PUPPY FIRST AID
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Puppy First- Aid Basics
We all hope that we are never confronted with a serious injury as the result of an accident.
Unfortunately, the unexpected can occur at any time and we should all be prepared to act quickly and effectively. The most important thing in any emergency situation is to STAY CALM. Our dogs get their cues from us. If we are calm in an emergency they may well react in a better manner. Familiarize yourself with the procedures outlined here. Be prepared to control bleeding, check respirations, treat for shock and prepare for transport to your veterinarian.
Post your veterinarians phone number with all of your other emergency numbers. List your veterinarians number in your cellular phone. Be familiar with your veterinarian’s procedures in the event of an emergency and if an emergency were to happen after business hours. Determine if there are emergency animal care facilities in your area.
All puppy and dog owners should consider purchasing a book on puppy/dog first aid. You may also consider taking a pet first aid course offered through your local American Red Cross. There are several good cooks on the market to choose from:
First Aid Kit Recommended Items
Every dog owner should have a dog-specific First Aid Kit. The First Aid Kit should contain those items you might require in a medical emergency. The following is a sample of recommended items.
Rectal Thermometer Blankets to keep dog warm
Neosporin Ointmint (never use pain reliever form) KY Jelly
Sterile Dressings Eye Ointment
Gauze (non-sterile) Saline Solution (for eyes)
Adhesive Tape (for binding dressings) Table Salt
Sanitary Napkins (bleeding control) Scissors
Kaopectate and Pepto-Bismol (check expiration) Buffered Aspirin
Lidocane Spray (and/or ointment) Bag Balm
Rubbbing Alcohol Muzzle
Hydrogen Peroxide Distilled (or sterelized) Water
Have all these items together and keep them in a container set aside for emergencies; a lunch box, tackle box, or a hard plastic box, work well. Make other responsible family members aware of the First Aid Kit and where it’s located in your home.
Your veterinary professional is the best source of assistance and can advise you on taking the following vitals. The following are items that you can discuss with your veterinarian at your next visit:
Taking your dog’s temperature
A dog’s temperature is taken rectally and normally runs from 100.0 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit (average temperature is 101.3 to 101.5). If you are unsure on hot to do this properly, on your next visit have your veterinarian or veterinary technician show you. Sometimes, taking your dog’s temperature can be a two-person operation. One person handles the thermometer while the other restrains the dog.
Your Dog’s Pulse Rate
Your dog’s pulse rate can be found at the femoral artery located in the inner thigh. Pulse rate is usually 60-160 beats per minute. Smaller dogs have a faster pulse rate than larger dogs. Have your veterinarian or vet tech show you how to take a standardized pulse rate and advise you on the normal rate for your dog. Familiarize yourself with the normal pulse rate and the feel of a normal pulse prior to a medical emergency.
Muzzling Your Dog
In an emergency there are many items that would work suitably to serve as a muzzle. Even the most placid, friendly and accepting of dogs may nip or try to bite when injured due to fear or pain. An injured dog may even try to bite his/her owner making emergency measures difficult. If you are treating for an injury not requiring CPR or resuscitation, a muzzle is recommended.
If you do not have a properly fitted muzzle for your dog, you can use a necktie, knee-high nylons, kerchief, belt, or scarf. Do not tie the makeshift muzzle to tight as to cause damage to the dog’s nose; at the same time make sure the muzzle is secure.
Controlling Bleeding
Apply direct pressure to the wound with a gauze pad or sanitary napkin. Bleeding from most superficial wounds can be stopped in this manner. Resist the temptation to remove the pressure and look at the wound, the bleeding could start again. Once the gauze, cloth, or sanitary napkin becomes saturated replace it with a fresh one. If bleeding is heavy and the dog appears in shock (see below), muscle tissue is exposed, or the blood is dark in color or spurting call and transport to a vet or veterinary emergency facility immediately. Contact a veterinarian for additional instructions.
If you are unsure whether your dog requires medical assistance, transport him/her to the vet as soon as possible. Two people are required for this, one to drive and one to maintain pressure on the wound and attempt to restrain and soothe the dog.
