Essential First Aid Tips for Dogs: Handling Emergencies and When to Call the Vet

First aid knowledge is crucial for dog owners to handle emergency situations effectively. Preventive measures, recognition of abnormal symptoms, and prompt treatment can significantly improve a dog's health outcomes. This guide covers essential first aid topics, providing guidelines for emergency situations, but it is not a substitute for professional veterinary care. Always consult a veterinarian in emergencies.

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Diarrhea and Vomiting

Diarrhea is the frequent evacuation of watery stools, and vomiting is the forceful expulsion of stomach contents. Both can lead to severe fluid loss and electrolyte imbalance, particularly in young, old, or health-compromised dogs.

What to Do:

Remove all food and water.
Check for signs of dehydration.
Seek veterinary attention if symptoms persist or the dog appears ill.
If no vomiting occurs for 6-8 hours, offer small amounts of clear liquids (water, Gatorade, Pedialyte) frequently.
- Rule of thumb: 1 teaspoon per pound of body weight every 2-3 hours.
- If tolerated, offer small meals of boiled hamburger and rice or boiled chicken and rice the next day.
Isolate the sick dog from other pets.

What NOT to Do:

Do not administer any over-the-counter or prescription medications without veterinary advice.
Do not allow the dog to eat or drink until no vomiting has occurred for 6-8 hours.

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Bleeding

Bleeding can be external or internal, with the latter being life-threatening and not visible.

External Bleeding:

Apply direct pressure with a clean cloth or gauze.
Elevate the injured limb if possible.
Apply pressure to the supplying artery if bleeding persists.
Use a tourniquet only as a last resort.

Internal Bleeding:

Look for signs like pale gums, cool extremities, coughing up blood, and unusual lethargy.
Transport the dog to a veterinary facility immediately.

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Wounds

Wounds are breaks in the body's tissues and can range from superficial to deep, requiring different levels of care.

Deep Wounds:

Stop the bleeding with direct pressure.
Do not clean the wound unless instructed by a veterinarian.
Apply a water or saline-soaked compress.
Immobilize the wound.
Seek professional veterinary care.

Superficial Wounds:

Stop the bleeding.
Clean and bandage the wound as instructed.

What NOT to Do:

Do not apply unapproved materials to the wound.
Do not look under the bandage.

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Breathing Problems

Difficulty breathing (dyspnea) is a medical emergency, recognizable by increased effort, noisy breathing, or cyanosis.

What to Do:

Keep the dog calm.
Perform rescue breathing if necessary.
Cool the dog if overheated.
Seek veterinary assistance promptly.

What NOT to Do:

Do not upset the dog.
Do not give anything by mouth.

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Seizures and Convulsions

Seizures are sudden, uncontrolled movements caused by abnormal brain activity.

What to Do:

Protect the dog from injury during the seizure.
Record the duration and symptoms of the seizure.
Seek veterinary attention if the seizure lasts over 3 minutes or if multiple seizures occur within 24 hours.

What NOT to Do:

Do not place your hands near the dog's mouth.
Do not try to startle the dog out of a seizure.

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Dehydration

Dehydration can result from vomiting, diarrhea, or inadequate water intake.

What to Do:

Give small amounts of water frequently if the dog is not vomiting.
Seek veterinary attention for moderate or severe dehydration.

What NOT to Do:

Do not allow free access to large amounts of water.
Do not feed dry food until advised by a veterinarian.

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Bee Stings and Insect Bites

Insect or spider bites can cause swelling, redness, and itching. Severe allergic reactions may include hives, facial swelling, vomiting, difficulty breathing, or collapse.

What to Do:

Remove the stinger quickly with a credit card or tweezers.
Apply cool compresses 3-4 times daily for 3-4 days.
Apply a paste of baking soda and water to the sting area to neutralize acidic venom.
Prevent licking by using an Elizabethan collar.
Seek veterinary attention if the dog shows signs of an allergic reaction.

What NOT to Do:

Do not administer medications without veterinary consultation.

Poisoning

Poisoning can occur through ingestion, inhalation, absorption, or injection of toxic substances.

What to Do:

Call a veterinarian or a poison control centre immediately.
Save a sample of vomitus if the dog vomits.
Seek veterinary care if the dog is unconscious or has trouble breathing.

What NOT to Do:

Do not give liquids to the dog.
Do not delay seeking professional help.

