Animals body fluid! Was there ever a day I was not covered in it?
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Vet nursing really isn't for the faint hearted. You have to be a special kind of person. Danni however, is that special kind of person. She would like to instill one piece of advice on her younger self! "ALWAYS KEEP YOUR MOUTH CLOSED!".
I started with Yass Valley Veterinary back in 2014 as a shy and quiet vet nursing student with little experience in the industry. It was quite intimidating walking into the clinic for the first time surrounded by so many skilled staff members. I remember the two most experienced nurses, Heidi and Anita rushing around assisting the vets with an emergency snake bite and thinking to myself how incredible they were and how much I wanted to be like them.
Growing up with multiple animals in our house hold somewhat prepared me for the job I had just walked in to. But if I had one piece of advice to give anyone wanting to become a veterinary nurse, that would be ‘it’s not all puppies and kittens’.
The hardest part of nursing is without a doubt euthanising a loved family member. I always get asked “ do you get used to it?” or “do you get sad?” and honestly, you never really get used to it. You just develop different coping mechanisms. Generally, when euthanising animals, they are very old and sick so euthanasia is the kindest thing for them. However once the animal is no longer suffering it becomes the owner who suffers and that there, is part the gets to me.
On a lighter note, I can’t recall one day that I was not covered in some sort of animal bodily fluid. There are many aspects of nursing that require you to have quite a strong stomach. Some of the regular occurrences include being urinated on by a nervous puppy or getting projectile anal gland fluid to the face. On farm visits you get covered in cow faeces or sneezed on by a horse with a nosebleed and let me tell you that nothing spreads blood quite like a happy dog with an open tail wound. On the very rare occasion you are not covered in it, someone else is! That is when you also need thick skin and a good sense of humour. Because 9 times out of 10, a work colleague will have seen the incident and they will not refrain from laughing. If I could go back and tell my younger self one piece of advice it would be to “ALWAYS KEEP YOUR MOUTH CLOSED”.
Although this all sounds very off putting and you would question anyone who would willingly put themselves through this, I have to say I absolutely love my job. The good days generally out weigh the bad. Your day can be instantly made by a litter of 6 week old puppies to cuddle (vaccinate and microchip of course), or if the vet is booked in to go out pregnancy testing cattle and needs an assistant to help in the yards. You are constantly growing and learning every day which is exactly why I stuck to it and am now training and teaching younger nurses as the nurse supervisor.
Furthermore, I would not be able to do this job if not for the people I work with. We all have the same love and compassion for our animals and our jobs. You know that you work in a great environment when you want to spend time with your colleges on the weekend after being with them for a 10-hour shift. The team at Yass Valley Veterinary are practically a family, and they have been a massive contributor to the person I am today.
Is your dog or cat easily spooked? Learn how to recognise signs of anxiety in pets, common triggers, and ways to help your pet feel calmer and more secure.
Knowing what to do when your pet is injured or becomes unwell can make a stressful situation feel a little more manageable. While first aid is never a substitute for veterinary treatment, knowing the basics can help you keep your pet safe while you arrange professional care. From bleeding and injuries to seizures, heat stress and toxin ingestion, understanding what to do and what not to do can be invaluable in an emergency. At Yass Valley Veterinary , we’re here to help you understand when your pet needs immediate veterinary attention and how you can provide safe first aid while getting them to the clinic. What to Do in a Pet Emergency The first priority in any emergency is to stay calm and assess the situation. If it is safe to do so: Move slowly and calmly. Keep the environment quiet. Minimise handling. Use a towel or blanket as a barrier if you need to protect yourself. Keep your hands away from your pet’s mouth. Transport your pet to a veterinary clinic as soon as it is safe to do so. Remember: if you’re unsure, treat the situation as an emergency and contact your vet. Check Your Pet’s ABCs In a serious emergency, start by checking your pet’s: Airway: Can air get in? Breathing: Is air moving? Circulation: Is blood flowing? If your pet is having difficulty breathing, has collapsed, is unresponsive, or has pale, white or blue gums, they need immediate veterinary attention. What to Do for Common Pet Emergencies Different emergencies require different first aid responses. Here are some serious situations to be aware of. Wounds and Bleeding If your pet is bleeding: Stay calm. Gently clean the wound with water or saline if appropriate. Apply firm, constant pressure using a clean towel, pad or bandage. Secure the dressing if possible. Seek veterinary treatment. Avoid repeatedly removing the bandage to check the wound, as this can disturb the clot and cause bleeding to start again. If bleeding is severe or uncontrollable, seek emergency veterinary care immediately. Hit by a Car or Other Trauma A pet involved in a road accident or other significant trauma should be assessed by a veterinarian, even if they appear to be okay. First, make sure the scene is safe. Check their ABCs and, if there is bleeding, apply firm, constant pressure. If you need to move your pet, use a blanket or flat surface to support their whole body. Keep their body as straight as possible and support the spine. Do not twist or bend their body, and don’t assume they are okay simply because they appear calm or are able to walk. Transport them to a veterinary clinic immediately. Seizures If your pet has a seizure: Move nearby objects away to help prevent injury. Keep the environment quiet. Time the seizure if you can. Keep your hands away from their mouth. Do not try to restrain them. Once the seizure has stopped, keep your pet calm and arrange veterinary assessment. An active seizure is considered an emergency and requires immediate veterinary attention. Heat Stress and Heatstroke Heat stress can become life-threatening quickly, particularly in hot weather. If your pet is showing signs of heat stress: Move them into shade