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Emergency First Aid (Dogs)

It is vital that you know the basics of canine first aid in the case of an accident or an emergency. Knowing what to do in a variety of situations could be the decider between life and death.

It is a good idea to keep a first aid kit ready just in case. This site is for informational purposes only, therefore if you do notice anything, don’t rely upon websites or books for diagnosis and treatment, instead contact your vet immediately.

Here are some tips on what do in case of an accident, or emergency:

Note: an injured dog can also be a frightened dog and so may bite you as a result. So, act cautiously and approach the dog slowly and carefully. With small dogs (as long as they do not have any broken bones), wrap them snugly in a blanket or an old towel.

External Bleeding

Use manual compression to slow down any external bleeding. Applying a special compression bandage around the limbs, will also do the same thing. A tourniquet is not advisable because there is the risk of cutting off the circulation from the limb.

Respiratory problems

For dogs that are clearly not breathing, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) may help. With small dogs, artificial breathing can be achieved by chest compressions; in larger dogs, air can be blown through the nose whilst the dog’s mouth is held firmly shut. Plus, heart compressions can be effective whilst the dog is lying on his/her side. Note: CPR can be dangerous if the dog is breathing or has a beating heart.
Moving an injured dog

Try to avoid moving the dog unless absolutely necessary. If the dog is unable to walk, use a board or blanket to carry him/her. Keep the dog warm, especially if he/she is unconscious, or in shock or wet as a result of trauma.

Heatstroke or heat exhaustion

In either case, the affected dog will require urgent veterinary treatment. On the way to the vet, sponge down the dog with cool water or wrap him/her loosely in a wet towel.

Eye injuries

Treat any eye injuries by dampening the exposed eyeball, before covering it gently and applying gentle compression, if required, in order to stop any bleeding. Eye injuries can be serious and require urgent veterinary treatment.

Diabetes

The main problem with this condition is that of regulating blood sugar levels. If the dog has a hypoglycaemic crisis (blood sugar levels are too low) but is not unconscious, place honey or sugar water on the tongue at regular intervals. Then, take the dog to a vet to measure his/her blood glucose level.

Fits and seizures

These can happen as a result of a high fever or as a reaction to an injury or illness. Whatever the reason they require urgent veterinary treatment. In the event of a fit or seizure, contact your vet who will advise you as if you should bring in your dog, and run any potential risks of travelling, or that a home visit is required.

Any fits or seizures will last more than a minute, or repeated seizures require immediate attention. Until you contact your vet there are a few precautions that you can take beforehand:

1. Keep your distance from the dog as it may bite you if it feels threatened or crowded.

2. Move any potentially dangerous or harmful objects out of the way.

3. Ensuring that the environment is quiet, peaceful and dark may help to calm your dog. Turn off any external stimuli such as the television, radio and the lights.

4. Contact your vet urgently for advice.

Poisoning

Unfortunately dogs can be scavengers and so pick up any unwanted or potentially harmful objects. Most cases of poisoning are as a result of this as well as overdoses, accidents and unusual reactions. Other factors include ignorance and carelessness.

There are several categories of poisons which include pesticides, medicines, deadly plants, chemicals, insect stings and snake bites. Try to prevent further absorption of the poison by doing the following:

1. Removing the source of the poison, for example, if the poison is in the dog’s coat, wash the dog’s coat, or put on a bandage or an old T-shirt.

2. Induce vomiting by administering ordinary household salt or washing soda directly into the mouth or on the back of the tongue. Do NOT use this method if the poison was a corrosive or a sedative. Plus do NOT try this if the dog is having a fit or seizure, or if it has been more than four hours since the dog was poisoned.

3. Gastric Lavage: this is a veterinary treatment which involves the washing out of your dog’s stomach via a stomach tube.

4. Prevention of further absorption via the stomach or intestinal wall. This means giving the dog charcoal or a laxative.

In many cases, the owner is unsure as to what the type of poison is and so the dog will be treated symptomatically: this means that the vet will look all the symptoms that your dog is displaying before treating it accordingly.

Burns and Scalds

These can be a result of dry heat, extreme cold, electricity and corrosive materials (in the case of burns), or as a result of steam in the case of scalds. In both cases, the best treatment is to cool down the burnt or scalded area by applying cold water, then dress the wound with either a sterile pad or cling film. Keep the dog warm by wrapping him/her in a blanket or old towel and try to prevent him/her from moving around too much in case this disturbs the wound.

Complications can arise from burns such as are infection, shock and difficulty breathing (smoke inhalation). Do NOT apply creams, lotions and powders to burns.

Swallowed objects

Dogs can swallow objects such as stones, balls or coins and in most cases, the offending object passes straight through them – if it is a small object. If it is a larger object then you will need to seek advice from your vet. Do NOT try and make your dog vomit unless specifically advised to by your vet.

Fractures

There are two types of fracture: open (broken skin) and closed (intact skin). Sings that your dog may have a fracture include pain, swelling, deformity or ‘crepitus’ (grating sound/feeling) and loss of function (limb held up or lameness).

To treat these, control any bleeding, if an open fracture and minimise any movement of the fractured body part. Handle the fractured areas as little as possible and provide support in the form of a splint. A splint can be constructed from metal, plastic, wood or even a rolled up newspaper.

Injuries from fights

Dogs can often get into fights with other dogs which can result in an injury. If your dog appears distressed, shocked or lacklustre after a fight, contact your vet. Examine any injuries such as puncture wounds, scratches, bites etc. If the wound is on the head or body then you will need to contact your vet immediately. If the wound or wounds are on the limbs they may not require urgent treatment, unless they are very painful or severe. It is advisable to take your dog to the vet within 24 hours as he/she may require a course of antibiotics.

Drowning

Do NOT put yourself at risk whilst attempting to rescue a dog.

If you are able to do so, without danger to yourself or others, then apply the following:

1. Wipe away any debris from the nose and mouth

2. Hold the dog upside down, by its back legs, to drain away any water.

3. Administer artificial respiration if the dog has stopped breathing.

4. In all cases, even if the dog appears to have recovered, contact your vet as complications often occur afterwards.

Ball stuck in throat

Depending on the size of the ball, you may be able to push it out by pushing on the dog’s neck/throat from the outside. If not, take the dog immediately to a vet.
If the dog has collapsed or is turning blue, do the following (you will need someone to help you):

1. Ask one person to hold the dog’s mouth open whilst you reach inside and attempt to pull out the ball. Be careful not to get bitten.

2. If you can not reach the ball, lay the dog on its side, push down quickly and firmly on the stomach, just behind the bottom of the rib cage.

3. The person who is holding the mouth should be ready to grab the ball as it appears.

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