A tourniquet should only be applied when direct pressure cannot control the bleeding because there is a possibility of severe tissue damage from lack of blood circulation. The tourniquet should be released every 10 minutes or so to allow the blood to reach other tissues. You should be able to get a finger in under the tourniquet and the wound may seep slightly. Remember a tourniquet is a last resort and should be done under the advisement of your veterinarian.
Signs of Internal Bleeding
Signs of Shock
Shock means that the blood circulation in the body is not sufficient. Any dog that has suffered a serious injury may experience shock. Poisoning, electrical shock, blood loss, drowning, and severe vomiting and diarrhea can cause a dog to go into shock. One way to help determine if shock is a possibility is to press your finger against the dog’s gums above the teeth line. If the gums and lips are very pale and/or the blood returns very slowly to the depressed area, the dog is possibly going into or already in shock. The pulse may be weak and rapid. The pupils may be dilated and the dog may then become unconsciousness.
Poison Treatment
Each poison is treated differently depending on the type of poison. Keep your local (or the national) poison control centers hotline number with all your other emergency numbers. Add this number to your first aid kit. Treatment can range from inducing vomiting to the prevention of vomiting depending on type of poison.
Contact your veterinary professional for immediate assistance in reacting to a potential poisoning. Be prepared to transport your dog to the vet after first aid. Be ready to provide the following to animal poison control or your veterinarian:
1.Your name, address, and phone number
2.Information concerning the exposure (amount of agent, the time since exposure, etc.)
3.The species, breed, your pets name, age, sex, weight, and number of animals involved.
4.The agent your animal has been exposed to, if known; and
5.The problems or symptoms your animal is experiencing.
If your veterinarian is not available, you can contact your local veterinary emergency service or call the National Animal Poison Control Center at 1-900-680-0000 or 1-800-548-2423. Licensed veterinarians and board certified veterinary toxicologists answer the NAPCC’s phones. Depending on which option is chosen, the charges can vary. When using the 900 number the charge is based on the total amount of time on the phone. If you use the 800 number, the charge is per case.
There are potentially long term effects from most poisons. Never induce vomiting if the poison is a strong acid, alkali, or petroleum product.
Types of Poisons:
A list of Potential Poisons (not all-inclusive):
Animal repellents (mace) household cleaners (phenols)
Antifreeze (ethylene glycol) insect bait
Aspirin (salicylate) insecticides (carbamate, rotenone)
Batteries (automotive) linoleum (lead)
Bleach mace
Brake and hydraulic fluids matches (phosphorous)
Car exhaust metal cleaners
Chocolate mothballs or flakes (nathalene)
Cleaning preparations (alkalis) paint ( lead)
Detergents pharmacological substances
Fire extinguishers putty
Fireworks (phosphorous) rodent poisons (anti coagulants)
Flea treatment (taken orally) snail bait (metaldehyde)
Food scraps (garbage) space heaters (carbon monoxide)
Fungicides solder (lead)
Germicides (phenol) solvents
Heat exchange fluid weights (lead)
Herbicides wood preservatives (phenol)
Poison Cautions
Emergencies
Consult with your dog’s veterinarian to see how they handle emergency situations in advance.
We all hope that we are never confronted with a serious injury as the result of an accident.
Unfortunately, the unexpected can occur at any time and we should all be prepared to act quickly and effectively. The most important thing in any emergency situation is to STAY CALM. Our dogs get their cues from us. If we are calm in an emergency they may well react in a better manner. Familiarize yourself with the procedures outlined here. Be prepared to control bleeding, check respirations, treat for shock and prepare for transport to your veterinarian.
Post your veterinarians phone number with all of your other emergency numbers. List your veterinarians number in your cellular phone. Be familiar with your veterinarian’s procedures in the event of an emergency and if an emergency were to happen after business hours. Determine if there are emergency animal care facilities in your area.
All puppy and dog owners should consider purchasing a book on puppy/dog first aid. You may also consider taking a pet first aid course offered through your local American Red Cross. There are several good cooks on the market to choose from:
- Emergency Care for Dogs and Cats – First Aid for Your Pet by Dr. Cranton Burkholder, D.V.M., MA.
- Dog Owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook by Delbert G. Carlson, DVM and James M. Griffin M.D
- Dog Owner’s Veterinary Guide by G.W. Stam
- Emergency First Aid for Dogs by Sheldon Rubin, D.V.M
- Complete Book of Dog Care by Leon F. Whitney D.V.M.; revised by George D. Whitney D.V.M.
