Cats n Dogs - First Aid For Your Dog

The first aid treatments outlined here should be used only until you can get professional help for your dog.

Muzzling: An injured animal, even your own puppy, may bite if he is in pain. He should be muzzled before attempting any first aid, but do not muzzle a dog that is choking or vomiting. You can use a scarf, stocking, dishtowel or other soft cloth as a muzzle. Loop the fabric over his muzzle and tie a single knot under the chin. Bring the fabric ends behind his ears and tie the ends in a bow.

Moving an Injured Animal: If you suspect your puppy has internal injuries, carefully slide him onto a board, blanket, jacket or other makeshift stretcher. If a small puppy has minor injuries, carry him by resting his hind- quarters in the crook of your arm and use the same arm to cradle his stomach and chest. With your other arm, hold up his head and neck.

Bleeding: Bandage the wound. Immediate medical care is essential if bleeding is excessive or does not stop after the wound is bandaged.

Breathing Problems: If your puppy gasps for breath, breathes noisily or shows other signs of inadequate breathing, such as a blue tongue, seek medical help immediately. In an emergency when your pet stops breathing, precious minutes might be better spent getting him to the veterinarian than trying to give him CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).

Broken Bone: Restrict movement while en route to the veterinarian and control any serious bleeding. If you are far from medical help, wrap the limb with cotton; splint front legs or upper back legs with a stick, rolled newspaper or similar object; and wrap loosely with gauze.

Burns: For first-degree burns (reddened skin and singed hair), apply cold water or ice. For second- or third-degree burns (skin may be swollen, loose or discolored) cover the burn with a cool, damp cloth (but do not use cotton). Rush the puppy to your veterinarian for treatment. Because the risk of infection is high, do not apply any ointments to the burns.

Choking: Push the puppy's lower jaw open and tilt his head up. Using extreme caution, try to remove the object with your fingers. If unsuccessful, kneel behind him, holding his body, just below the ribs. Squeeze hard a few times, pressing up. If the object does not pop out, rush him to the veterinarian.

Electric Shock: Playful puppies may chew on electrical cords, which can lead to electric shock. Never touch an animal that is touching an exposed electrical wire. Turn off the current and use a dry stick to move the dog away from the wire. Get veterinary help immediately. Electric shock may produce burns on the tongue and mouth. The dog may salivate profusely and have problems breathing.

Eye Injury: Do not attempt to remove a foreign object from the eye. Restrain the dog to prevent self-injury and take him to the veterinarian immediately.

Poisoning: Symptoms vary with the poison taken. In general, look for lack of coordination, severe vomiting, diarrhea, delirium, collapse and convulsions. Call the poison control hotline or your veterinarian for advice. Take the poison container to the veterinarian with you.

Swallowed Objects: If your dog has swallowed an object he can't digest, take him to the veterinarian. Do not induce vomiting because the object may cause more damage.