Learning first aid for your canine is important. Although it’s not substitute for the expertise of your vet, there are times that emergency procedures must be performed at home until professional help is available. Dogs can suffer from choking, food poisoning or heat stroke at home and must be attended to right away. These emergency skills will be of great help especially when the vet isn’t available.
Here are 4 first aid procedures for dogs that you must learn:
For Choking
If you find your pet choking, you must come to his aid immediately. Choking sounds, difficulty breathing and a tinge of blue on his lips or tongue are all signs that his air way is blocked. Remember to take caution when tending to your pet in this situation – he is probably in a panic and has a higher tendency to bite. Call your vet immediately or have someone call. Calm your dog down if he can still breathe then look into his mouth to see if a foreign object is visible. If the object is visible, try to remove it with pliers or tweezers carefully. Try not to push it further. If it’s out of reach, drive to your vet. If your dog collapses, lay him on his side and using your palm, strike his rib cage firmly 3 to 4 times. Do this until you reach your vet.
For Seizures
If your dog is having a seizure, do not restrain him. While timing the seizure, speak to him in a firm and reassuring voice. When the seizure is over, keep your pet warm and let him rest then call your veterinarian.
For Toxic Exposure
Signs that your dog has been exposed to a toxic substance include pawing at his nose, red eyes and whining. If you observe these signs, call your vet immediately. Check the packaging of the substance and follow instructions regarding decontamination or rinsing. Keep it away from your pet’s eyes, mouth or nose.
For Poisoning
If you observe your dog gagging, vomiting, foaming at the mouth or suffering from diarrhea, he is most likely suffering from poisoning. Call your vet immediately. Try your best to identify the poison, how much is ingested and how much time has passed. Collect a sample of your pet’s vomit and place it in an airtight container for examination at the vet.
Being equipped with the knowledge of these first aid procedures for dogs will greatly help you in times of emergency!
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