pet.”
Desensitisation
“It is possible to teach your pets that firework noises aren’t frightening, this is called ‘desensitisation’, then to convince them they are a good thing, this is called ‘counterconditioning’,” explains Nina.
“However, unfortunately this is not a quick process, and has to be taken slowly, so it’s unlikely to benefit your pet straight away. If your pet struggles over the next few months, talk to your vet about setting up a training program for next year.”
Step 1: Play firework sounds through a speaker at home, at a very low volume. Act normally, but watch your pet for any reaction which might indicate stress or anxiety. If they react at all, stop the session and start again the next day at a lower volume. If they seem comfortable, keep playing the sounds for a few minutes before turning them off.
Step 2: Repeat at the current volume a number of times over a few days, and if they seem completely comfortable, increase the volume slightly, and start again from step one – take this slowly, don’t rush to turn the volume up.
Step 3: Once they are completely happy with very loud firework noises and don’t react at all (desensitisation), you can start convincing them that the noises are a good thing (counterconditioning). Do this by turning on the firework sounds and giving them a treat straight away. As soon as they finish the treat, turn the sounds off. Eventually, your pet will start to associate the noises with a treat and might even start to enjoy the noises or get excited!
For more information. and to download PDSA’s free fireworks guide, visit:
Two-year-old Labrador Reggie was out enjoying a Sunday evening walk with his loving owner when disaster struck, and PDSA’s pet first aid advice had to be put into practice.
While running through the woods with his canine brother, Ronnie; Reggie sliced his paw open on some broken glass that had been discarded on the ground.
With blood pouring from his cut paw, over a mile from the car and unfortunately no supplies on hand, Reggie’s owner, Jess, utilised her recently learnt pet first aid knowledge to wrap the serious wound with a makeshift bandage.
To help stem the bleeding, Jess ripped off a piece of her clothing and applied pressure to the cut. She then covered it with a poo bag, tied loosely round Reggie’s ankle, to keep it clean while they made their way back to the car.
Once home, Jess unwrapped the bandage to clean Reggie’s paw and realised it was still bleeding heavily. She immediately called the vet, who directed them to head straight to their out of hours service.
After being examined, the vet informed Jess that the deep cut had damaged a major blood vessel and would need stitches under general anaesthetic. Luckily the procedure went smoothly and just a few hours later, Reggie was discharged and able to go home for some well-needed rest and recuperation, while his paw heeled.
PDSA Vet Lynne James said: “It can be extremely worrying when your pet has an accident or gets injured, especially if you’re far from home and you haven’t got your pet first aid kit with you.
“In Reggie’s case, his owner did exactly the right thing and helped stem a potentially life-threatening bleed, preventing further contamination and infection to the wound – thanks to the lifesaving advice learnt from our pet first aid leaflet.
“Our guide covers everything from what to do if your pet is having a seizure, to how to cool your pet down safely if they develop life-threatening heatstroke.
You never know when disaster might strike so it’s very useful to be clued up on pet first aid – it could save a life in an emergency.”
Jess said: “After reading through all of PDSA’s pet first aid advice in the guide, we made sure we had a complete pet first aid kit for the dogs, but I didn’t have it with me on our walk. Despite that, the advice in the guide ended up really being a ‘lifesaver’ when Reggie cut his paw.”
PDSA relies on donations to deliver life-saving treatment to hundreds of thousands of pets through its 48 Pet Hospitals across the UK. To help keep people and their pets together in times of need, the charity is urgently calling on the public’s support.
To find out more about PDSA’s vital work, or to donate, visit www.pdsa.org.uk
