DOGS HEALTH

dog emergencies

Most of the injuries that dogs will sustain are cuts, burns or injuries to bones.

Basic First Aid Kit

Large and small sterile bandages or cloth. The larger the dog the larger the bandages should be. The bandages should not be the adhesive kind as this will not work with dogs. Sterile pads or gauze. Again, depending on the size of the dog there will be some different sizes required. Large blanket or towel depending on the size of the dog.  Bottled water. This can be used for flushing out wounds or for cooling the dog if heat stroke or shock is an issue.

Basic First Aid

The basics for most issues with regards to dog emergency first aid are very similar. Never apply any crèmes or burn treatments to a burn unless under the direction of a veterinarian.

Move the dog to the shade or keep in a cool and shady location. Dogs that are prone to heat stroke, which includes all short or pug nosed dogs, should be closely monitored during hot summer months. Over heating can easily occur if the dog is running or playing in the heat of the day.

Immediately move the dog to the shade or into an air-conditioned area. Use a cold cloth and gently sponge the dog to provide additional cooling. Try to give the dog small amounts of cool water.

first aid dogs

If accident or illness befalls your dog suddenly, immediate and effective first aid could mean the difference between life and the unthinkable for your best friend.

The dictionary defines of first aid is- emergency aid or treatment given to someone injured, suddenly ill,… before regular medical services arrive or can be reached.

Give that the treatment rendered by first aid is preliminary or first, before regular medical treatment, a first aid kit should include items that will help you care for your dog during those initial minutes of crisis.

The first thing that you should do in anticipation of any potential medical emergency is to prepare 2 dog first aid kits.

Individual components of the first aid kit can be sealed in individual plastic food storage bags.

Your Dog First Aid Kit Should Include:

-          Thermometer- many veterinarians recommend a rectal thermometer to assure an accurate reading of your dog’s temperature

-          Blanket- to keep your dog covered

-          List of emergency medical veterinary phone numbers: your vet, animal hospital, local veterinary hospital if traveling, ASPCA Poison Control Hotline

First Aid If Your Dog is Poisoned. If you believe that your dog may have ingested a poison, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Hotline immediately at: (888) 426-4435.

First Aid If Your Dog is Injured.If your dog has been hurt, she will be frightened and in potentially great discomfort.

First Aid Tips. Cover your dog with a blanket. Spinal injuries can be very serious and life threatening. Sudden movements such as these can aggravate the injury to you dog. Your dog’s life hangs in the balance.