Emergency First Aid
Introduction:
First aid should be a temporary measure to control life-threatening problems and provide some relief while veterinary care is sought.
Handling:
Any injured dog may bite. Rather than risk being bitten, muzzle any injured dog prior to handling. A length of rope, a necktie, piece of gauze or anything similar can be utilized. Make a loop and place it over the dog's muzzle and tie, bring the ends down around the muzzle, cross them and bring the ends behind the ears and tie. This muzzle will not interfere with breathing. It should be tied but not so tight as to hurt or cause injury to the tissue by interfering with circulation. If the dog cannot walk, make a stretcher out of a coat, blanket, or towel. This will facilitate easy lifting and transporting by two people.
Bandaging:
Apply a piece of gauze or cloth to the wound and wrap a strip bandage around the injured area. Sufficient pressure can be applied to stop most of the bleeding. However, if the bandage is too tight or is left on for too long, the tissue will die because of impaired circulation. Loosen the bandage every fifteen minutes to allow blood to flow through the wound.
Administering Medication:
Liquids: With the head of the dog held at an angle of approximately thirty degrees, pull out the lipfold at the side of the muzzle to form a pouch and pour the liquid in slowly. As it runs through the teeth, the dog is able to swallow it. Do not pour too much, too quickly, because the dog will choke.
Pills:
To administer a pill to your dog, first place one hand over the top jaw. With your thumb on one side and remaining fingers on the other, open the mouth by applying gentle pressure to the lips. With the other hand pull down the lower jaw. Now, with the mouth open, place the pill well back along the midline of the tongue. Now, close the jaws, elevate the head slightly and wait for the dog to swallow. If this fails, try disguising the medication in a small piece of meat or cheese. Feed him two or three of these tidbits to arouse his interest, then slip him one with a concealed pill.
Tourniquets:
In cases of severe laceration of limbs or tail, it may be necessary to apply a tourniquet to control blood loss. Wrap a piece of cloth or bandage above the wound and tie securely.
Wrap or twist snuggly with a stick. It is advisable to loosen the tourniquet every ten to fifteen minutes to allow circulation to the area and prevent tissue death from lack of oxygen
Heatstroke:
This is truly a tragedy of the summer months and is the product of neglect. Dogs should never be left unattended in direct sunlight or in closed vehicles in hot weather. Clinical signs of heatstroke include panting, hypersalivation, fever, shock, unconsciousness, and death. Heroic measures are required to save an animal in this situation. Immediately immerse the dog in cool water to lower his body temperature. Monitor this with a rectal thermometer, bring the temperature to within the normal range, but do not lower it below this.
Burns:
For a burn, any household preparation that you have may be used. For an acid burn, use a paste of bicarbonate of soda (baking soda). Burns become infected very easily so watch closely, even superficial burns can become quite serious.
Poisoning:
If you suspect your dog has ingested a poisonous substance, attempt to induce vomiting. This can be achieved by administering hydrogen peroxide (about two tablespoonfuls), or by applying a teaspoon of salt on the back of his tongue. As many poisons have specific antidotes, take a sample of the substance with the dog to your veterinarian. This will facilitate prompt and effective treatment, as time is of the essence in most poisonings.
Shock:
Shock can follow almost any type of severe injury. The clinical signs include shallow breathing, pale grey-colured mucous membranes, glassy eyes, dilated pupils, and collapse. Keep the dog warm by wrapping him in a blanket and place hot water bottles around him. Immediate professional help is of the utmost importance as time can make the difference between life and death.
Bleeding:
Small wounds:
A small wound may be first cleaned with soap and water, following which an antiseptic and bandage can be applied. If possible, pull the wound edges together and hold them in place with adhesive tape. This will facilitate healing.
Deep Wounds:
A severed artery "spurts" in time with the heart beat and produces bright red blood. Blood escaping from a lacerated vein will be much darker in colour and will ooze. A tourniquet or a firmly applied pressure bandage will be required to control bleeding from a severed artery. A pressure bandage will usually suffice for cut veins. Clean the wound only when the bleeding has subsided, then bandage the wound and seek veterinary attention promptly.
Seizures:
Seizures or convulsions can be caused by many different diseases. Most seizures last one to three minutes. When the seizure is over, keep the dog quiet and do not excite or stimulate him or another seizure may result. Never place anything in the mouth of a seizuring dog. You may get bitten and he may choke. If seizures fail to abate after a few minutes, apply a muzzle to the jaw, wrap the dog in a blanket and transport him to a veterinarian immediately.
Eye Infections:
To soothe inflamed eyes, wash out any discharge present with a solution of boracic acid or warm water. Do not use salt and water. Apply an eye ointment on the advice of a veterinarian. This is important as certain eye ointments are contra-indicated in some conditions. For example, cortisone preparations should not be used where corneal ulcers arc present.
Diarrhoea:
This common complaint has a number of causes. These include internal parasites, infections, ingesting garbage or other substances which irritate the digestive tract, travel, and changes in water to name a few. Simple diarrhoea can be treated by feeding the dog a bland diet, such as boiled white rice mixed half and half with boiled lean meat, cottage cheese or cooked eggs. Human preparations, available at any pharmacy, may also be administered. If diarrhoea persists for more than two or three days, consult your veterinarian.
Vomiting:
Vomiting, like diarrhoea, can be caused by diet changes, internal parasites and ingestion of irritants and foreign materials. It can also, however, be a sign of some very serious diseases such as gastric torsion and pyometra. Before attempting to treat a vomiting dog with a home remedy, be certain that you are certain of the cause. Withhold solid food and administer small amounts of tepid water frequently. Human preparations such as a soothing gastric preparation may be given.
If vomiting has subsided after twenty-four hours, feed the dog a small amount of the bland diet discussed in the section entitled Diarrhoea. Should the vomiting continue for more than this period of time, seek professional advice.
Information from the Canadian Kennel Club
Email: dondeekennels@chihuahua.com
