Are you prepared if your dog has a medical emergency? If not, there are some basic methods of first aid you should know how to do, in order to help your dog if an emergency arises. No one wants to see the animal they dearly love sick or injured, but helping them during this time can save their life. We’ll explore some common problems, and the first steps you should take to help your pet.
Seizure:
When your dog has a seizure it can be a scary experience. Here’s what to do:
1. Have someone call the vet so they can see your pet as quickly as possible.
2. Another person needs to place a heavy blanket over the dog, and hold him in place.
3. As scared as you are, the dog is scared as well and may bite. Don’t kiss or pet your dog during a seizure.
4. Press lightly on the dog’s eye lids to stimulate the Vagus nerve, do this for ten seconds every five minutes until the seizure passes, as this can reduce the duration and severity of the experience.
5. Avoid putting anything into your dog’s mouth, unless it has been directed by your vet. There is a possibly of injury from items placed in their mouth during this time.
6. Once the seizure has passed, let them rest. The experience takes a lot of energy out of them.
Vomiting:
Dog’s can vomit for a number of different reasons. It can be something as simple as a minor upset stomach or something more serious. When your dog begins to vomit, here’s what to do:
1. Monitor his behavior, and see if there is any poison or other harmful substance that he has gotten into. Report his behavior quickly to your vet to determine if an emergency visit is essential. During this time, it is also vital to report any blood in his vomit.
2. Don’t offer your pet food or water for 12 – 24 hours unless advised from your vet. Don’t give your pet heart worm medication during this time as it is hard on their stomach.
3. After a minimum of 12 hours have passed, begin to offer your pet a sugar water solution made from 1 teaspoon of plain sugar mixed with a cup of water.
4. If your dog is able to keep the added liquids down over the course of 12 hours, you can then begin to give them very bland food. Cooked rice, and boiled eggs with no seasoning is fine, but your vet can give you additional options as well.
5. Over the next few days, begin to cut the bland food in half, and being to add more of their regular diet until they are on their normal food completely.
Wounds:
When the family dog ends up having a wound on their body, it can be scary. Many times there is bleeding that often seems more severe than it is. To help prevent infection, and to begin the healing process, there is some basic advice to follow:
1. If there is serious injury and excessive bleeding, contact your vet and bring them in at once.
2. If the wound is minor, begin to clip the hair around it. Make sure you apply a little petroleum jelly over the wound to prevent any hair getting into it.
3. Make sure any hair that can touch the wound is trimmed short. If any hair gets caught in it, infection may occur.
4. Clean off the petroleum jelly from the wound and make sure no hair is present.
5. Gently clean the wound with distilled water or peroxide to fight infection.
6. Apply an antiseptic onto the wound and allow it to dry. Don’t leave your pet unattended until the antiseptic has dried to avoid it being licked off.
Vehicle Trauma:
For any dog owner, when their dog is hit by a car, panic can set in. But until you get the dog to a vet there is a very important set of things to do:
1. Call your vet immediately. Some vets will come to your dog, if not they would be able to clear a space to see and possibly operate on your dog.
2. If you have a muzzle, put it on your dog at once. They might begin to defend themselves even though they are injured, and could bite anyone that tries to help.
3. Begin to speak softly to your dog, and offer your hand, knuckle side towards them, to show there is no aggression.
4. If the dog isn’t breathing, begin dog CPR. Your vet may be able to walk you through this.
5. Any severe bleeding should have pressure applied to it with a clean towel. Tie it well to keep pressure on the area, and only allow the vet to remove it.
6. Remember to remain calm and comfort the dog at all times.
These are the basics of several instances where first aid might be needed for your pet. You might just be able to save your pet’s life.
