First Aid Basics
Moving an injured dog
It would be quite natural for owners to panic if they see that their pet dog is injured. The first reaction would be to rush to the side of the pet. Often times this action have caused more harm not only to the dog but to the owner as well. Immediate appropriate action may save the dog from further injury and increase the pet’s chance to recover and survive.
Before rushing to the side of the injured dog make sure to avoid harming yourself by checking the scene of the injury. Good Samaritans would often hurt themselves by getting to the side of an injured dog. If the dog was hurt due to a vehicular accident, check oncoming traffic first. Always check the scenario. Falling objects as well as electric sources that caused the dog’s injuries can hurt you too.
Before checking the dog for injuries you have to muzzle the dog first. This is necessary not only for strange dogs but also for pets. You may think that because the dog is your pet, muzzling is not necessary. An injured dog, even one that is good natured can bite. Dogs suffering from severe pain can not recognize familiar faces.
If no muzzle is available you can fashion one by using a scarf, gauze, a rope or the dog’s leash. Make a loop and slide the improvised muzzle to the dog’s nose. Loop again around the dog’s muzzle but make sure not to bind it tightly. Tie the muzzle behind the ears or on top of the dog’s nose. It is important to note that a dog suffering from cardiac arrest or one that is unconscious due to drowning or electrocution should not be muzzled.
Before you move the dog check the injuries first and do the necessary first aid. If the dog is unconscious and has stopped breathing, do the nose to mouth resuscitation. Pinch the lips and blow into the nose. This will ventilate the lungs. If the dog is bleeding, use a clean cloth or towel to apply pressure to the wound to stem the flow of blood.
Calm a conscious dog by covering the head with a towel or a blanket. A blanket will also ensure that less heat will be lost. Lift the dog gently. Ensure that movement is minimized as rough handling can compound internal injuries, and create more damage to the tissues. If the dog is unable to get up it may be suffering from spinal injuries. Use a stiff board or a piece of plywood to minimize movement. The dog’s body must be supported as much as possible to prevent more damage to the nerves. Gently slide the dog into the board by firmly grasping the skin at the back of the neck and hips. Pillows and rolled towels placed around the dog will prevent jarring movements. The dog may also be tied or taped to the board with a belt or a rope. However, it is not advisable to tie a struggling dog as further damage could result.
If a stiff board is not available, a towel, a blanket and even a coat can be use as a makeshift stretcher. Place the coat against the dog’s back. Gently slide the dog to the makeshift stretcher by pulling the skin at the back of the dog’s neck and the skin over the dog’s back. Take care not to put pressure on the stomach of the dog. This is most important if the dog is vomiting or having breathing difficulties. Roll the edge of the blanket to get a better grip and lift it to the vehicle. Two persons are usually needed for this task. A blanket used as a makeshift stretcher is only advisable if it is apparent that the dog has not sustained a back injury.
If the dog is unconscious ensure that the head is normally aligned with the body. If the head is abnormally flexed downward or very much extended upwards, serious damage could result due to improper blood drainage to the brain.
A dog that has sustained severe head injuries are likely to vomit even if they are unconscious. In such cases, the head must be lower than the level of the dog’s heart. This is to ensure that the dog will not aspirate. The vomit will be allowed to flow out of the mouth and not into the windpipe and lungs.
Needless to say, an injured dog would need to be rushed to a vet to be attended to at once. However, knowing the proper way of moving an injured dog would not only mean greater chance of survival and recovery for the dog but safety for the owner as well.
When to contact a veterinarian
The importance of giving the dog veterinary care cannot be stressed enough. Breeders usually guarantee their puppies but the love invested on a puppy that dies can never be refunded. Thus as soon as the pup is taken home; the pet parent would arrange an appointment with the vet for complete physical examinations as well as for the inoculations that would minimize the risk of canine diseases. Dogs though would still get sick… would have accidents and be injured. Since pets cannot tell you what is wrong with them, how will you know if the condition warrants a trip to the vet?