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Burns

Burns can be caused by heat, chemicals, or electricity, with varying degrees of severity.

What to Do:

Extinguish flames.
Apply cool water compresses to thermal or electrical burns.
Seek veterinary care immediately.

What NOT to Do:

Do not apply ointments or butter.
Do not delay seeking veterinary attention.

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Hypothermia

Hypothermia occurs when the body temperature drops below 98°F, potentially due to environmental exposure or medical conditions.

What to Do:

Move the dog to a warm environment.
Wrap the dog in warm blankets.
Use a hot water bottle in the blankets.
Seek veterinary attention immediately.

What NOT to Do:

Do not use excessively hot blankets or heating pads.
Do not allow the dog to lie directly on a heating pad.

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Nosebleed

Nosebleeds can be alarming and may have various underlying causes.

What to Do:

Keep the dog calm.
Apply an ice pack to the bridge and side of the nose.
Seek veterinary attention if bleeding persists.

What NOT to Do:

Do not insert anything into the nose.

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Choking

Choking is caused by foreign material in or compression on the trachea. True choking is rare; coughing is often mistaken for choking.

If the Dog is Unconscious:

Perform a finger sweep to remove any foreign material.
Begin rescue breathing if necessary.
Transport to a veterinarian immediately.

If the Dog is Conscious:

Perform a finger sweep only if safe.
Keep the dog calm.
Transport to a veterinarian if symptoms persist.

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Abscess

Abscesses are pockets of infection under the skin, often caused by bites or scratches.

What to Do:

Apply a warm compress to the abscess site.
Keep the area clean.
Follow veterinary instructions for medication and care.

What NOT to Do:

Do not attempt to open the abscess yourself.
Do not use unapproved topical treatments.

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Impalement and Penetrating Injuries

Impalement injuries involve foreign objects lodged in a dog's body, often causing severe internal damage.

What to Do:

Calm and blanket the dog.
Muzzle the dog to avoid being bitten.
Immobilize the foreign body and the dog.
For chest wounds, cover with plastic wrap and apply lubricant to seal.
Shorten the foreign body if necessary, leaving 3-6 inches protruding.

What NOT to Do:

Never remove the foreign body yourself.
Do not allow the dog to move.
Seek veterinary attention immediately.

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Electrical Burns

Electrical burns can cause severe tissue damage and internal complications.

What to Do:

Unplug the electrical source.
Check for breathing and pulse, perform CPR if necessary.
Cover the dog with a blanket to prevent heat loss.
Seek veterinary care immediately.

What NOT to Do:

Do not delay veterinary examination even if the dog appears normal.

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Chemical Injuries

Chemical burns require prompt removal of the chemical agent and veterinary care.

What to Do:

Wash the contaminated area with large volumes of tepid water.
Flush the eyes with saline if affected.
Seek veterinary care immediately.

What NOT to Do:

Do not apply neutralizing agents.

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Paralysis

Paralysis is the inability to move part of the body and may indicate a serious condition.

What to Do:

Calm and muzzle the dog.
Transport the dog using proper techniques to avoid further injury.
Seek veterinary attention immediately.

What NOT to Do:

Do not delay evaluation by a veterinarian.

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Fainting and Dizziness

Fainting can result from various medical conditions.

What to Do:

Position the dog with the head down and hindquarters elevated.
Cover the dog with a blanket.
Seek veterinary attention.

What NOT to Do:

Do not give anything by mouth.
Do not slap or douse the dog with cold water.

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Fever

Fever is an elevated body temperature indicating infection or inflammation.

What to Do:

Take and record the rectal temperature.
Cool the dog with water if the temperature exceeds 105.5°F.
Seek veterinary attention.

What NOT to Do:

Do not give human medications like aspirin or ibuprofen.
Do not overtreat by overcooling.

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Transporting an Injured Pet

Proper transport is crucial to avoid further injury.

What to Do:

Handle the dog gently and as little as possible.
Use a backboard if spinal injury is suspected.
Position the head correctly if the dog is unconscious.
Cover the dog with a blanket to prevent heat loss.
Know the route to the veterinary facility and call ahead.
Drive carefully.

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Having a working knowledge of first aid for dogs is essential for pet owners. This guide provides steps for various emergency situations, but always consult a veterinarian for professional care. Prior planning and awareness of proper techniques can significantly improve outcomes in emergencies.

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Genevieve Tan

June 16, 2024