Doggie First Aid

You hope it never happens. You don't think that it will. But if an emergency arises, do you know how to save your dog's life? Canine First Aid is a relatively new concept to many people, but knowing just the basics can save your dog a lot of pain, and perhaps even his life.

If you don't already have one, consider putting together a 'Doggie First Aid Kit'. If you regularly travel with your pet its not a bad idea to keep one in your car as well. Here are some ideas for basic contents to get you started:

Canine First Aid Kit

• Your vet's phone number and Emergency number
  
• Rectal thermometer (normal canine temperatures are between 100 and 102 degrees)
• Muzzle or nylon stocking to use as a makeshift muzzle (an injured dog is likely to bite, even if it is normally a sweet, calm dog. This is a normal reaction to pain and should be expected. Look here for simple instructions on how to create a makeshift muzzle)
• Hot packs and cold packs, self activating (hot packs are great for injuries, and cold packs for cooling down an overheated dog or one suffering from heat stroke)
• Saline solution (to clear any dirt or foreign objects from Rover's eyes)
• Gauze
• Benedryl (yes, the anti-allergy medicine)
• Tweezers
• Bacitracine/Neosporin
• Bactine spray
  
• Ipecac (to induce vomiting; consult your emergency vet to make sure this is the proper procedure for your situation)
• Imodeum (anti-diarrheal)
  
• Medical tape
• Scissors/knife
• Kwik-Stop (a styptic powder, used to stop bleeding for minor cuts; useful if a nail is cut or broken too short)
• A blanket (especially useful for large breed dogs; enlisting the help of someone, place the dog on the blanket and lift all four corners of the blanket, trying to keep the dog as still and flat as possible. Best used in a situation where the dog is unconscious or unable to move. Good way to prevent further injury if your dog has been struck by a car)
• Cotton swabs
  
• Q-tips
• Flexible eye dropper

Note: This is just a basic list. Consult your vet for a more complete compilation. Pre-assembled pet first aid kits are available online for a range of prices; do your research and shop around. Some kits have better grade materials than others. Remember, the information here is provided as a suggestion and for educational purposes only. It is in no way a replacement for medical advice. If an emergency occurs, contact your emergency vet immediately.

During an Emergency

Stay calm. Assess the situation. If you freak out, your dog will freak out more. Educating yourself on signs of a problem and procedures beforehand can make you more confident in your skills and help you stay calm.

Call your emergency vet. They are trained medical professionals and will advise you on how to proceed with any given medical emergency with your pet.

Health Threats

Ingesting something: Dogs, and especially puppies are curious animals, and like human toddlers they get into things that aren't good for them. This can range from eating human food that causes sickness to poisoning to ingesting something that can cause blockage. If your dog has ingested something toxic, induce vomiting (call your emergency vet first) and rush him to the animal hospital. If your dog has ingested something that can cause a blockage do not induce vomiting, or you risk causing your pet to choke.

Signs of poisoning in dogs: it varies from animal to animal and toxin to toxin; some common signs are drooling, fatigue, weakness, vomiting, and convulsions (seizures).

Do NOT induce vomiting if your dog has ingested the following:

• laundry detergent
• gasoline
  
• lighter fluid
  
• ammonia
  
• paint removers
  
• paint thinners

Instead, feed a tablespoon of mineral oil or cooking oil and rush to the vet. Vomiting these substances can cause severe damage to your pet.

Choking: If your pet is conscious, the signs of choking are usually quite clear. Gasping for breath, gagging, pale tongue, lack of breathing, attempts to vomit. If these occur, open your dog's mouth and check his airways. You may be able to see the object. If you try to remove it be aware that you may be bitten. If he chokes while eating, gently but firmly massage his throat. This causes a swallowing reflex and may clear the airway. Be careful in doing this, as massaging the throat can cause punctures if a sharp object is lodged. Performing the canine Heimlich maneuver can help a dog dislodge something that is causing an obstruction of the airways. The longer your dog chokes on something, the more panicked it will become. You need to remain calm despite this. If your dog is unconscious, you need to check his airways. If they are blocked then choking is probably the cause. This page gives clear instructions on how to perform emergency first aid in the case of choking.

Cuts/lacerations: minor cuts and scrapes should be cleaned and treated with an anti-infection medication such as Bactine or Neosporin. Bandaging will keep a dog from licking the wound and ingesting the medicine. Frequent bandage changes are necessary to avoid infection. More serious cuts may need stitches. Apply pressure (muzzle your dog first) to slow bleeding and get to the vet asap. There is a short window of time where stitches can be used to sew up a wound.

