Emergency Situations and First Aid

The uttermost thing to remember in an emergency situation is to remain calm. Panic will not help you or your dog.

If your dog is injured or ill call your veterinarian immediately. If your vet is not open call an emergency vetenary service. It is a good idea to have your emergency numbers stored in your phone and/or address book where they can easily be accessed.

Regardless of how long you have had your dog it is important to approach slowly while speaking in a soft and soothing manner. An injured animal could bite or scratch due to both fear and pain.

It may be necessary to restrain your dog, you can use a warm blanket to do this, in some cases a muzzle may also be required however it should never be used if your dog is chocking, vomiting, experiencing breathing difficulties or convulsing.

It is highly recommended that all pet owners should be trained in CPR as well as the Heimlich maneuver. It is also recommended to have a first aid kit for your dog.

First Aid Tips

Following are a number of first aid tips, remember to always seek vetenary help and advice and use the following as a guide only.

Bleeding

Possible Causes: car accident, animal fight, rat poisoning, severe wound.

If your dog is heavily bleeding it is important to try and slow/stop the blood flow as soon as possible. Apply a pressure bandage like sterile gauze or a clean towel or cloth directly to the wound and apply pressure for at least 5-7 minutes or until the blood flow has slowed/stopped.

Choking

Possible Causes: foreign object stuck in dog's throat, windpipe or teeth - bone, food, small rubber balls, allergic reaction.

If your dog is choking, check your dog's mouth carefully. If you are able to see the object and it is easy to remove gently remove it either with tweezers or with your hand. If you are unable to see the object the Heimlich manuever may need to be performed. Do not under any circumstances attempt this if you are not trained to do so as you may cause even more serious injuries.

Vomiting and Poisoning

Possible Causes: poisoning, parasites, disease, abdominal injury, overeating, fear, brain injury.

If your dog is excessively vomiting there may be something seriously wrong. It is important to examine the vomit for things like blood, food etc. It is also recommended to take a sample of the vomit to your vet.

If you suspect that your dog has been poisoned and you know what may have been the cause take the product with you to the vet. Signs of poisoning may include other symptoms in addition to vomiting like muscular twitching, bleeding or convulsions.

Burns

Possible Causes: electrical burns, thermal burns, chemical burns.

If your dog has acquired a burn use a cold compress and gently press on the affected area. If it is a specific body part like a leg for example you may place the body part in cold running water for as long as possible. If it is a chemical burn thoroughly clean the area.

Heat Stroke

Possible Causes: excessive heat, lack of water, exertion

Symptoms of heat stroke include heavy panting, vomiting, frothing at the mouth and collapse. If your dog is suffering from heat stroke place him in a cool and shady area, if there is froth at the mouth remove it and try to lower the dog's temperature as quickly as possible. Immerse the dog in tepid water and do not leave the dog unattended while soaking. Monitor temperature and take to the vet.

Frostbite

Possible Causes: excessive exposure to cold / icy temperatures

In case of frostbite place your dog in a warm place and use warm compress. You may also place the dog in warm water. Monitor temperature and take to the vet.

Unconsciousness

Possible Causes: drowning, choking, trauma, drug ingestion.

If your dog is not breathing and has no heartbeat, CPR is essential. Remember to never attempt CPR if you are not trained.

In case of drowning, fluid from your dog's lungs must be removed. Do this by lifting the dog’s hindquarters high over his head and squeezing the chest until the fluid stops coming out.

If an object is stuck in your dog's throat or windpipe, it will need to be gently removed. Refer to “Choking” section.

Bee or wasp sting

If your dog has been stung by a bee remove the stinger with tweezers. To reduce swelling use ice packs on the affected area. To reduce pain bathe the area with a water and baking soda mixture. If it is a wasp sting bathe the area with lemon or vinegar juice. Calamine or antihistamine cream may be used.

Limping

Possible Causes: broken limb/s, muscle soreness, sprain, injury to paws, dislocation, arthritis

Limping can be caused by many different things and it is best to have your dog examined by a veterinarian.

If you suspect that your dog has suffered a fracture move the limb as little as possible. You may be able to make a splinter to support the injured leg however you may also use a blanket or folded towel to support the leg while transporting the dog to the vet.