Dogs are voracious eaters but they turn away from food from time to time. Pet owners should not worry if the dog refuses one meal or two as long as there are no signs of illness. But if the dog does not eat, occasionally vomits and passes green or black coloured soft stool; if the dog is lethargic, drools and has a foul breath, the owner has better make an appointment with the veterinarian. Dogs are naturally energetic animals… always, jumping, running and playing. It is unnatural for dogs to sleep more than usual. The dog’s unwillingness to move can be due to swollen joints. This condition can be a sign of a muscular disease or a nervous system disorder. This is not an emergency situation. Nevertheless, the dog has to be seen by a vet within 24 hours. Correct diagnoses and the administration of proper medication will prevent the condition from worsening. Other concerns like an eye or an ear discharge as well as signs of skin irritations are not life threatening situations but a vet consult within 24 hours is also necessary.
The pet must be taken to the vet the very same day breathing difficulty is noticed. The shallow or rapid breathing especially if accompanied with continuous coughing and sneezing can be symptoms of a heart or respiratory ailment. Dehydration is often the outcome when the pet that is not eating for 24 hours continuously vomits and has diarrhea. The amount of water in the body has dropped excessively. The lost fluids must be replenished to maintain the normal level. Symptoms of muscular and nervous system disorders that have worsened warrants vet attention on the same day they were noticed. The dog that was limping is now totally incapable of moving. The pet would cry out in pain when touched or moved. The change in the pet’s behavior, the eyes squinting in pain should cue the owner that the condition has worsened and that the pet needs treatment within the day.
Whelping problems occur even to healthy dogs. The placenta is usually expelled after whelping. The after birth may be retained but only for about 10 minutes. A dam that has whelped but has retained the afterbirth for more than 8 hours is a cause for concern. The dog must have medical help within the day as the retained placenta can cause serious infection. A vet consult is necessary within the day you find out that the pregnant or the nursing dam has swollen and painful breast. The dog may have developed a mammary gland infection. Even if the dam has continued nursing the pups, a vet consult would still be necessary for the administration of proper antibiotic treatment. Swollen testicles are common in dogs. This condition is indicative of infection, physical trauma or tumor. Vet consultation is necessary for diagnosis and treatment. As aforementioned, skin irritations that cause the dog to itch is not considered as life serious conditions. Pet owners often take a “wait and see” approach for this concern. However, if the dog is scratching, gnawing and shaking the head excessively, if profuse hair is being shed and if red and painful bumps on the skin are noticed, the dog certainly needs a vet’s attention on the same day the condition is noticed.
The vet’s number or an animal hospital’s number should be on the phone’s speed dial. Having a pet in the family is just like having a baby minus the high chair. Although at a lesser degree, pets would need the same care. There will always be instances when the pet parent has to reach for the phone to contact the vet or the animal hospital right away.
A dog that is not breathing, has no pulse, has blue tinged gums and tongue needs immediate medical attention. Normal gums are pinkish in color. Bluish gums are indicative of disruptive blood flow. Abnormal heart rate is a good indication that the dog is distressed or in pain. Gastro intestinal distress will make the dog strain ineffectually and be unable to produce feces. The dog may have uncontrolled diarrhea and vomiting. The dog may also be producing black tarry stools. Bloat is a life threatening situation that manifested by the dog’s attempt to vomit. Serious cases of nervous system and muscular diseases would cause the dog to collapse or to have seizures. Whelping difficulty is a serious condition that can endanger the life of the pups and the dam. These emergency conditions need immediate medical attention.
Dogs are energetic and inquisitive creatures. Pet parents may do everything the pet proof the house but accidents cannot be totally prevented. The dog may chew an electric cord, may ingest poisonous substances and plants or may be injured and bleed profusely. These situations certainly warrant a vet’s attention.
Some conditions would need immediate veterinary attention; some pets would be okay as long as treated on the same day and some conditions can wait for the vet who is on an overnight trip. How will the pet parent know which are absolute emergencies and which are not? Because dogs are constantly in the company of their human families, a pet owner would know the normal behavior and appearance of the pet. Dogs are normally frisky and forever curious fur balls so that when the dog is lethargic and ignores its filled doggie bowl, the pet parent would wonder what is wrong with the dog. It would always be best to err on the safe side. Timely veterinary care can save the life of the pet.