First Aid Kit Recommended Items
Every dog owner should have a dog-specific First Aid Kit. The First Aid Kit should contain those items you might require in a medical emergency. The following is a sample of recommended items.
Rectal Thermometer Blankets to keep dog warm
Neosporin Ointmint (never use pain reliever form) KY Jelly
Sterile Dressings Eye Ointment
Gauze (non-sterile) Saline Solution (for eyes)
Adhesive Tape (for binding dressings) Table Salt
Sanitary Napkins (bleeding control) Scissors
Kaopectate and Pepto-Bismol (check expiration) Buffered Aspirin
Lidocane Spray (and/or ointment) Bag Balm
Rubbbing Alcohol Muzzle
Hydrogen Peroxide Distilled (or sterelized) Water
Have all these items together and keep them in a container set aside for emergencies; a lunch box, tackle box, or a hard plastic box, work well. Make other responsible family members aware of the First Aid Kit and where it’s located in your home.
Your veterinary professional is the best source of assistance and can advise you on taking the following vitals. The following are items that you can discuss with your veterinarian at your next visit:
- How to take your dog’s temperature
- How and where to take your dog’s pulse
- The normal pulse rate and strength for you dog
- Normal respiration for your dog (taking into account age, size, and breed)
- Correct CPR technique for the age and size of your dog
- Also, familiarize yourself with your dog’s normal gum color. Press the gums and observe the amount of time it takes for the color to return in your healthy dog to help you recognize when you dog is in medical distress.
Taking your dog’s temperature
A dog’s temperature is taken rectally and normally runs from 100.0 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit (average temperature is 101.3 to 101.5). If you are unsure on hot to do this properly, on your next visit have your veterinarian or veterinary technician show you. Sometimes, taking your dog’s temperature can be a two-person operation. One person handles the thermometer while the other restrains the dog.
Your Dog’s Pulse Rate
Your dog’s pulse rate can be found at the femoral artery located in the inner thigh. Pulse rate is usually 60-160 beats per minute. Smaller dogs have a faster pulse rate than larger dogs. Have your veterinarian or vet tech show you how to take a standardized pulse rate and advise you on the normal rate for your dog. Familiarize yourself with the normal pulse rate and the feel of a normal pulse prior to a medical emergency.
Muzzling Your Dog
In an emergency there are many items that would work suitably to serve as a muzzle. Even the most placid, friendly and accepting of dogs may nip or try to bite when injured due to fear or pain. An injured dog may even try to bite his/her owner making emergency measures difficult. If you are treating for an injury not requiring CPR or resuscitation, a muzzle is recommended.
If you do not have a properly fitted muzzle for your dog, you can use a necktie, knee-high nylons, kerchief, belt, or scarf. Do not tie the makeshift muzzle to tight as to cause damage to the dog’s nose; at the same time make sure the muzzle is secure.
Controlling Bleeding
Apply direct pressure to the wound with a gauze pad or sanitary napkin. Bleeding from most superficial wounds can be stopped in this manner. Resist the temptation to remove the pressure and look at the wound, the bleeding could start again. Once the gauze, cloth, or sanitary napkin becomes saturated replace it with a fresh one. If bleeding is heavy and the dog appears in shock (see below), muscle tissue is exposed, or the blood is dark in color or spurting call and transport to a vet or veterinary emergency facility immediately. Contact a veterinarian for additional instructions.
If you are unsure whether your dog requires medical assistance, transport him/her to the vet as soon as possible. Two people are required for this, one to drive and one to maintain pressure on the wound and attempt to restrain and soothe the dog.
A tourniquet should only be applied when direct pressure cannot control the bleeding because there is a possibility of severe tissue damage from lack of blood circulation. The tourniquet should be released every 10 minutes or so to allow the blood to reach other tissues. You should be able to get a finger in under the tourniquet and the wound may seep slightly. Remember a tourniquet is a last resort and should be done under the advisement of your veterinarian.
Signs of Internal Bleeding
- Shock
- Coughing up blood may be a sign of injury to the lungs/respiratory system
- Bloody vomit may be a sign or internal injury to the digestive tract
- Tar-like stools can indicate the lower digestive tract is bleeding. Signs of internal bleeding should be taken seriously and immediate action will be required.
