What if your dog suffers from a medical emergency? An emergency might happen to any of us at any time. Are you capable of giving your dog first aid if necessary? Medically treating pets appropriately and comprehensively necessitates substantial medical training.
You may, however, learn a few basic measures to potentially save your dog’s life. It’s a good idea as a dog owner to learn some life-saving first aid essentials in case your dog has a medical emergency.
First, contact your veterinarian.
A veterinarian clinic is the finest place to treat a pet’s medical emergency. If at all possible, contact your veterinarian’s clinic right away and follow their instructions. Even better, get in your car and call your vet’s office on the way. If an emergency arises when your veterinarian is closed (or while you are out of town with your dog), locate a 24-hour emergency clinic.
Familiarize yourself with the locations of emergency veterinarians near your house and in areas where you go with your dog. In case an emergency arises and you are unable to transport your dog quickly. The first step is to contact a veterinary office. They may be able to guide you through some potentially life-saving steps.
Always keep a First Aid Kit on hand.
It’s a good idea to maintain a first-aid kit designed specifically for your dog available. The items will be comparable to those found in a human first aid kit. It is, nevertheless, preferable to keep them separate.
Although pet stores occasionally provide ready-made first aid kits, you may want to construct your own. If you have any queries regarding whether supplies are appropriate, consult with your veterinarian.
Your dog’s first aid kit should include the following items:
- Temperature gauge and lubricant (water-based)
- Nitrile or latex gloves
- Wound cleanser with antiseptic properties and/or wipes. It should be betadine or chlorhexidine-based, not alcohol or hydrogen peroxide.
- Antibacterial wound dressing
- Wrapping tape (adhesive and non-adhesive)
- Non Stick wound pads that are sterile
- Squares of gauze
- Bandage shears
- Tweezers
- Eyewash (sterile saline)
- Tablets containing diphenhydramine (generic Benadryl)
- Hydrogen peroxide, unopened and fresh (to induce vomiting, not for wounds)
- blankets, towels, and washcloths
- Styptic powder and nail trimmers
- A pet emergency instruction manual
You can also purchase a pre-assembled pet first aid kit that includes some or all of the necessary equipment.
Keep your pet’s first aid kit in a convenient location at home. When traveling with your dog, don’t forget to bring it with you. Make several first-aid kits to keep at home and in your car (s). Remember to review first aid kits every few months to ensure they are well-organized and well-stocked and that none of the contents are outdated.
What to Do with your dog in the Event of an Emergency
If an emergency occurs, be calm while acting quickly. First, you need to check on your dog’s respiration. Conscious? Bleeding? You can take steps to stabilize your dog once you know how to respond. Then, as quickly as possible, contact your veterinarian. Follow your vet’s recommendation and get your dog to the vet as soon as possible.
It’s best to start learning how to recognize and handle some of the more typical situations today. Do this before your dog becomes ill. Remember that the best plan is to be on your way to the vet facility or on the phone with them. Meanwhile, there are certain actions you may take to start first aid for your dog in an emergency.
Choking and Respiratory Distress
If your dog is gurgling or gasping for air, he could be choking or suffering from another type of respiratory emergency. If at all possible, open your dog’s mouth and check for airway obstruction. If you come across an object, you may attempt to remove it. Take care not to get bitten!
If you are unable to remove the object, lift your dog off the ground with the head pointed down (for large dogs, lift the back end, elevating the abdomen). If the thing does not come out, you may need to try some more dog-choking tactics.
CPR
There is a strong likelihood that your dog has no heartbeat if he is fully comatose and not breathing. Your initial step should be to try to get your dog’s attention and ensure that no response is received.
Next, try to hear a heartbeat by pressing your ear on your pet’s chest, just behind your elbow. You can also try to detect a pulse by placing two fingers on the inside of your pet’s rear leg, preferably in the center of his/her inner thigh. If you cannot detect a heartbeat or pulse, the dog’s heart may have stopped.
A skilled expert should do CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). Unfortunately, only a small percentage of pets who suffer from respiratory and cardiac arrest survive to live healthy lives.
However, if you want to offer your dog the greatest chance possible, you should begin CPR. CPR consists of two main components: rescue breathing and chest compressions. Take the time to study CPR ahead of time in case you ever need it.
Bleeding
Your dog may sustain exterior and/or internal damage as a result of trauma. If your dog is bleeding from any orifice, like the mouth or nose, the only thing you can do is take him to the vet right away.
If your dog is actively bleeding from an exterior wound, apply moderate, continuous pressure to the bleeding spot using clean gauze or cloth. Elevate the area if possible in cases of heavy bleeding. Lifting the gauze or cloth should be avoided to avoid disturbing the clot.
