First Aid for Dogs

Being a responsible dog owner means being prepared to take care of your pet in any circumstance and having on hand first aid for dogs. Serious medical emergencies can happen in the blink of an eye, and even the most watchful owner can’t always have their eyes on their pet.

A veterinarian always knows best, but there are times when it may fall up to you to take the first proactive steps like stopping bleeding. The best way to make sure that you will know what to do and not panic is to be prepared for emergencies before any problems arise.

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Your Own First Aid Kit

The first step before learning how to engage in first aid for dogs is to prepare your own first aid kit. This is similar to a first aid kit for humans, but with a few differences. For surface wounds, you may need towels, gauze, hydrogen peroxide, and non-stick bandages made especially for dogs.

Also include activated charcoal for poison, a digital thermometer specially made for dogs,which must be used rectally, and milk of magnesia. Additionally, a leash and muzzle are important to have when practicing first aid for dogs, although you should never put a muzzle on a vomiting dog.

Finally, information pertaining to your pet’s medical history should be included, along with numbers to your veterinarian, an emergency clinic, and the Animal Poison Control Center.

Prepare for EmergenciesYou should also be prepared for certain likely emergencies that may require first aid for dogs. First on the list are wounds like cuts, burns, and broken bones. Covering the animal’s eyes with a towel is helpful to prevent them from panicking, as well.

For cuts or burns, clean the cut with water and trim away hair if necessary. Apply a cool compress to relieve the pain. If you think the bone may be broken, you can make a temporary splint on the lower leg from a magazine or newspaper.

Do not splint a break higher up on the leg. You may have to carry your dog to the car to prevent further injury.

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Response to ToxinsDogs may also accidentally swallow harmful materials or have allergic reactions to ingested items or insect bites. If you know the material that was swallowed, check the container for handling instructions. Contact a poison control center to find out if you should use items like charcoal.

CPR

Knowing CPR is also an essential part of first aid for dogs in case the dog stops breathing. CPR is also useful if your dog is suffering from heatstroke. You should never leave your pet alone in the car on a hot day in the first place, but cool your dog down with a wet towel and practice CPR if necessary.

Also learn how to conduct the Heimlich maneuver if the dog is choking. Just like with humans, first aid for dogs means being cautious and using the Heimlich only if you are sure that your pet is choking on an object or else you could harm them further.