It would be quite natural for owners to panic if they see that their pet dog is injured. The first reaction would be to rush to the side of the pet. Often times this action have caused more harm not only to the dog but to the owner as well. Immediate appropriate action may save the dog from further injury and increase the pet’s chance to recover and survive.
Before rushing to the side of the injured dog make sure to avoid harming yourself by checking the scene of the injury. Good Samaritans would often hurt themselves by getting to the side of an injured dog. If the dog was hurt due to a vehicular accident, check oncoming traffic first. Always check the scenario. Falling objects as well as electric sources that caused the dog’s injuries can hurt you too.
Before checking the dog for injuries you have to muzzle the dog first. This is necessary not only for strange dogs but also for pets. You may think that because the dog is your pet, muzzling is not necessary. An injured dog, even one that is good natured can bite. Dogs suffering from severe pain can not recognize familiar faces.
If no muzzle is available you can fashion one by using a scarf, gauze, a rope or the dog’s leash. Make a loop and slide the improvised muzzle to the dog’s nose. Loop again around the dog’s muzzle but make sure not to bind it tightly. Tie the muzzle behind the ears or on top of the dog’s nose. It is important to note that a dog suffering from cardiac arrest or one that is unconscious due to drowning or electrocution should not be muzzled.
Before you move the dog check the injuries first and do the necessary first aid. If the dog is unconscious and has stopped breathing, do the nose to mouth resuscitation. Pinch the lips and blow into the nose. This will ventilate the lungs. If the dog is bleeding, use a clean cloth or towel to apply pressure to the wound to stem the flow of blood.
Calm a conscious dog by covering the head with a towel or a blanket. A blanket will also ensure that less heat will be lost. Lift the dog gently. Ensure that movement is minimized as rough handling can compound internal injuries, and create more damage to the tissues. If the dog is unable to get up it may be suffering from spinal injuries. Use a stiff board or a piece of plywood to minimize movement. The dog’s body must be supported as much as possible to prevent more damage to the nerves. Gently slide the dog into the board by firmly grasping the skin at the back of the neck and hips. Pillows and rolled towels placed around the dog will prevent jarring movements. The dog may also be tied or taped to the board with a belt or a rope. However, it is not advisable to tie a struggling dog as further damage could result.
If a stiff board is not available, a towel, a blanket and even a coat can be use as a makeshift stretcher. Place the coat against the dog’s back. Gently slide the dog to the makeshift stretcher by pulling the skin at the back of the dog’s neck and the skin over the dog’s back. Take care not to put pressure on the stomach of the dog. This is most important if the dog is vomiting or having breathing difficulties. Roll the edge of the blanket to get a better grip and lift it to the vehicle. Two persons are usually needed for this task. A blanket used as a makeshift stretcher is only advisable if it is apparent that the dog has not sustained a back injury.
If the dog is unconscious ensure that the head is normally aligned with the body. If the head is abnormally flexed downward or very much extended upwards, serious damage could result due to improper blood drainage to the brain.
A dog that has sustained severe head injuries are likely to vomit even if they are unconscious. In such cases, the head must be lower than the level of the dog’s heart. This is to ensure that the dog will not aspirate. The vomit will be allowed to flow out of the mouth and not into the windpipe and lungs.
Needless to say, an injured dog would need to be rushed to a vet to be attended to at once. However, knowing the proper way of moving an injured dog would not only mean greater chance of survival and recovery for the dog but safety for the owner as well.
When to contact a veterinarian
The importance of giving the dog veterinary care cannot be stressed enough. Breeders usually guarantee their puppies but the love invested on a puppy that dies can never be refunded. Thus as soon as the pup is taken home; the pet parent would arrange an appointment with the vet for complete physical examinations as well as for the inoculations that would minimize the risk of canine diseases. Dogs though would still get sick… would have accidents and be injured. Since pets cannot tell you what is wrong with them, how will you know if the condition warrants a trip to the vet?
