Understanding dog first aid will help prepare you for emergencies, whether your pup is exploring unsafe places or chewing on hazardous foods. What should you do if your dog accidentally eats some chocolate or chokes on a bone? How do you handle a sudden seizure? What if your pup overheats or runs into an oncoming car?
Unfortunately, 90% of dog owners know very little about first aid, and 80% don’t even own a kit. Since pet emergencies can come at any time, it’s highly unlikely that a vet will be available quickly enough. Knowing basic dog first aid can mean the difference between life and death, which is why it’s so important. This article covers all the benefits of preparing for the unexpected by brushing up on your first aid skills.
What Does Dog First Aid Look Like?
1-in-3 pets will experience sudden illness or injuries each year; that’s when first aid isn’t optional, it’s a necessity. In critical situations, you must know how to react to prevent further damage, improve outcomes, reduce pain, and give yourself peace of mind. Learning dog first aid means you will always be prepared for the unexpected and, thus, act effectively no matter the situation.
Like primary care for humans, first aid does not replace professional care. Instead, it’s about helping your pet by prioritizing certain aspects of their health until they get medical attention. Dog first aid is the immediate care your pet receives when they are suddenly injured or fall sick. Roughly 25% more pets can be saved by knowing how to assess your dog’s condition and carrying out appropriate first aid.
First aid for your dog covers.
- Identifying their condition
- Controlling choking and excessive blood loss
- Properly bandaging wounds
- Identifying signs of shock
- Inducing vomiting for poison control
- Lowering your dog’s body temperature
- Performing CPR and rescue breathing
Identifying Changes in Behavior
Nobody understands your four-legged friend better than you. You should be able to read subtle shifts in your dog’s behavior to hint something’s wrong. This includes observing changes in their posture, heart rate, and other behavior. Identifying potential illness or an injury sooner than later minimizes your dog’s discomfort and suffering (and an expensive vet bill).
Having a Great Team
If your pooch requires first aid, having a support system makes all the difference. Your dog’s veterinarian should obviously be your first point of contact. But you should also have details of nearby emergency services and other vets available 24/7. This system also includes neighbors or friends who can provide an extra set of hands – you can’t comfort your dog and hold equipment or drive simultaneously. Having all this figured out beforehand will ensure your pet, and you get the best care possible before you end up in crisis.
A Must-Have Dog First Aid Kit
Every responsible pet owner should have a pup-friendly first aid box on hand. The list of items to include in this kit is endless, but here are a few essentials that will ensure it’s practical.
- Digital thermometer
- Small flashlight
- Tweezers
- Syringe (without a needle)
- Small Scissors
- Disposable gloves
- Trimmer or shaving blades
- Cotton wool
- Bandages or wraps
- Gauze
- Alcohol wipes
- Styptic blood-clotting powder
- Saline solution
It’s also helpful to include over-the-counter medication like antihistamines and painkillers or hydrogen peroxide (3%) to induce vomiting. Check with your veterinarian on appropriate dosages and safe brands.
Signs of an Emergency
You might know how to read your canine, but how can you identify symptoms you’ve never seen before?
A key starting point in dog first aid is to look out for key indicators, such as if they.
- Stop breathing or have difficulty
- Collapse and can’t stand up
- Have fits and might be having a seizure
- Struggle to move or coordinate their movements
- Vomit or have diarrhea for over 24 hours
- Stop responding
- Are limping and possibly have broken bones
- May have eaten something toxic or poisonous
These are the tell-tale signs of an emergency. Looking for a practical course to gain hands-on experience is the best course of action. They are designed to enhance your knowledge and confidence when dealing with all aspects of First Aid so you can deliver top-notch care for your pup.
Dog First Aid Basics
Here are some basics every first aid certification includes to help you navigate the situation.
- Check for a Pulse: Place your hand in the upper third of their inner thigh and squeeze under their leg. You should be able to feel their pulse – time it!
- Muzzle your Dog: Even gentle dogs can snap when afraid or in pain. Muzzle them because your safety comes first. Avoid muzzling if they are overheated, vomiting, or struggling to breathe.
- Help a Choking Dog: Your dog might start retching or pawing at their mouth to let you know their airway is blocked. Try to look inside their mouth and carefully remove lodged objects with tweezers. Never thrust your dog – this will do more harm than good.
- Stings, Burns, and Cuts: Minor stings, burns, and cuts can be treated at home with a cold compress, mild antiseptics, disinfectants, and soothing ointments. If your dog has severe symptoms like uncontrolled bleeding or swelling, consult your vet ASAP.
- Heatstroke and Poisoning: Fans, wet towels, water, and rest can cool your dog down after a mild heatstroke. Prevention is better than a cure for poisoning – dog-proof your house beforehand.
- Vehicle Accidents: If you can lift your dog onto a blanket, rush them to the vet. But if they are immobile, call your vet to visit the scene.
- CPR: This requires professional training. Always call a vet immediately if your dog is struggling to breathe.
Be Prepared to Save a Life
We hope you’ll never need the tips listed above, but it’s always best to be prepared. Life-saving first aid skills will help you act rationally when the time comes. Dog first aid skills give your dog their best shot at recovery, whether you are a pup parent, caretaker, or groomer. You can rest assured knowing you have done “everything in your power” to heal your dog rather than lose your best friend to panic and negligence.