or indoors. Turn on fans or air conditioning. Get them off hot surfaces such as bitumen or sand. Wet their body with cool water. Keep them calm and limit stimulation. Transport them to a veterinarian. Never leave a pet in a hot car, even for a short period, and don’t wait to see whether they improve before seeking veterinary care. Suspected Toxin Ingestion If you think your pet has eaten or been exposed to something potentially toxic, act quickly. If it is safe: Remove any remaining toxin from their mouth. Identify what they have been exposed to. Bring the packaging or take a photo of the product if possible. Estimate how much they may have consumed (even an approximate amount can be useful). Wear gloves if necessary. Transport your pet to a veterinary clinic immediately. Do not make your pet vomit at home unless specifically instructed to do so by a veterinary professional, and don’t wait for symptoms to appear. When Should I Take My Pet to the Vet? Knowing how urgent your pet’s condition is can be difficult. As a general rule, if you’re unsure, it’s safest to seek veterinary advice. Go to the Vet Immediately Seek emergency veterinary care if your pet has: Difficulty breathing Collapsed or is unresponsive An active seizure Pale, white or blue gums Severe or uncontrollable bleeding Been hit by a car or experienced significant trauma Rapid abdominal swelling or suspected bloat A suspected snake bite or toxin ingestion Signs of paralysis or suspected paralysis tick Extreme heat or cold exposure Seek Veterinary Treatment as Soon as Possible Your pet should also be assessed promptly for: Weakness or altered consciousness Pale gums Severe pain Toxin ingestion Difficulty or inability to urinate Severe dehydration Generalised weakness Persistent vomiting Wounds Neurological signs Even seemingly minor symptoms can sometimes indicate an underlying problem, so if you’re concerned about your pet, contact your veterinary team. How to Safely Handle an Injured or Frightened Pet An injured or frightened pet may behave differently from normal, even if they are usually friendly. Pain and fear can cause pets to bite or scratch. Approach slowly and calmly and speak softly to help reassure them. Avoid direct face-to-face contact and watch for warning signs such as growling, a stiff body or wide eyes. A towel, blanket or jacket can be used as a barrier to help protect you while handling your pet. Keep your face away from their head and avoid putting your hands near their mouth. If it is safe to do so, temporary restraint may help. For dogs, a towel or lead can be used as a makeshift muzzle, but never muzzle a dog if their breathing is compromised or they are vomiting . Cats can be gently wrapped in a towel to help minimise movement. Only move your pet when necessary, such as if they are in immediate danger. If you do need to move them, support their whole body, particularly the spine and limbs. What to Include in a Pet First Aid Kit Having a pet first aid kit at home and when travelling can help you respond quickly to minor injuries while arranging veterinary care. Consider including: Towels Two leashes Pillowcase Sanitary pad or nappy Bandage or pet first aid kit Scissors Bottle of water Plastic bags Gloves Notepad and pen Cling wrap (optional) Keep your first aid supplies somewhere easy to access so you aren’t searching for them during an emergency. Remember: First Aid Isn’t a Substitute for Veterinary Care Pet first aid is about keeping your pet safe and providing basic support while you arrange professional treatment. It shouldn’t delay a veterinary assessment when your pet is seriously injured or unwell. In an emergency, fast is good, but calm is better . Simple actions can make a difference, but getting your pet to a veterinarian as soon as it is safe to do so is the priority. FAQs: Pet First Aid 1. What should I do if my pet is injured? Stay calm, minimise handling and assess their airway, breathing and circulation. If there is bleeding, apply firm, constant pressure with a clean towel, pad or bandage. Seek veterinary treatment as soon as possible. 2. Should I make my dog vomit if they eat something toxic? No. Do not make your pet vomit at home unless specifically instructed by a veterinary professional. Identify what they have ingested, bring the packaging or a photo if possible, and seek veterinary care immediately. 3. What should I do if my pet has a seizure? Move objects away to prevent injury, keep the environment quiet and time the seizure if possible. Don’t restrain your pet or put your hands near their mouth. An active seizure requires immediate veterinary attention. 4. What are the signs of a pet emergency? Difficulty breathing, collapse, an active seizure, pale or blue gums, severe bleeding, significant trauma, rapid abdominal swelling, suspected toxin ingestion, suspected snake bite, paralysis and extreme temperatures are all reasons to seek immediate veterinary care. 5. Should I have a pet first aid kit at home? Yes. Keeping basic supplies such as towels, bandages, gloves, scissors and water readily available can help you respond to minor injuries and emergencies while arranging veterinary care. Be Prepared for a Pet Emergency You can’t always prevent an accident or illness, but being prepared can help you respond calmly when your pet needs you most. Save your veterinary clinic’s phone number, keep a pet first aid kit accessible and familiarise yourself with the signs that require immediate veterinary attention. If you’re ever unsure about your pet’s health or an injury, contact Yass Valley Veterinary for advice or seek veterinary care. 📞 Call us today to speak with our veterinary team about your pet’s health and wellbeing.
The pet wellness program designed to keep your pets happy and healthy all year round. At Yass Valley Veterinary, we’re excited to introduce Supertails, the pet wellness program designed to make it easier (and more affordable) to keep your pets happy and healthy all year round. What is Supertails? Supertails is a simple monthly membership that gives you unlimited vet consults plus discounts on everyday services and preventative care. It’s all about providing peace of mind, affordability, and the very best care for your furry family members. Why Join Supertails? Unlimited vet consults – no extra cost for those “just in case” visits. Exclusive member discounts on routine services like dental, desexing, and vaccinations. Peace of mind knowing you can prioritise your pet’s health without worrying about the bill. Better preventative care with regular visits that catch issues early. Supertails makes it easier to say “yes” to the care your pet deserves.
