In this episode, Dr. Sarah Ramsey shares her extensive experience in veterinary medicine, discussing the importance of specialized care for pets, emergency preparedness, and essential first aid skills for pet owners. She emphasizes the need for proper veterinary care, including routine check-ups and vaccinations, while also providing practical advice on creating emergency kits and knowing when to seek professional help. Dr. Ramsey's insights aim to empower pet owners to take proactive steps in ensuring their pets' health and safety.

Guest Bio:

Dr. Sarah Ramsey, originally from West Sussex in the UK, graduated from The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh in 2006 and also holds a degree in Parasitology from Glasgow University. She has practiced acupuncture since 2007, is a member of the ABVA, and earned her Certificate in Small Animal Medicine from the University of Liverpool in 2016, later achieving Advanced Veterinary Practitioner status in 2022. With a special interest in feline medicine, oncology, pain management, and end-of-life care, Dr. Sarah has held senior roles including Clinical Director of a two-site practice in the UK and Head of Medicine at a London small animal hospital. She relocated to the UAE in 2021 with her husband, two children, and a growing rescue family of cats, alongside her Bedlington Whippet, Snowy, and a tortoise named Taco. Beyond veterinary medicine, she is a passionate runner, ultramarathon finisher, yoga practitioner, and stand-up paddleboarder, with recent adventures in aerial gymnastics and a goal of completing a triathlon within the next year.

Takeaways:

• Dr. Sarah Ramsey has nearly 30 years of experience in veterinary medicine.
• Understanding veterinary specializations helps in choosing the right care for pets.
• Emergency kits for pets should include saline, gauze, and vet wrap.
• Basic first aid skills can save a pet's life in emergencies.
• Knowing when to seek veterinary care is crucial for pet health.
• Routine veterinary check-ups are essential for early detection of health issues.
• Vaccination schedules may vary by region and should be discussed with a vet.
• Pet owners should be aware of their pets' specific health needs and risks.
• Regular blood work can help monitor chronic conditions in pets.
• Creating a customized emergency kit for pets is important for preparedness.

Emergency Kits:

At-Home Emergency Kit

• Gloves (latex or nitrile) – to keep your hands clean and safe.
• Saline pods/pipettes – safe for cleaning wounds and eyes.
• Sterile gauze – apply pressure and stop bleeding.
• Vet wrap (self-adhering bandage) – to secure gauze/dressings (sticks to itself, not fur).
• Muzzle or strong tape for a makeshift muzzle – for safety if your pet is in pain.
• Tick hook – safe removal of ticks without leaving parts behind.
• Tweezers – for removing thorns, splinters, or foreign bodies.
• Cotton buds – useful for cleaning small areas, like removing grass seeds.
• Styptic powder - to stop bleeding from nails, ears, or tails.
• Elizabethan collar (cone) – to prevent licking/ingesting toxins or cleaning wounds.

On-the-Go / Walk & Travel Kit (Mini Version)

• Saline pod – for quick wound or eye cleaning.
• Sterile gauze – for immediate coverage of cuts or stings.
• Vet wrap – to hold gauze in place.
• Muzzle tape – lightweight safety option.
• Antihistamines (chlorphenamine / “Piriton”) – especially if your dog has known allergies (4mg tablet for medium/large dogs, ½ tablet for small dogs/cats; expect drowsiness as a side effect).
• Water bottle – for flushing wounds, burns, or helping with heat stroke.
• (Optional for hikes/desert walks: extra antihistamines, spare bandage, tick hook.)

Special Additions / Situational Items

• Chronic condition meds – e.g., seizure medication for epileptic dogs.
• Burn care – clean water only (never dressings).
• Heatstroke care – water, shade, portable fan, cooling jacket/towel (used correctly).
• Allergy-prone pets – antihistamines carried at all times.
• Snake bite care – saline for flushing, never tourniquets.

Relevant links mentioned in the episode:

Dr Well Website, Instagram

Timestamps to relevant points within the episode:

[00:00]-Intro

[02:04]- Understanding Veterinary Specializations

[03:57]- Emergency Preparedness for Pets

[10:03]- Essential Items for Pet Emergency Kits

[15:59]- First Aid Skills Every Pet Parent Should Know

[23:40]- Essential First Aid Techniques for Pets

[25:31]- Handling Toxic Ingestions and Heat Stroke

[29:47]- Real-Life Emergency Scenarios and Preparedness

[31:31]- Understanding Snake Bites and Prevention

[33:34]- Customizing First Aid Kits for Different Pets

[36:39]- When to Seek Veterinary Help

[40:01]- Routine Veterinary Care and Vaccination Schedules