First aid for dogs A-D
First aid: Allergic Reactions
Some dogs may have a reaction to bee stings or other insect bites and allergens. As first aid administer Benedryl at 1 mg per kg of body weight. Allergic reactions in dogs may include watery and itching eyes, swollen face, sneezing, skin rashes, or unconsciousness.
First aid: Automobile injury
Do not put your hand in the dogs mouth if your dog is conscious. Well-meaning efforts may be misred by him causing him to bite out of fear, disorientation, and pain. Place a Quick muzzle on the dog. For first aid cover the dogs wounds with the cleanest material available. Do not attempt to stabilize any fractures. Keep the dog warm with a blanket or jacket. Handle your dog with care, carry him in a basket, box, or rigid board to the veterinary hospital.
First aid: Bleeding
As first aid action flush minor bleeding with betadine or chlorhexidine solution. If these are not available, lacerations may be flushed with clean water. Continue until all foreign material is removed. Then apply an antiseptic ointment and a bandage. If laceration is severe on the dogs limb, muscle, tendon, or ligament apply a tourniquet above the wound just tight enough to reduce flow of blood; it has to be loosened within 20 minutes. To control bleeding, apply direct pressure to the wound using your hand and gauze pads or clean cloth.
If internal bleeding occurs there is no sign of bleeding, but symptoms such as fainting, rapid or shallow breathing, or a weak pulse. Blood may sometimes run out from the dogs nose or mouth.
First aid: Bloat
Bloat occurs within minutes, so time is of the essence. Bloat is more common in large dog breeds. General cause of bloat is exercise or running and jumping directly after eating. Undigested food causes the dogs stomach to flip over, twisting the intestines closed. Gas cannot escape. Signs of Bloat include burping, enlarged abdomen, pacing, heavy panting, growling stomach, attempted vomiting, and heavy salivation. The dog will refuse to lie down due to the pain. Immediate surgery may safe your dogs life.
First aid: Burns and scalds
Do not treat burns with any topical solutions! Use cold water or ice as first aid action, or cover the burned area with clean, wet towels.
First aid: Choking
Choking is interference with breathing caused by foreign material in, or compression on, the trachea. For first aid stand with a leg on each side of the dog. Make a fist with one hand, and place it against the stomach. With both hands, lift the dog so that his rear legs are off the ground. Give 3-5 sharp, rapid, upward thrusts. If the object is not expelled after these thrusts, perform a finger sweep by placing your finger along the inside of the mouth, sliding it down toward the center of the throat over the base of the tongue and gently "sweeping" toward the center to remove any foreign material. Be aware of the "Adam's Apple" which feels like a smooth bone. Do not attempt to pull it out!
First aid for pet medication First aid for dogs E-P First aid for dogs R-Z
Pet Medication of dogs skin disorders
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