BASIC FIRST AID
DOG 10
It’s an emergency!
If you are worried, phone your vet. Be sure to give a thorough description of the problem.
Phone first – don’t rush to the practice, as the vet may not be there. Listen to answerphone
messages completely and have a pen ready in case you are given another number. All vets
have to offer a 24-hour service for life-threatening emergencies. Do not give an injured pet food,
drink or any human medicines as some are poisonous to dogs.
Possible emergencies – road accidents
Contact the vet immediately. Keep calm and mind the traffic yourself! Injured animals are
frightened and in pain so they may bite. Approach the dog slowly and talk soothingly. Put on a
lead and, if necessary, use a muzzle or put a bandage round the nose and tie it behind the
ears. If you are bitten, consult your doctor. If your pet cannot move, slide it gently onto a coat
or blanket to use as a stretcher. Keep the patient warm.
Internal injuries may not be obvious at the time. Even if your pet has been discharged, contact
the vet again if it is not eating 24 hours after the accident or it is dull, vomiting, not urinating or
has difficulty breathing.
Bleeding
Apply a bandage (see Applying a bandage) or a hold a thick pad over the wound – keep it in
place to avoid dislodging any blood clot. Contact the vet.
Broken leg?
Don’t touch. Keep your pet confined and phone the vet.
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Applying a bandage Put a non-adhesive dressing on the wound and cover with several layers of swabs, then a layer of cotton wool. Wrap open weave bandage over this, tightly enough to lightly compress the cotton wool. Stick this to the hair at the top with surgical tape. Cover with a firm layer of crepe or self-adhesive elastic bandage. Do not leave on more than 24 hours. |
Burns and scalds
Wash immediately for at least five minutes in cool water. Wrap your pet up warmly for
transport to the surgery to avoid chilling.
Electric shock
Turn off appliance before pulling the animal away, or if you cannot, use a non-metallic dry
object (e.g. a broom handle) to move the animal. Wrap your pet up warmly and get it to the
vet. Attempt artificial respiration if breathing has stopped (see ‘Artificial respiration’)
He keeps cocking his leg but nothing happens!
Passing small amounts of urine, or no urine at all, can be especially serious in male dogs.
See the vet immediately. Constipation is less urgent but seek veterinary advice within
24 hours.
His tummy seems to be swollen…
If your pet is also dribbling, gulping and retching, don’t delay, phone the vet. It could be a
serious obstruction of the bowel.
I think my dog is having a fit
Keep calm. Remove objects that may cause injury.
Darken the room and keep your dog quiet. Phone the vet.
My dog has eaten my tablets
Contact the vet. Take the packet so the vet knows what
they are. Don’t make your pet sick without asking the vet.
My dog has been in a fight
Part the fur and look. Bites on the body or head warrant
prompt veterinary attention. Puncture wounds on the limbs
are less serious but may need antibiotic treatment.
He’s panting a lot, and coughing
If your pet is also lethargic, take this seriously. Phone the vet.
He’s just not himself…
If your pet is lying down continuously and is not interested in anything, it’s wise to consult
the vet. Many different things, from the trivial to the life-threatening may be wrong; only the
vet can tell. Restlessness and agitation in a nursing bitch is also a reason to phone the vet.
Vomiting and diarrhoea
Frequent vomiting, especially in the young (under two years) or old (over eight to ten years)
is potentially an emergency. Contact the vet.
Diarrhoea without vomiting is less serious. Feed a light diet (boiled chicken or white fish) in
small quantities. See a vet if it persists more than two days (or 24 hours if it is frequent)
Heat stroke
Heat stroke doesn’t only happen when dogs are shut in cars! Be careful on hot days,
especially with short nosed breeds (boxers, Staffies) overweight pets or those with heart
trouble. Avoid exercise when it’s hot, and don’t leave your pet in direct sunlight. Heat stroke
causes violent panting, red eyes and gums, and sluggishness. Wet your dog’s coat with
cold water, put your pet somewhere cool (use a fan) and call the vet.
Sore eyes
Bathe with water and use an Elizabethan collar to prevent rubbing. If the eye is completely
closed, consult a vet.
In short nosed breeds, the eye can pop forwards out of the socket. Keep it moist (contact
lens solution is best) apply a non-adhesive soft pad and phone the vet.
First aid kit
• Bandages – one roll of crepe/self-adhesive bandage, one roll of conforming/open-weave
• Adhesive surgical tape 2.5cm width
• 100g box of cotton wool
• Box of sterile white absorbent gauze
• Two packets of non-adhesive absorbent dressing (approx 10cm x 10cm) to apply directly
to open wounds
• Blunt ended scissors
• A thick towel
• An Elizabethan collar
Artificial respiration
If the animal isn’t breathing, pull the tongue forward
(avoid getting bitten) and check for obstructions. Then
extend the neck (so the chin points forwards), close
the mouth and blow down the nose every three
seconds. If you cannot feel a heartbeat, apply gentle
intermittent pressure to the lower chest just behind
the front legs once a second.
Recovery is unlikely if breathing does not restart after
three minutes.
