5 Things You Must Know To Give Your Dog First Aid
In an emergency situation, the most important thing is to remain calm, always. So let’s talk about five things you should know to give your dog first aid.
1. keep calm
In an emergency, you must always remain calm. Inspiring peace of mind and security is very important to acting properly. Animals sense our mood, and if the situation is stressful enough for the animal to be nervous, our distress will only make the animal’s state worse.
2. Keep your pet away from the source of danger
First, we must remove the animal from danger, whatever it may be, and leave it safe, also ensuring our own safety.
3. Observe the symptoms
Observe your dog to be able to describe his condition to an emergency veterinarian. Depending on the affected system, the symptoms may be different:
- Respiratory system : dyspnea (difficulty breathing), bradypnea (slow breathing), tachypnea (rapid breathing), breath sounds, choking…
- Circulatory system : pale mucous membranes, bradycardia (weak pulse), very fast pulse (tachycardia), hypothermia, bleeding…
- Nervous system : unconsciousness, convulsions, paralysis, loss of proprioception, head tilt, absence of pupillary reflex…
- Renal insufficiency
- Car accident injuries
- pains
- Burns, allergic reactions
- Electrocution
- Insolation
- Profuse vomiting and diarrhea
- Immobility
4. Find the nearest or emergency veterinarian
Many veterinarians offer 24-hour emergency care, which will incur an additional cost for the urgency itself, staff displacement and possible unscheduled intervention. We should be aware that these expenses are justified in most cases.
This call can save our animal’s life : we must speak calmly, inform the emergency room and go to the clinic as soon as possible.
5. If you have to intervene until you get veterinary help…
First, get in touch with a veterinarian : he will provide the appropriate help and, if it takes a while, he will be able to guide you until your arrival. In addition to describing the situation, you can take some of the following steps to give your dog first aid:
Asphyxia
Open the animal’s snout and check that there is no object in the animal’s mouth that would impede the passage of air to the trachea.
Cutting bleeding
If it’s on a paw, wrap it in a clean bandage or cloth that can stop the bleeding.
Persistent diarrhea and vomiting
Note the shape, consistency, color or if blood is present. These data will help the veterinarian establish a diagnosis. A sample can also be very helpful.
Earache
Check that there is no foreign body obstructing the ear. Infections are usually typical and cause otitis, in addition to being contagious. Therefore, isolate your pet if you think it might infect another pet in the household until the vet can examine it.
Traffic accident
Avoid moving the dog abruptly, as it may have injuries or internal bleeding that can worsen with movement.
eye injuries
Do not let the dog scratch or touch the affected eye. Try washing your eye with clean, warm water to remove any possible dirt.
foreign bodies
Foreign bodies, such as thorns, are commonly found on the nose, muzzle, or eyes and can cause significant damage. Check that there is nothing attached to the animal.
Convulsions
Make sure he doesn’t hit any furniture or objects during seizures. Keep the dog in a space free of stimuli that could further disturb his nervous system and note what the situation was when the seizures started.
Poisoning
Take a sample of the venom or write down what it is so the veterinarian can act quickly and correctly. Knowing what caused the poisoning is critical.
Insolation
The best thing to do is to prevent heat stroke, so the dog should always have fresh water available. In addition, in summer and with high temperatures, it is necessary to avoid intense exercise or going out in the hottest hours. If heat stroke occurs, cool the animal’s body.
The most important thing is to contact a veterinarian to deal with the situation. If that’s not possible, giving your dog first aid could save his life.
