Dog First Aid is a must-know among pet lovers.

Regardless of whether humans or animals, accidents are everywhere and they happen without even the slightest hint. When not promptly given attention even the simplest accident could cause the death of your dog. This is where dog first aid comes in. More than the facilities and materials that you need to have, the knowledge on how to properly execute it is of the utmost importance.

Here are the three most common accidents that happen to dogs. The impact of each can be minimised  through proper execution of dog first aid.  Please note that unless your dog is having difficulty breathing, then you may wish to improvise a muzzle by using a neck tie or a piece of rope before attempting dog first aid.

Shock – Shock results from traumatic injury. This can be caused by vehicle bumps or animal attack. The most common symptoms of shock are rapid heart rate, pale gums, shivering and muscle weakness. Shock is very dangerous. When not properly treated, it could kill your pet in over a short span of time. Keep airways open, giving artificial respiration or heart massage as necessary, bandage or splint any fracture or extensive wound.

Wrap the dog in a thick cloth or towel to conserve body heat. If the dog is unconscious, keep its head as low as, or lower than, the rest of the body. Gently massage legs and muscles to maintain circulation unless you suspect that they may be fractured or broken. If the dog is conscious and restless, keep it horizontal and well wrapped up.

Get to the vet’s surgery promptly. Time is vital, especially for the intravenous introduction of fluid in severe cases.

Bleeding – The causes of bleeding vary from insect bites to vehicle bumps. Perform dog first aid on your pet by applying pressure from a cloth or even from your own hand. Bring your pet to the veterinary hospital once you get the chance to.

Poison – The most common forms of dog poisoning are rat poison and anti-freeze. Your dog could have been poisoned if you observe a sudden onset of illness, trembling, drooling, vomiting and the loss of bowel and bladder control.

By removing as much of the poison as possible, additional absorption can be reduced. For topical exposures, bathe the animal in lukewarm water with a mild dish soap. Inducing vomiting or gastric lavage (stomach pumping) can be used if the poison was ingested less than 2 hours before examination. Inducing vomiting should only be attempted in conscious, alert animals and only if recommended by a veterinarian. It is not recommended for those animals that ingest corrosive or petroleum based products or if the animal is already vomiting.

Of course dealing with any situation where you have to perform dog first aid will be significantly easier if you have already prepared a dog first aid kit to keep in your own home.

The basic materials in your dog first aid kit are the following: scissors, vet wrap, eyewash solution, hand gloves, cold packs, Triple Antibiotic Treatment and nail clippers. You may also purchase a complete dog first aid kit from any of the websites listed in our Pet Supplies UK Directory. 

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