First Aid Guide for Dogs and Cats.

Transporting an injured pet

The aim is to transport the injured animal with minimum discomfort and avoiding making any injuries worse.

If the animal can walk allow it to walk slowly to the vehicle and gently assist it to get in.

If your animal cannot walk comfortably lift it gently, and be careful not to obstruct its airway.

If your animal is severely injured or has possible spinal injuries do not attempt to encourage it to walk and do not carry it. Instead a stretcher should always be used in such cases.

Select a flat rigid object or a blanket which will be large enough to hold the animal lying on its side. (e.g. wood / hardboard sheets, wire mesh or plastic mesh fencing, sacks or coats mounted on poles in the same way as for humans).

Place the stretcher on the ground as close to the animal's back as possible. If you feel you might get bitten by your animal apply an emergency muzzle (see technique later on in this guide). Grasp the skin along the back at several places, preferably above the shoulder blade, midway along the spine and above the hip bones, then pull the animal onto the stretcher.

Contact your vet and follow their instruction.

Remember - never give an injured animal anything to eat or drink.

Disclaimer
The information contained within this website is intended as a general guide only and is not necessarily comprehensive. AXA Insurance will not be liable for loss or damages arising, in contract, tort or otherwise, directly or indirectly from the use of or reliance upon any information contained in this website. Content sourced from the RSPCA and various other animal welfare and information websites. Guidance compiled by AXA and approved by the RSPCA.