Emergency Dog First Aid

Any accident to a dog is greatly distressing, but perhaps road accidents rank among the worst and most dreaded. Through fear or because of pain, even a usually docile dog may be dangerous to handle, thereby exacerbating the problem, especially if the dog has been trapped in the accident.

Obviously a vet needs to be telephoned at once, although if possible it is quickest to take the dog to the surgery as a vet is unlikely to have all the equipment needed at the roadside. Telephone ahead to warn the vet and let him prepare for your arrival, giving as much information as possible as to the condition of the dog and what has occurred. During the telephone call tell your vet as much as possible about heartbeat, breathing, gasping, major hemorrhage, pale gums, inability to stand and any obvious fractures.

Do not panic. Approach the dog cautiously but reassuringly and restrained with a lead. If necessary, and for longer-nosed breeds only, a muzzle can be improvised, perhaps from a scarf or the like, tied around the muzzle and then around the back of the head. However, it is important that a muzzle is not applied if there is any sign of chest injury or if there is difficulty in breathing. A muzzled dog must not be left alone.

The dog must be moved extremely carefully, with you watching out for him going blue or having difficulty with breathing. The dog can be transferred to a blanket which can I be used as a stretcher, ideally aided by three people so that head, back and pelvis can be supported. In cases when help is not available, the dog should be moved onto the blanket slowly and carefully.
Thankfully, not all injuries are serious and the following information may help to alleviate some less serious problems which may be encountered:
 
Dog bites: Initially clean the wound by bathing it in warm water. If the skin's surface is broken, it needs I examination by a vet in case antibiotic treatment or stitches are necessary.

Dog bleeding: Small cuts usually stop bleeding after a few minutes. Immediate professional help is needed if bleeding continues or pumps out from an artery. In an emergency, make a compress from clean material soaked in cold water, applied with enough pressure to arrest the bleeding.

Dog burns: Initially apply plenty of cold water to the burned area. Minor burns can be treated with a proprietary burns ointment but serious burns need veterinary attention as they are always accompanied by shock.

Dog collapse: Urgent veterinary attention is imperative. In the meantime, create an airway by clearing mucus from the throat and pulling the tongue forwards. If necessary, stimulate the dog's respiratory system with firm compressions to the chest wall every 10 seconds.

Dog foreign bodies lodged in the mouth: A dog which has difficulty in closing its mouth, is constantly pawing at its mouth or is salivating profusely may have something wedged between its teeth, or even across the roof of the mouth between the upper molars. If you are not able to dislodge this yourself with relative ease, a vet must be consulted without delay, because apart from the obvious discomfort to the dog, inflammation will almost certainly result.

Dog fur balls: In long- or heavily coated breeds, fur balls may sometimes be vomited without any sign of illness or discomfort. But they should never be regarded lightly as they can cause a dog to choke.

Dog grass seeds: These can penetrate any part of a dog, their long barbs causing them to move further in to the coat. This can cause sudden irritation, infection or abscess and removal of the seed by a vet is often necessary.

Dog lameness: Lameness can arise for many reasons but if it occurs suddenly, the most likely cause is damage or discomfort to the pad of the foot. If there is a cut this will be noticed easily and veterinary help should be sought. However, sometimes it is not easy to find the reason for sudden limping. There could have been a bite, which may be seen by swelling, or the dog may have trodden on something sharp, such as a thorn, which has embedded itself. If the hair between the pads in long-coated breeds has not been kept short, a knot may have formed; this can be very painful and will need to be cut out with great care. Even a small stone may have lodged between the pads and, if so, can be removed with relative ease. Lameness which does not rectify itself quickly should always be investigated by a vet.
 
Dog poisoning: Although the causes of poisoning are varied, initial signs may include vomiting, muscular spasm and bleeding from an exit point such as the gums. If possible, tell your vet what poison may have been taken as the antidote will vary accordingly. When you are telephoning the vet, ask for advice as to whether or not vomiting should be induced; it may not be appropriate. Keep your dog warm and quiet with access to plenty of fresh air.

Dog stings: Dogs are apt to snap at flying insects and this must be discouraged as stings inside mouth and throat are dangerous, requiring immediate veterinary attention with anti-histamine injections. Keep your dog cool and pull the tongue forward, leaving the airway clear. Less serious are stings in the pad. Antiseptic lotions bring relief, and vinegar is good for wasp stings. Remove bee stings with tweezers and apply bicarbonate of soda.