More First Aid for Dogs
Dog First Aid What you should do if …
Shock
Rapid breathing, weak or an increased hearbeat, general lethargy, pale gums and inner lips and lims feel cold are all symptoms of shock. Immediate treatment you should give would be cover the dog with a coat or blanket and get the dog to the vet.
Severe Bleeding
Pressure applied directly to the wound with a piece of clean cloth or gauze if available. Then add as many bandages, several layers if material is available, until the bleeding stops. Bleeding can take a while to stop, and it feels much longer, as much as upto 15 minutes. Again quickly to the vet once you have the bleeding under control or you don’t seem to be able to stop it.
Stings and Bites
Bee or wasp stings you should be able to treat yourself. Remove the sting if you can actually see it. Use bicarbonate of soda in water, 10ml in 500ml of water, for bee stings. Vinegar is most effective for wasp stings. Should your dog be stung in the mouth, or if you see any allergic reaction consult a vet immediately. If your dog is bitten by a snake get him to the vet as quickly as you can.
Choking
Your dog is gulping for air, trying to vomit and pawing it’s mouth through frantically are signs that it may be choking. See if you can see a blockage, you can use a long handled spoon to try to remove the blockage.
Should that fail you will need to straddle the dog, link your hands behind the rib cage and then squeeze sharply. Repeat this 4 or 5 times. If choking continues or your dog is unconscious lift it by it’s thighs and gently shake or swing it to try to remove the object from it’s airway. Whatever stage you get to again have a vet check out the dog.
Wounds
Clear around the would by trimming the fur. Clean the would area with an anticeptic. Once clean use antibacterial ointment or savlon. Cover the wound with gauze and a bandage, if you have some vetwrap apply that as well. If you see that it is a deep would once you have stopped the bleeding take your dog to the vet to check it over as it may need stitching.
Convulsions, Seizures and Fits
This may happen quickly, your dog has a sudden loss of consciousness, frothing from the mouth, muscle spasms and loss of bladder and bowel control. Singns of some sort of convulsion, fit or seizure. You should keep the room quiet and dark, turn off lights and television and move furniture out of the way. Speak quietly and calmly to your dog, reassurance and the sound of a friendly voice can help. Never try to prevent the dog moving unless you think it is going to injure itself. Keep away from the dogs mouth, it may not have control and may bite you.
Should the fit continue for more than 10 minutes call the vet for help. Coming round from the fit the dog may try to walk around but may be unable to see. Take care and talk to the dog so it comes to you for reassurance. Even short fits should be refered to your vet.
Poisoning
Vomiting, twitching violently and even collapse could result from poisoning. You should always get your dog to the vet. If you know what the poison was take it with you if possible.
Heat Stroke
Panting and excessi ve slivation with a rapid or weak pulse are sure signs of heatstroke. The dog could be staggering, be listless or even collapse. Cool the dog down with water and if possible wrap the dog in wet towels. Get the dog to a cool place and if you can get some ice put it on the gums of the dog. A cooling fan is another useful aid to cooling the dog. Try to encourage the dog to drink water.
