Dog first aid is no different from human first aid when it comes to following procedures. Actual treatment usually requires special skills but that doesn't mean you cannot offer assistance. Whether dog or human, it helps to know something about injuries and conditions so you do not cause more harm. With dogs, there are a few other things to consider as well.
Dog First Aid: Rule Number One
Remember that dogs will bite if they are in pain or afraid, which is often the case when they have been injured. Even the most docile dog can become dangerous in the right situations. It's important, therefore, to keep this as your top priority when trying to aid a dog. The best way to prevent getting bitten is to put a muzzle on the dog or wrap a towel or coat around your arm for protection.
We'll discuss how you should always be prepared in a minute.
Rule Number Two: Protect the dog from additional harm
Of course, you want to make sure the dog cannot be harmed either by being in a dangerous location or by inappropriate treatment. As with humans, if you move the injured party, you could cause more damage, especially if bones are broken. If a dog is on the roadway, find something solid to carefully put the dog onto, like a flat board and lift him to a safe location well away from traffic.
Take special precaution to ensure your own safety as well. Make sure motorists can see you and avoid you.
Rule Number Three: Begin life-saving treatment
Dog first aid carries the same treatment priority system as human first aid, often referred to as A-B-C. Airway - Breathing - Circulation. Making sure the dog can breathe is the first priority. This means making sure he has a good airway, nothing lodged in his throat.
Check for injuries to the dog's chest that could mean a perforated or collapsed lung. If you see that he is in distress and cannot breathe because of a gaping wound in the chest area, cover the wound with a towel. Press firmly against the wound so that the air from his lungs cannot escape. Or even better, use a plastic bag as a patch instead and secure it to the dog with adhesive tape to stop oxygen leakage.
Stop the bleeding from any wounds as blood loss can lead to shock and death if it is severe or long lasting. Apply a tight wrap around the wound. Tie a knot in the wrap and place it on the dog so the knot sits over the wound itself. This will provide additional pressure to help stop the bleeding.
Rule Number Three: Call for help
While you are taking these life-saving steps, have someone call for help. If this is not possible, carefully move the injured dog into your vehicle and transport him to the nearest veterinarian hospital right away so that he can receive proper treatment.
Knowing dog first aid will come in handy many times during your relationship together. Dogs can get injured in many ways - they can step on something, swallow a dangerous object, eat food that is toxic to dogs, or they can just get ill the same as humans can.
These three steps can make the difference between your dog's life or death, given the right circumstances.
Be Prepared
Always have a dog first aid kit handy for such emergencies. Some of the main ingredients must be: a muzzle, leash, scissors, tweezers, bandages, medical tape, small towel, a blanket, Kwik Stop or cornstarch to stop the bleeding if your dog tears a nail, and rubbing alcohol. A pair of gloves for your protection would be a good idea. Never give your dog anything by mouth (not even water) if he is in severe distress from an injury or accident. Depending on the problem, it could make it worse or interfere with treatment by the vet.
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