Apply another layer of cloth or gauze if it becomes drenched with blood. Keep applying pressure to the wound until you arrive at the vet facility, and a professional can take over.
You should have your dog’s wounds evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Wounds have a better chance of healing if they are treated appropriately and promptly. Waiting for a veterinarian to treat the wound increases the risk of infection and other consequences. It may also raise the cost of treatment.
Wounds
If your dog has a wound, but it’s not excessively bleeding (or if the bleeding has stopped), the best thing you can do is take him to the vet. If you can’t get to your vet right away, try cleaning the wound with a sterile saline rinse or antiseptic wipes containing betadine. Cover the wound with a non stick pad, wrap it in gauze, and tape it shut until you can get to the doctor.
NOTE: This bandage should not be left on your pet for more than 24 hours. The sooner you get to the veterinarian, the better. One hour after the injury is excellent. Wounds from conflicts with other animals are more susceptible to infection, so act quickly.
Bone Fractures
You might not be able to identify if your dog has broken any bones after a trauma. If you suspect shattered bones, keep that region as still as possible. If there is an open wound, follow the bleeding and wound recommendations listed above while attempting to keep the area stable (minimize movement). Take your dog to the vet soon away so that the fracture may be stabilized and pain treatment can be administered.
Toxin Exposition
Because different toxins require different treatments, there is no single method for dealing with toxin exposure in dogs. If your dog comes across a potentially dangerous substance, your best bet is to contact a veterinarian or a poison control center.
If you ingested a toxin, you may or may not be directed to induce vomiting. If your dog had skin contact with a harmful chemical, you should thoroughly wash him. In most circumstances, a visit to your veterinarian is advised. In some situations, you may need to get to the vet right away.
Stings and bites from insects
Because of their innate curiosity, dogs are extremely vulnerable to bug stings and bites. One or two bee stings or bug bites will have little effect on most dogs. Multiple stings/bites, or a sensitive dog, can, nevertheless, result in a severe allergic reaction. If insects have bitten or stung your dog, clean the bite area immediately (remove the stinger if visible).
If your dog develops slight swelling, you should give him diphenhydramine. Inquire with your veterinarian about the correct dosage. One milligram of diphenhydramine per pound of body weight is safe for most dogs. You should be aware that this may cause sleepiness.
If your dog gets severe swelling at the bite or sting site, facial swelling or hives, or difficulty breathing, take him to the nearest vet facility for treatment.
Snake bites are a different story. If left untreated, these can be lethal. If you think a snake has bitten your dog, take him to the nearest vet clinic as soon as possible. If what you thought was an insect bite, bee sting, or minor wound becomes more serious, you should consult a veterinarian quickly.
Seizures
Seizures are not necessarily an emergency, but they should also not be disregarded. If your non-epileptic dog suffers a brief seizure and recovers well, you should take him or her to the vet quickly. (within a day or two). If your dog experiences a seizure that lasts longer than a minute or numerous seizures in succession, take him to the local veterinarian facility right once.
Heat Illness
Dogs are inefficient at cooling themselves, making them prone to overheating. If your dog has been in a hot environment and is in pain, he or she may be suffering from heat stroke or heat exhaustion. Take your dog’s temperature rectally first. Heat exhaustion may occur if the temperature rises above 104°F. Heat stroke is defined as a temperature above 106°F.
The first stage in treatment is proper cooling. Get your dog to a cool location with lots of air circulation (air conditioning is best, but a fan is better than nothing). Wet down your dog with cool water. WARNING: Avoid using ice or very cold water. These can restrict blood arteries, trapping heat. Continue to monitor your rectal temperature. To avoid over-cooling, stop chilling your dog at 103.5°F. Even if your dog appears to be doing better, take him to the vet as soon as possible. Internal damage may not be seen for several days.
GDV/Bloat
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (bloat or GDV) is a dangerous disorder in which the stomach twists and fills with gas and/or food. Large, deep-chested dogs are especially vulnerable to this illness. GDV could be the cause of your dog’s severely enlarged tummy, acute lethargy, and, in some cases, unproductive retching. There are no first-aid options available. The only thing you can do at this point is to get to the vet as soon as possible.
Other Ailments and Injuries
Any injury or disease that your dog suffers will necessitate your involvement, even if it is only to observe and observe. Understand the symptoms of disease in dogs and how to respond. Contact your veterinarian if you are unsure about the severity of your dog’s ailment. When in doubt, act immediately. Simply visit your veterinarian.
Hopefully, you will never have to deal with an emergency with your dog. However, the chance exists at all times. You might be able to save a dog’s life someday if you take the time now to learn how to proceed.
Bone2Travel has some advice.
It can be highly upsetting unless you are a professional veterinarian when your dog is hurt or when something is wrong with your dog. Make a list of emergency veterinarian offices that are open 24 hours a day.