Dogs 101

Most people consider their pet to be one of their children, but I wonder if they are prepared for an emergency that could arise. Pet first aid is something that every pet owner should l study and be prepared. Here is some of the most common first aid situations and how to handle them.  

First, dogs (those with thick or heavy coats have a higher risk) can suffer from heatstroke. Heatstroke most often occurs when a dog is left alone in a car or is put outside for too long a time on a hot summer day. To prevent this, never leave your dog alone in the car, and if you must leave your dog outside on a hot day, make sure they have plenty of water so they can be properly hydrated. The symptoms of heatstroke are rapid breathing or panting, and collapsing. To treat this, first take you pet to a cool or shaded area. Next, use a sponge or gently hose down your dog with cool water; do not use ice, because the two extremes could cause your dog to go into shock. Then, encourage your dog to slowly drink small amounts of water in order to restore hydration. Finally, always contact your local vet for further instructions.

Next, shock occurs if a dog experiences an injury or wound that induces low blood circulation. The symptoms of shock generally include shallow or struggled breathing, displays of weakness, gray gums and a weak pulse. To treat shock, immediately prepare to take your dog to your veterinary clinic. Wrap him in a warm blanket, and call the clinic to inform them you are on your way. Also, do not feed your dog any food or water, because this can cause choking or vomiting, and remember to keep their head slightly below their body and their mouth open to ensure a clear airway.

Depending on what is consumed, poisoning symptoms can widely vary. It is a good idea to be familiar with your household plants, cleaners, and your lawn’s insecticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. To treat poisoning, the first thing you will want to do is keep your pet warm. Next, try to figure out what was ingested, when it was ingested, and how much was consumed. Then, immediately call poison control or your veterinary clinic. Take your dog to the clinic as soon as possible and bring the label or product that poisoned your dog with you.

Finally, dogs do get cuts or more serious wounds, though this is rarely the case. To treat such occurrences, first you will want to apply firm and continuous pressure to the bleeding area with a clean cloth, thick paper towels, or first aid gauze. If doing so is particularly painful for your pet, you will need to keep a strong hold on them and enlist someone to help restrain your dog, if at all possible. If the cut or wound keeps bleeding for more than a few minutes, immediately transport your pet to your local veterinary clinic for additional care.

Your pet’s safety is always a priority, and being familiar with pet first aid procedures could mean the difference between the life or death of your precious pup. Keep and eye on them, and remember, being prepared is often the best defense!

Also consider getting a dog crate or installing an electric dog fence to keep them safe and contained, when needed.