First Aid Advice
The following information
will help you to give first aid to your dog in an emergency - print this out and keep it
accessible, for example, next to your veterinarian's telephone number. This page
is only a
guide - always telephone your veterinarian for advice.
You may actually see the
incident, or your dog may return obviously injured. Ensure that your dog is removed from
further possible injury, ie off the road. Keep your dog as quiet, still and as comfortable
as possible - restrain it if necessary to prevent further injury. Put pressure on any
obviously bleeding points with a clean bandage or cloth. Call your veterinarian as soon as
possible to obtain advice.
Sudden bleeding due to a
laceration from broken glass or other sharp object often happens on beaches and out on
walks. If bleeding is profuse, wrap the paw in gauze dressing or clean cloth and put a
firm roller bandage with even pressure around the paw. Take the dog to your veterinarian
for appropriate treatment. Never use an elastic band or other form of tourniquet around
the limb, especially for prolonged periods (over 15 minutes).
Look and carefully remove any
obvious foreign body, such as a grass seed - this may be done by flushing the eye with
clean, warm water. Prevent the dog from rubbing the affected eye with his zpaws or on
furnishings, and take him to a vet for examination and treatment. If the eye is severely
injured then cover it with a damp gauze and take the dog to the vet immediately.
It is actually normal for
dogs to vomit occasionally, and it is only when it occurs several times frequently, or the
animal appears generally unwell that you need be concerned. If your dog is vomiting
persistently, take note of both the act of vomiting and the nature of the vomitus, so that
you can describe it to your veterinarian. Collect some vomitus in a bottle for the
veterinarian to examine. Do not feed your pet, and call your veterinarian for advice.
Very loose motions which may
contain blood and/or mucus. This may be accompanied by vomiting. Withold all food and keep
your dog warm. Offer small volumes of water with some glucose, or weak bouillon. If the
dog is weak, lethargic or depressed, take him to your veterinarian immediately; if your
dog is otherwise bright, take him to the normal consultation hours the next morning.
Telephone your veterinarian first and take careful note of any advice given.
Sudden acute pain often
followed by swelling and sometimes discolouration of the skin. If a dog has been stung in
the throat, breathing may be difficult. Keep your dog cool and avoid any exercise. If
swelling persists for more than an hour, or if the sting is around the face or neck, take
your dog to the veterinarian. Keep the tongue forward and the airway clear if possible. If
a limb has been subject to a snake bite, a firm pressure bandage should be placed around
the limb, the type of snake identified if possible, and the dog taken to the veterinarian
immediately.
Sudden, uncontrolled
spasmodic movements, often with champing of the jaws and usually accompanied by
salivation. The dog may fall onto its side. There may be violent twitching of the muscles
under the skin of the head, neck and limbs. Remove the collar and be sure that the dog is
away from any danger (eg, fireplaces, stairs, unstable tables). Make sure he can breathe
by holding the head and neck extended if possible - but do not put your fingers inside the
dog's mouth. Keep the environment darkened and quiet and prevent all sudden noises like
door bells and slamming doors. Most fits are over quite quickly (although it seems a long
time!) Make a note of the exact signs before, during and after the fit and call your
veterinarian as soon as possible.
Your dog will scratch his ear
and may hold his head to one side. He may rub it along the ground, shake his head, whine
and be reluctant for anyone to touch his ear. If this is a sudden onset, there may be
grass seed or another foreign object in the ear. Do not put anything at all in the ear and
contact your vet. Ear problems must be attended to early, before secondary changes occur,
making the condition more difficult to treat.
If your dog is seen to
swallow a known poison, induce vomiting straight away by pouring a solution of salty water
(teaspoon of salt in a glass of water) down the throat. Only give milk if the substance
swallowed is at all corrosive. Never do this more than once and NOT AT ALL if your dog
cannot stand. Seek your veterinarian's advice quickly and take the rest of the poisonous
agent and/or its packaging to the veterinarian if it is available.
Your dog may be gagging, or
tearing frantically at its mouth with its paws. Try to open his mouth and remove the
obstructing object - note that you stand the chance of being bitten in doing this. Look at
the roof of the mouth, as sometimes sticks or bones get wedged accross the top. In some
cases a general anaesthetic may be required to safely remove an object from the mouth
area. Even after you have removed the object, it's a good idea to get your dog checked by
your veterinarian.
If your bitch is accidentally
mated, it is not strictly speaking an emergency, but a pregnancy can often be prevented.
Your veterinarian can give an injection soon after mating which will usually prevent your
bitch from having puppies. It is vital to contact your veterinary practice within 24
hours, so that they can advise you on the timing of the injection.
Obtain
veterinary advice immediately.
Put the dog onto a blanket and keep airway free.
If the
dog's abdomen appears distended and full of gas
GO TO THE VETERINARY SURGERY IMMEDIATELY
It is usually preferable to
take your dog to the surgery rather than for your veterinarian to come out. This is
because there is specialised equipment and trained personnel in the practice. Do not give
your dog anything to eat or drink, just in case he requires a general anaesthetic. Gently
slide your dog onto an old blanket or coat on the ground, dragging with the body first (so
that any broken legs or other injuries will be pulled onto the blanket rather than pushed
which may cause further injury). Two people can pick up the corners of the blanket to form
a soft stretcher to transfer the dog to the back seat of the car. The person walking
backwards should go right through the car so the dog can be lowered gently onto the seat.
Someone should stay in the back with the dog on the way to the clinic. If the dog is
trying to bite, a necktie or bandage can be temporarily tied around its muzzle - do not
leave on for any prolonged period as this may compromise its breathing. Always notify the
veterinary practice that you are on your way so that they can prepare for your arrival.
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