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CANINE FIRST AID

EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE

Emergencies come in all forms, automobile accidents (road traffic accidents), bites, burns, heatstroke, poisoning and unconsciousness to mention but a few. 

For a general overview of what constitutes an emergency reference should be made to our fact sheet on Canine Emergencies and therefore it is worthwhile having some knowledge of basic first aid.  We hope this leaflet  is of value.

What is first aid?

First aid is initial treatment given in an emergency situation.  The purpose is:

·To preserve life

·To reduce pain and discomfort

·To minimise any risk of permanent disability or disfigurement

Priorities

·Keep calm and try not to panic

·If possible get help so that you can attend to your dog while someone helps with restraint, carrying him etc

·Contact your veterinarian, explain the situation for specific first aid advice

·If there are possible internal or limb injuries try to keep your pet as still as possible

·Try to keep the dog reasonably warm, wrap in a coat or even newspaper

·Take your dog to the vet as soon as possible

·Drive carefully and observe the speed limit

What is shock?

Shock is a complex condition which often swiftly follows an acute injury.  A serious fall in blood pressure is always involved.

What are the signs of shock?

Signs include rapid breathing and heart rate, with pallor of the mucous membranes, (e.g. the gums, lips or under the eyelids).  The feet or ears may feel cold to the touch and your dog may vomit and is often very quiet and unresponsive.

What should I do?

Keep as quiet as possible and try to conserve heat by covering with coats or even newspapers and, if necessary, apply the A, B, C of first aid.

A   Airway

B   Breathing

C   Cardiac function

Airway  Anything that obstructs the airway prevents oxygen entering the lungs.  Do your best to clear the mouth and throat of any obstruction (vomit, saliva or foreign bodies such as sticks or balls).  Be careful, your dog will be as terrified as you and may bite in panic.

Breathing.  If your dog is unconscious and does not appear to be breathing, try gently pumping the chest with the palm of your hand, at the same time feeling just behind the elbow to detect a heart beat (pulse)

Cardiac function.  Check the colour of the tongue and if cyanosed (blue) try blowing down the throat and nose in order to stimulate breathing and heart function

Specific first aid

Blood loss

Once you have checked A, B, C above, if haemorrhage is severe try to stop it.  If from a cut pad, apply a dressing using a piece of clothing if no bandage is available, alternatively a piece of string or cord can be used as a tourniquet above the injured area if on a foot or leg.  This should be loosened every few minutes while getting your dog to the vet.

Burns and scalds 

Cool the burned area with cold water as quickly as possible  Cover with damp towels.   If the injury is due to a caustic substances, wash with plenty of cold water.  If in the mouth press cloths soaked in clean cold water between the jaws.

Eye injuries 

These are always very painful.  If a foreign body can be seen, e.g. a grass awn, it is sometimes possible to gently remove it with the fingers, otherwise cover the eye with a pad soaked in cold water or better still, saline solution (such as contact lens solution).  Seek veterinary advice as soon as possible.

Seizures (Fits) 

Seizures can be due to many causes. These range from eclampsia (milk fever) to epilepsy.  If due to eclampsia, i.e. a lactating bitch, remove from the puppies.  All seizuring dogs should be kept in a dark confined area if at all possible.  Call your veterinarian without delay.

Heat stroke

This most commonly occurs in hot humid weather when dogs are left in cars without adequate ventilation. The vehicle need not necessarily be in direct sunlight.  Body temperature rises dramatically.  Signs are excessive panting and obvious distress quickly followed by coma.  Reduce body temperature as quickly as possible using cold water and ice if available and drive with the dog to the veterinarian with the dog still wet.  Keep the car windows open.  Evaporation will reduce body temperature.