As with “adult” dogs and cats, abandonment of kittens or puppies is becoming more and more common on the eve of the holidays. What emergency measures should you take? How can you save them? Advice from 30millionsdamis.fr.
Regularly, “unwanted” litters of kittens or puppies are found on the street, in nature or even in garbage cans. If, faced with this discovery, you have to rescue these poor little ones and are waiting for a visit to the vet, a few simple tips may be enough to keep them alive.
First, place them in a crate or bassinet with a clean towel or blanket.
1- Is the animal weaned?
First, it is important to know if the kitten or puppy is weaned. If his eyes are open and he has some teeth, he probably is.
If the animal is not weaned, give it lukewarm milk powder (available from the pharmacy or veterinarian) in a sterilized bottle every 3 hours.
” After he has drunk, gently massage his belly with a damp cloth or tissue to help him do his business, as he does not yet have the urination and defecation reflex. » specifies Dr. Laetitia Barlerin, veterinarian.
Kittens that look weaned can be fed with dry adult cat food or mash (this is even better because it contains a lot of water). You can also feed them with cat milk from the supermarket.
Puppies can be fed dry adult food, which may be mixed with infant formula.
Attention : ” The mistake you should not make under any circumstances is to give a kitten cow’s milk. In fact, they do not digest lactose. In addition, it is a diluted milk that does not nourish » warns the vet.
2- Is he in hyperthermia or hypothermia?
The second reflex is to check your little one’s body temperature with your thermometer. ” If the temperature is below 38°C, he is hypothermic. You must warm him up with a hot water bottle! If the temperature is above 39°C, he is in hyperthermia. In fact, puppies and kittens are very sensitive to the sun and can easily suffer from heat stroke! To cool them down, moisten a towel and wrap them in it » advises Dr. Barlerin.
Attention : Do not administer Doliprane® to reduce fever.
3- We urgently moisturize
Most kittens and puppies are completely dehydrated when they are found, so it is important to give them formula as soon as possible. Renew every 3 hours, even at night!
The ideal is motherhood between an adult and a young person. © Grigorita Ko – Fotolia.com
4- Parasites that need to be eliminated quickly!
- Is the puppy or kitten infested with fleas? ” First, wash it with a suitable shampoo. Don’t forget to warm it up well as soon as you get out of the water, because young animals are very sensitive to thermal shocks and have difficulty regulating their temperature. » specifies L. Barlerin. Attention : Do not use the antiparasitic on your adult animal, as it is not suitable for young people. Contrary to popular belief, products based on essential oils should not be used on puppies and kittens, who are very sensitive to these substances: they can be fatal!
- Does he have ticks? Simply remove them with the special hook.
- Does he have a swollen belly? Diarrhea? He is probably infected with intestinal worms. Consult a veterinarian quickly, who will prescribe a deworming medication.
- Applies only to kittens: If you notice stubbly patches, it is probably ringworm. Since this fungus is contagious for animals, but also for humans, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after treatment and do not sleep with it!
- If the kitten has red eyes, is coughing or sneezing, it probably has a cold. See a vet quickly because it can quickly degenerate and is contagious!
5- Is he identified?
If you have performed the emergency, go to the vet! Only he can examine the animal and make sure it is healthy. He will also prescribe you an antiparasitic and a dewormer. ” Most importantly, he can check whether the animal is identified. If this is the case, he can check whether it is not a lost or stolen animal. » explains the vet.
6- Keep it or not…
If you want to keep the animal and it cannot be identified, report it to the town hall, veterinarians, animal shelter and animal shelters in your area. After 8 days, you can adopt it. They will then consider having it identified with your name. If you cannot find a home for it, entrust it to your town hall or an animal shelter in your area.
Extra tips:
7- Pay attention to scrupulous hygiene:
Wash your hands before and after handling the little one. Sterilize his bottles. Do not sleep with him and put him in a crate or bassinet.
8- Motherhood:
If you have a sociable adult dog or cat, do not hesitate to put the kitten or puppy next to him if he shows no signs of illness: ” Adults, including males, have the reflex to mother the young. They will lick them, stimulate them, warm them and reduce the stress that comes with separation from the mother » adds Laetitia Barlerin.