Signs of Shock
Shock means that the blood circulation in the body is not sufficient. Any dog that has suffered a serious injury may experience shock. Poisoning, electrical shock, blood loss, drowning, and severe vomiting and diarrhea can cause a dog to go into shock. One way to help determine if shock is a possibility is to press your finger against the dog’s gums above the teeth line. If the gums and lips are very pale and/or the blood returns very slowly to the depressed area, the dog is possibly going into or already in shock. The pulse may be weak and rapid. The pupils may be dilated and the dog may then become unconsciousness.
- Calm and reassure your dog.
- Check breathing and airway for obstruction, begin CPR if necessary.
- Control bleeding
- Keep the dog warm (if in shock or bleeding)
- Transport to veterinary hospital or emergency care facility.
Poison Treatment
Each poison is treated differently depending on the type of poison. Keep your local (or the national) poison control centers hotline number with all your other emergency numbers. Add this number to your first aid kit. Treatment can range from inducing vomiting to the prevention of vomiting depending on type of poison.
Contact your veterinary professional for immediate assistance in reacting to a potential poisoning. Be prepared to transport your dog to the vet after first aid. Be ready to provide the following to animal poison control or your veterinarian:
1.Your name, address, and phone number
2.Information concerning the exposure (amount of agent, the time since exposure, etc.)
3.The species, breed, your pets name, age, sex, weight, and number of animals involved.
4.The agent your animal has been exposed to, if known; and
5.The problems or symptoms your animal is experiencing.
If your veterinarian is not available, you can contact your local veterinary emergency service or call the National Animal Poison Control Center at 1-900-680-0000 or 1-800-548-2423. Licensed veterinarians and board certified veterinary toxicologists answer the NAPCC’s phones. Depending on which option is chosen, the charges can vary. When using the 900 number the charge is based on the total amount of time on the phone. If you use the 800 number, the charge is per case.
There are potentially long term effects from most poisons. Never induce vomiting if the poison is a strong acid, alkali, or petroleum product.
Types of Poisons:
- Strong acids (battery acids)
- Strong alkali (such as lye0
- Petroleum products (gasoline, kerosene, turpentine, grease, oil)
- Specific poisons (usually ingested) – (strychnine, arsenic, cyanide, plants)
- Contact poisons (chlorinated hydrocarbons or organophosphates)
- Inhalant poisons (CO/Carbon monoxide)
A list of Potential Poisons (not all-inclusive):
Animal repellents (mace) household cleaners (phenols)
Antifreeze (ethylene glycol) insect bait
Aspirin (salicylate) insecticides (carbamate, rotenone)
Batteries (automotive) linoleum (lead)
Bleach mace
Brake and hydraulic fluids matches (phosphorous)
Car exhaust metal cleaners
Chocolate mothballs or flakes (nathalene)
Cleaning preparations (alkalis) paint ( lead)
Detergents pharmacological substances
Fire extinguishers putty
Fireworks (phosphorous) rodent poisons (anti coagulants)
Flea treatment (taken orally) snail bait (metaldehyde)
Food scraps (garbage) space heaters (carbon monoxide)
Fungicides solder (lead)
Germicides (phenol) solvents
Heat exchange fluid weights (lead)
Herbicides wood preservatives (phenol)
Poison Cautions
- Chocolate is one of the most common poisonous substance for dogs. Four ounces of chocolate can kill a small dog. Baking chocolate is stronger and less can be a deadly dose. Don’t leave chocolate items within reach of your dog.
- Lysol and other phenol agents can be absorbed through your pets footpads and may cause severe reactions. For this reason these substances are not used in kennels.
- Antifreeze tastes sweet to dogs and also can be absorbed through the pads of the feet. Be careful and clean up spills carefully.
- Insecticides and other bait traps for rodents can be potentially fatal to your pet. Use caution in the placement.
- When using pyrethrine or permethrine flea treatment’s shampoos, be sure to rinse your pet thoroughly. Wear gloves for your protection.
- With contact poisons, wash area thoroughly with soap or shampoo and water. Chemical burns should be flushed with water for at least five minutes then treated.
Emergencies
Consult with your dog’s veterinarian to see how they handle emergency situations in advance.
