Basic Dog & Puppy First
Aid
Traffic Accidents
A traffic accident is probably the most common cause of serious
injury to a cat or dog. Always approach the animal with caution, it
may react aggressively because of the pain.
Move the dog as little as possible, but if you must move it, it is
probably best to use a blanket, sliding it underneath the dog. Seek
the assistance of another person and lift the dog gently to safety.
Check for heartbeat and any hemorrhaging. Attempt to stem excessive
bleeding by holding a clean pad or clean handkerchief over the
wound, binding it tightly with a makeshift bandage. Call the
nearest vet's surgery to warn of your arrival.
Burns
The only recommended first aid is to clean off the offending
substance and immerse the body part under cold running water for as
long as possible. Seek professional advice immediately.
Heat Stroke
This occurs most commonly when a dog has been left alone on a hot
day without ventilation. If your dog has not already collapsed it
may be panting, vomiting or frothing at the mouth.
Remove froth and lower the dog's temperature as soon as possible by
placing or dousing the animal in cold water. Take the dog to the
vet immediately where it will be treated with drugs and more cold
water.
Poisoning
Signs of poisoning may include collapse, muscular twitching,
vomiting, bleeding or convulsion. Do not hesitate to contact the
vet. Take some of the noxious substance to the vet with you if you
know what it is. If the dog has recently swallowed the poison, try
to make it vomit. Salt and mustard in water will usually work
quickly, or a small piece of washing soda (sodium carbonate0 pushed
down the throat.
Drowning
It is a popular misconception that all dogs can swim, but this is
not always the case. You must attempt to empty the dog's lungs of
water as soon as possible. You must attempt to empty the dog's
lungs of water as soon as possible. Place the dog's head lower than
its body, open its mouth and begin to pump the chest by pressing
down on the ribs and releasing the pressure immediately. Repeat at
five-second intervals.
Choking
Sometimes a piece of stick, bone or small rubber ball may get stuck
in a dog's throat. Your dog may be unable to breath as a result and
swift action is necessary.
Open the dog's mouth carefully and see if you can see the object.
Pumping the chest, as in the case of drowning (see above) may
dislodge the foreign body, get your dog to the vet as soon as
possible where the object can be removed under anesthetic.
Brought to you by: World Wide
Information Outlet - http://certificate.net/wwio/, your source of FREEWare
Content online.
Do you have any problems with your pet? Then why not send your
problem to DAVID THE
DOGMAN. David is a Canine Behaviorist who works and lives in
Marbella, Spain. Tel/Fax (00345) 2883388. His web site is located
at: http://www.thedogman.net. David has his own radio and
TV shows, and writes for many newspapers and magazines. David has
been working with dogs for many years and started his career in
Israel, working on the Border Police. He has been involved in all
forms of training, including air sea rescue, air scent work, and
has trained dogs for finding drugs. David has devoted the past 10
years to studying behavior and the very passive approach. He does
not use choke chains, check chains, or any form of aggression.
David The Dogman is available for private consultations in your
home, for further details telephone; Tel; (95) 2883388