Dog First Aid

Emergencies happen. Knowing dog first aid can make the difference between life and death in the crucial first few minutes.

You must be able to stabilize your pet so you can get him to your vet or emergency facility immediately.

Some of the most common emergencies and first aid are:

Fractures

A broken bone can be the result of being hit by a car, rough play, jumping from a high spot or other injuries. Keep your dog still and avoid moving the injured leg. Always use a muzzle before administering first aid. Your dog may love you but when he is in pain he doesn't know who his friends are and could bite you.

Keep him from going into shock by wrapping him in a blanket, towel, coat or whatever is handy. If he is bleeding, try to control it as this will add to shock. Get him to the vet immediately.

Bleeding

Blood loss is extremely serious. If it is gushing and bright red, an artery has been cut. Apply direct pressure to the wound. Tie it tightly using a tourniquet or have someone help. Get to the vet immediately.

Burns

Burns should be bathed in cool water or compresses. Do not apply ice, butter or ointments. These keep heat in the wound and you want to cool it. Again, get to the vet ASAP.

Heat Exhaustion

During the summer and in areas that are tropical year round, heat exhaustion is as dangerous for pets and humans alike.

Dogs have sweat glands in their tongues and feet to control their temperature. However, if the dog exercises a lot and doesn't get enough water, he can collapse, cramp and vomit. His body temp could rise to 108 or more. This is serious.

Wet down your pet's body with cool water. Use a hose, water bottles, whatever you can find. Keep this up until you have gotten him to a vet or emergency clinic.

Frostbite

This is the other extreme. Very cold climates and winter weather can cause damage to feet, ears and tail. It is most serious in older animals and pups.

The extremities will become hot and painful. Do not rub to bring blood back into the area. Wrap the dog in a blanket, towel, coat, whatever is available to ward off shock and use warm, damp towels to thaw out his ears, feet or tail. Vet care is important for your pet to avoid loosing the frostbit area.

Punctures

A wound of this type isn't as serious as the above, unless it is deep and bleeding profusely. However you still need to apply first aid.

Use a mild disinfectant to clean the area. Your vet will prescribe an antibiotic to prevent infection. Never leave a wound unattended. It can become infected or abscess.

Dog Not Breathing

You can give CPR to your dog if he is not breathing. Check first for heartbeat, breath and any obstructions in the airway. Next, put your mouth over your dog's muzzle, making it as airtight as possible, and breathe, giving just enough air for his chest to rise.

If nothing happens, start CPR by lying your dog on his side, place your hands, one on top of the other, and press about 15 times, alternating with the breathing. About 2 breaths after 15 presses.

Be careful not to press too hard, you could break ribs. The size of the dog is important as to how firmly you compress his chest.

When the dog is breathing again, wrap him up and take to your vet or animal emergency hospital.

This is the most vital dog first aid procedure to learn to save your dog's life.

Tweezers

Towels

Splints

Rectal thermometer

Bandages

Tape

Disinfectant

Ointment - antibacterial

Cloths

Cotton

Charcoal for poisoning

Allergic reaction med such as Benadryl

Kaopectate for diarrhea

Syringe (without needle) for giving meds

Blanket

Vet's phone number/emergency clinic

Some products for your dog's first aid kit might not be found at the local drug store.

Being prepared and knowing what to do using dog first aid in an emergency can save your pet's life.

Also, let your vet know that you have a dog first aid kit and you know what to do with it. He/she can go over it with you and make suggestions and additions. Knowing dog first aid is just as important as human first aid. It saves lives.