| Problem |
First
Aid Required |
Bleeding
(cut, scratch, animal bite) |
Apply
pressure to wound until bleeding stops, then bandage. If
bleeding does not stop, apply tourniquet to a bleeding
limb or tail and get to vet immediately. If a foreign
object is lodged in body, do not remove it; wrap a bandage
around it and seek immediate vet care. If dog is bitten by
animal of unknown rabies status, seek emergency vet care. |
| Blood
in urine/straining to urinate |
Seek
veterinary care immediately. |
| Burn,
chemical |
Flush
with cold water and soothe with cold compresses. Seek
veterinary care immediately. |
| Burn,
thermal |
Apply
cold water or cold compress, then disinfectant. Seek
immediate veterinary attention to check lungs for damage
from smoke. |
| Choking |
Remove
obstruction, being careful of bites. If not breathing,
apply artificial respiration only if you know how and seek
veterinary care immediately. |
| Convulsions |
Move
harmful objects away from dog and restrain him gently with
towel. Record all details, including what dog may have
consumed prior. If seizure is longer than five minutes or
repeated, seek veterinary care immediately. Otherwise,
call vet for advice. |
| Electrocution/electrical
burn |
Turn
off power or remove source of electricity without making
direct contact – use broomstick. Seek emergency
veterinary attention. |
| Fracture |
Immobilize
limb with splint in certain circumstances then place dog
on makeshift stretcher. If bleeding, apply gentle
pressure. Seek immediate veterinary care. |
Frostbite
(pale, cool skin) |
Slowly
rewarm affected area with heat of your hand, by applying
warm compresses, or by immersing in warm water (102 to 104
F, or 38.9 to 40 C). Seek emergency veterinary care if any
pain, swelling, discharge or discoloration or if skin does
not return to normal after 20 minutes. Otherwise, get to
vet within 24 hours. |
Hypothermia
(decreased alertness,
weak pulse, shallow breathing) |
Slowly
rewarm by wrapping in warm blanket and applying
towel-covered hot-water bottle filled with warm water.
Call vet if dog does not return to normal when warm. |
Insect bite/sting
(may have large
facial swellings, impaired breathing) |
Pull
out insect stinger, if any. Apply cold compresses to
swelling to relieve itch and swelling. Seek vet care,
especially with signs of allergic reaction such as
difficulty breathing. |
Poisoning
(salivation,
excessive vomiting, grogginess, unconsciousness,
convulsions) |
Call
poison control center or vet, having product container on
hand if possible. Induce vomiting only if instructed to,
administering syrup of ipecac in dose recommended. Monitor
for shock; if convulsing, provide gentle restraint. Seek
emergency veterinary attention, bringing product container
or sample of toxin with you. |
|
Shock (lethargy,
rapid breathing, weak pulse, low body temperature) |
Keep
warm; seek emergency veterinary attention. |
Trauma, major
(fall, car accident) |
Monitor
for shock, keep warm, immobilize and stop bleeding. Seek
emergency veterinary attention
|
