|
By now you may have a
dog first aid kit. If you don't, you can create your own
or buy a packaged one (see dog First Aid Kit for more
information on both options).
You have your kit, so are you ready to treat your dog in an
emergency?
Learn What You Think You'll Need
You will never know enough to treat every possible injury,
illness or condition. Learn the basics. Learn how to treat
life-threatening injuries and illnesses. Then, if you want,
learn how to stabilize the non-life-threatening ones so that you
can transport your dog to the vet. If your dog's breed has
specific health issues, learn about those as well.
The dog first aid procedures in this section go hand in hand
with the information about signs and symptoms you'll find
in the Symptoms section. As you read through this section,
you'll see that each first aid page has a link to the
corresponding signs and symptoms page.
Each page begins with a list of the items you'll need from your
dog first aid kit. The steps to stabilize and/or treat the
injury or illness follow the supplies list.
This section, like the Symptoms section, is a work in progress.
We will be adding new first aid information regularly to help
you treat your dog whenever she needs your help.
The Basics
The basics are a few things you'll find useful in just about any
dog health situation.
Your Injured or Ill Dog - Learn
how to help your injured or ill dog
How To Handle Your Dog - Learn
how to restrain your dog to keep her, and you, safe.
Lift And Move Your Dog Safely -
Learn how to life and move your dog after an accident.
Basic Wound Care - Follow these
simple procedures for cleaning and caring for minor wounds.
How To Induce Vomiting - There
are times when you should induce vomiting, and times you
shouldn't. Learn when, and how, to do it.
CPR - CPR, or cardiopulmonary
resuscitation, could save your dog's life if her heart stops
beating. And did you know that you can use the Heimlich Maneuver
to save her from choking? Learn how to do both here.
Life-Threatening Injuries and Illnesses
Life-threatening injuries and illnesses are ones where you need
to stabilize your dog and get her to the vet or emergency animal
clinic as quickly as you can.
Non-Life-Threatening Injuries and Illnesses
Non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses are ones that you
probably can treat on your own. This does not mean to do
it without consulting your vet. If you think there is any chance
of internal injuries, your vet should see your dog.
First Aid for Burns - Most of
the burns your dog is likely to sustain are minor ones. You'll
find help for minor and more serious wounds here.
First Aid for Fractures -
Fractures can be either minor breaks or serious life-threatening
problems. Learn what you can do before taking her to the
veterinarian or emergency clinic.
First Aid for Vomiting - Dogs
vomit. It's a fact of life. However, recurring vomiting is a
sign that your dog is not well. Call your vet or take your dog
to the clinic before beginning to treat her for vomiting. There
may be more serious issues causing the vomiting.
First Aid for Wounds - Wounds
can be minor or serious. See The Basics above for help with
basic wound care. For serious wounds, read here for treatment
options.
Diseases and Conditions
There are many diseases and conditions that dogs suffer from.
Some are chronic, while others present acute, sometimes
life-threatening, symptoms. |