Burns: Chemical, thermal (sun) and electrical burns are the most common.
For sunburns, treat with cold packs and cool water. Do not use oil based products, and do not use aloe vera (poisonous to dogs). Deep sunburns are more serious and can cause shock in a dog. Go to your vet immediately. sunburns can also contribute to or cause heat stroke.
Electrical burns are most commonly a result of chewing through electrical cables. Take preventative measures and make sure all cables are out of reach or protected by chew-resistant covers. Bitter sprays can also discourage a dog from chewing on cables. Electrical burns can cause burns in the mouth and on the tongue, death by stopping the heart, and can cause brain damage and/or nerve damage.
Chemical burns are caused by a chemical coming in contact with the skin and causing tissue damage. Chemical burns are different than chemical ingestion. Treat chemical burns by washing the affected area with water. Serious burns should be treated by a vet.

Heatstroke: is the rising of body temperature. Symptoms include drooling, panting, lack of coordination, head that is hot to the touch and rapid breathing. To treat, remove the dog from the hot environment. Immerse the dog in lukewarm/cool water, NOT cold water. Cold water can cause shock. Apply a cold pack to the top of the head and transport to the vet immediately.

Hypothermia: is when a body falls below its normal temperature. Signs of hypothermia are depression, subnormal body temperature, shivering, unconsciousness (coma) and ultimately, death. Treat by removing the dog from the cold environment, applying hot packs and wrapping in blankets. Transport to the vet.

Diarrhea: While not immediately a life threatening issue, diarrhea can quickly cause dehydration. Make sure water is always available. If diarrhea continues for more than 24 hours or contains blood, call your vet.

Shock: This results from traumatic injury to your dog. Pretty much any of the health threats listed here can cause shock. Signs include: feeling cool to the touch, pale gums, fast but shallow breathing and weak, rapid pulse. Shock requires immediate treatment by your vet.

No breathing, no heartbeat: This can be caused by any number of reasons. Performing CPR may revive your dog, or give you enough time to reach medical assistance. Don't perform CPR on a dog that has a heartbeat or is breathing. If there is a heartbeat but no breathing you can attempt artificial respiration after checking that the airways are clear. Before administering CPR, muzzle the dog as he may become aggressive when conscious.

Administer CPR as follows:

1. Lay the dog on its side. If there is no back or neck injury, pull the head and neck forward.
2. Open the dog's mouth and pull the tongue forward so it does not block the throat. Clear the mouth of any debris with your fingers and close the dog's mouth. Recheck the pulse.
3. Hold the dog's mouth and lips closed. Apply the muzzle.
4. Inhale and put your mouth over the dog's nose, forming an airtight seal. Exhale. Repeat the process 10 - 15 times per minute.
5. Remove your mouth and apply heart massage between breaths.
6. Place the heel of one hand over the dog's chest (in line with the back of its elbow). Place the heel of your other hand on top of the other.
7. Pump firmly and briskly. Hold each push for two counts and release for a count of one. (Use pressure appropriate for the size of the dog.)

Continue the massage until the heartbeat returns. Continue artificial respiration until the dog begins to breathe.

Drowning: See link.

Eye Problems: These occur when an object irritates the eye. Dust, dirt, hair and even allergies can cause this. If a dog is scratching or pawing at its eyes or if the third eyelid (located in the corner of the eye nearest the nose) appears puffy or red there is a problem. Other signs of eye problems are thick discharge or redness. Keeping your dog from further injuring itself is the most important goal at this point. A dog cone will prevent your pet from scratching its cornea or worse while you transport him to the vet. Mild irritation can often be treated by flushing the eyes with saline solution.

Tips to prevent health problems:

• check over your dog regularly; if an injury or growth occurs you want to find it at the soonest possible time
• exercise!
• feed a proper, well balanced diet
• educate yourself: learn what foods, plants and medications are harmful to your dog. learn to recognize the signs of illness, injury and poisoning
• doggie proof your house; make sure all toxic plants, foods and chemicals are out of reach and inaccessible
  
• obedience training; not only is it mentally stimulating and physically healthy for your dog, training can save your dog's life. Obedience commands such as 'stay' and 'drop it' could stop your dog from darting into traffic or ingesting something poisonous.
• Avoid table scraps. Some human foods are toxic to dogs, including grapes, onions, garlic and chocolate. Never feed a dog chicken bones, as they splinter and can cause choking and internal puncture wounds.
  

This information is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace medical treatment or advice. List your vet's number and emergency number in an easily accessible place, and make sure all toxic substance are out of reach of children and pets. Like the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.