Dogs are voracious eaters but they turn away from food from time to time. Pet owners should not worry if the dog refuses one meal or two as long as there are no signs of illness. But if the dog does not eat, occasionally vomits and passes green or black coloured soft stool; if the dog is lethargic, drools and has a foul breath, the owner has better make an appointment with the veterinarian. Dogs are naturally energetic animals… always, jumping, running and playing. It is unnatural for dogs to sleep more than usual. The dog’s unwillingness to move can be due to swollen joints. This condition can be a sign of a muscular disease or a nervous system disorder. This is not an emergency situation. Nevertheless, the dog has to be seen by a vet within 24 hours. Correct diagnoses and the administration of proper medication will prevent the condition from worsening. Other concerns like an eye or an ear discharge as well as signs of skin irritations are not life threatening situations but a vet consult within 24 hours is also necessary.
The pet must be taken to the vet the very same day breathing difficulty is noticed. The shallow or rapid breathing especially if accompanied with continuous coughing and sneezing can be symptoms of a heart or respiratory ailment. Dehydration is often the outcome when the pet that is not eating for 24 hours continuously vomits and has diarrhea. The amount of water in the body has dropped excessively. The lost fluids must be replenished to maintain the normal level. Symptoms of muscular and nervous system disorders that have worsened warrants vet attention on the same day they were noticed. The dog that was limping is now totally incapable of moving. The pet would cry out in pain when touched or moved. The change in the pet’s behavior, the eyes squinting in pain should cue the owner that the condition has worsened and that the pet needs treatment within the day.
Whelping problems occur even to healthy dogs. The placenta is usually expelled after whelping. The after birth may be retained but only for about 10 minutes. A dam that has whelped but has retained the afterbirth for more than 8 hours is a cause for concern. The dog must have medical help within the day as the retained placenta can cause serious infection. A vet consult is necessary within the day you find out that the pregnant or the nursing dam has swollen and painful breast. The dog may have developed a mammary gland infection. Even if the dam has continued nursing the pups, a vet consult would still be necessary for the administration of proper antibiotic treatment. Swollen testicles are common in dogs. This condition is indicative of infection, physical trauma or tumor. Vet consultation is necessary for diagnosis and treatment. As aforementioned, skin irritations that cause the dog to itch is not considered as life serious conditions. Pet owners often take a “wait and see” approach for this concern. However, if the dog is scratching, gnawing and shaking the head excessively, if profuse hair is being shed and if red and painful bumps on the skin are noticed, the dog certainly needs a vet’s attention on the same day the condition is noticed.
The vet’s number or an animal hospital’s number should be on the phone’s speed dial. Having a pet in the family is just like having a baby minus the high chair. Although at a lesser degree, pets would need the same care. There will always be instances when the pet parent has to reach for the phone to contact the vet or the animal hospital right away.
A dog that is not breathing, has no pulse, has blue tinged gums and tongue needs immediate medical attention. Normal gums are pinkish in color. Bluish gums are indicative of disruptive blood flow. Abnormal heart rate is a good indication that the dog is distressed or in pain. Gastro intestinal distress will make the dog strain ineffectually and be unable to produce feces. The dog may have uncontrolled diarrhea and vomiting. The dog may also be producing black tarry stools. Bloat is a life threatening situation that manifested by the dog’s attempt to vomit. Serious cases of nervous system and muscular diseases would cause the dog to collapse or to have seizures. Whelping difficulty is a serious condition that can endanger the life of the pups and the dam. These emergency conditions need immediate medical attention.
Dogs are energetic and inquisitive creatures. Pet parents may do everything the pet proof the house but accidents cannot be totally prevented. The dog may chew an electric cord, may ingest poisonous substances and plants or may be injured and bleed profusely. These situations certainly warrant a vet’s attention.
Some conditions would need immediate veterinary attention; some pets would be okay as long as treated on the same day and some conditions can wait for the vet who is on an overnight trip. How will the pet parent know which are absolute emergencies and which are not? Because dogs are constantly in the company of their human families, a pet owner would know the normal behavior and appearance of the pet. Dogs are normally frisky and forever curious fur balls so that when the dog is lethargic and ignores its filled doggie bowl, the pet parent would wonder what is wrong with the dog. It would always be best to err on the safe side. Timely veterinary care can save the life of the pet.
