A basic knowledge of Pet First Aid can help immensely should your pet be unfortunate enough to suffer an accident or become ill. It also helps that you can make him more comfortable and do something when most of us feel helpless and worried when a cherished pet is suddenly in pain or unwell. Doing something positive will help you keep calm which is of great benefit and comfort to a distressed dog or cat, as to see their owner fret can increase their stress levels.

There are two golden rules to follow. DON'T PANIC - STAY CALM and CALL YOUR VET.

Every situation is different and some accidents and conditions more upsetting than others, but how you respond both emotionally and physically can make a huge difference to your pet.

Be prepared - if you are going on a day trip or on holiday take a First Aid Kit with you

 Hi Travel First Aid Kit for Pets

that has all the essential needed for basic emergency treatment. Take your veterinarians telephone number and emergency out of hours telephone number and write it on a label on the inside lid of the kit, as well as storing it in your mobile.

Know what to do in the event of the most common injuries:

Shock - can be more dangerous than actually physical injury in the event of an accident. Irregular breathing, dilated pupils and an immobile state can all be signs of shock. Keep your pet gently restrained and warm in a blanket, with their lower body elevated and take them immediately to your veterinarian.

Bite Wounds: Trim the hair around the injured area and look for additional puncture wounds from the other canine teeth - there may be as many as four. Gently clean the wound with warm salty water or saline. If there is little blood it isn't necessary to bandage the wound as leaving it open will allow it to drain. If the wound is bleeding excessively then apply a pressure bandage. Transport to your veterinarian.

Eye Injuries:  are usually caused by grit or by plant particles from pushing through undergrowth, such as grass seeds and thorns. Gently open the eye to examine it, if possible. If the foreign object is loose flush with copious quanities of salt water or saline. If this doesn't work, don't attempt to remove the object, but prevent your pet doing further injury, by bandaging the dew claw on the front paw on the same side as the affected eye and take them to your vet.

Lacerations and wounds:  It is considered dangerous if an animal looses 1% of its bodyweight in blood, ie:a 5lb cat losing 50ml (2 tablespoons) of blood. Also rapid blood loss is more harmful than slow as it is more likely to send your pet into shock, which can lead to collapse and death.To stem the bleeding apply direct pressure to the wound using your fingers or hand. Cover with a clean folded towel, bandage or anything to hand in an emergency. Bandage around foreign objects such as metal or glass - do not remove them as it will only increase the blood loss. Lift the injured part above the heart if possible. Continue to put more dressing on top if blood seeps through but do not remove the existing dressing directly on top of the wound to replace with fresh. The bandage should be firm but not tight enough to stop circulation. Take your pet to your vet whilst maintaining additional dressings if necessary.

Burns - can be from chemicals or heat, both are treated the same - flush the burn immediately with large amounts of cool, running water. Apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel for 15-20 minutes and take to your veterinarian.

Fractures  - muzzle your pet and look for bleeding. If bleeding is profuse stem the bleeding but do not try to  set the fracture by pulling on the limb. Check for signs of shock and wrap your pet in a blanket to keep him warm and to minimise movement. Support the fracture as best you can, which will help to reduce pain and further swelling. In both closed and open fractures there are two general rules, use lots of padding and bandage above and below the joint of the affected bone. Transport your pet to your vet immediately,

Heatstroke - can occur easily in dogs especially in humid weather. Rapid or laboured breathing, vomiting, high body temperature and in serious cases collapse can all be signs your pet has heat stroke. Remove your pet from the hot environment.  It's no longer recommended to submerse your pet in water as this can lead to overcooling.  Run cold water over the back of your pet's head and use towels, T-shirts or cold packs wrapped in towels between the back legs, on the belly and in the arm pits. Stop cooling when signs of consciousness begin to return or breathing becomes less laboured. Take your pet to the vet immediately.

Many accidents can be prevented by some forward planning - make sure if you intend to go hiking or walking long distances your dog is sufficiently fit to minimise risk of sprains. Check weather conditions beforehand - if it is going to be hot take your dog out early morning, late evening and take a plentyful supply of water. Be aware, particularly, if you are camping, that low set camping gear such as gas cookers, burners and chemical loos all pose a potential hazard and ensure your pet does not have access.