Similar to pet cats and pet dogs, birds, small mammals and reptiles should also be cared for, especially in emergency situations. Although most of the basic first aid procedures can be done on dogs and cats, birds can be treated with basic first aid prior to bringing it to the vet.
With regards to small mammals and reptiles, it is best to restrain the animal first before bringing it directly to the vet. Restraining them only require you to wrap them using a rag or towel. Then gently fold the animal’s legs against its body. After doing this, the animal should be taken to the veterinarian for proper medical treatment.
As for birds, you would still need to take the animal to the vet, but there are basic first aid treatments you can resort to before doing so. Just remember that these are just the initial steps you need to do to care for your injured bird, the appropriate treatment can only be done by the veterinarian.
Follow these basic procedures before going to the vet:
Bleeding
- Broken Nail or Wound – Using your fingers, pressure need to be applied on the wound. Through this procedure, the bleeding will decrease. After this, you need to apply a powder called “Quick Stop” or Styptic in order to stop the bleeding. For emergency cases and there’s no stock of this at home nor is there time to buy one, you can use cornstarch or flour.
- Broken “Blood” Feather – If the new feather of your bird gets broken you can start by gently pulling the feathers out. This would help decrease the bleeding. Then you can apply pressure by pressing the site where you had removed he feathers. This would then stop the bleeding.
Fractures
- Leg – Start by restraining the bird using a sock or towel to wrap it. Just leave the leg exposed. Improvise a splint for the leg by using adhesive tape which should be placed perpendicular to the leg adjacent to the broken one.
- Wing – You need to restrain the bird. This can be done by slipping the bird in a sock with the toe portion cut out or by wrapping the bird with a towel.
- Puncture Wounds – Wrap the bird using a sock or a towel then go directly to the veterinarian.
For cases like this, the bird will be prescribed with antibiotics in order to prevent any infection.
The procedure in restraining your bird would be to wrap it in a towel and fold its wings gently against its body. Make sure your hands are away from its beak. For bigger birds, gloves are never recommended. This will reduce your dexterity and strong beaks can actually penetrate through it very easily.
Whether it’s a small mammal, a reptile or a bird, you need to give your pet the utmost care it deserves. For emergency situations, it is best to consult a veterinarian immediately. Carelessness will put your pet’s life in jeopardy. The procedures above cannot resolve any serious injuries of your pet. These are just basic procedures you can work with prior to taking them to the veterinarian.
