As we’ve covered in the previous blog, your pup is more than likely to pick up some injuries in their adventurous lifestyle. To prevent anything serious from happening, our expert gives you the lowdown on what to do in emergencies.
For a reminder on what to keep in your first aid kit, read here.
Help! My pup has an insect bite/sting
- Dog stung by a bee? Remove the stinger by scraping a credit card or piece of gauze over the stinger. Do not use tweezers as this may cause more venom to be released.
- Make a thick paste of baking soda and water and apply to the affected area to alleviate irritation.
- If your dog is vomiting, swelling in their face or struggling to breathe, take them to the vet as soon as possible – they might be allergic!
Help, my pup has been burnt.
- Approach and speak to your dog in a reassuring tone
- Phone your vet
- Soothe superficial burns with cold water and ice packs. Leave on for 15 minutes. Do not apply ointment.
- For second degree or third-degree burns, use a clean dressing, (not cotton) on the wound, lie your dog’s head on the side and pull their tongue out to ensure an open airway. Take your dog to the vet.
- For chemical burns: Should your vet instruct you to do so, wash the liquid off thoroughly with soap and water and take your dog to the vet
Help, my pup has been poisoned.
- Try to identify what your dog has ingested
- Call your vet immediately
- Don’t induce vomiting, unless specifically instructed by your vet.
- If your dog has inhaled poisonous gasses, get them to fresh air.
- Should your vet instruct you to do so, wash any poisonous liquids off thoroughly with soap and water. Take your dog to the vet.
Help, my pup has heatstroke.
- Move your dog to a shaded area
- Cool them down with lukewarm (not cold) water
- Give them small amounts of cool water
- Take them to the vet
Help, my pup is choking.
- Check if anything is lodged in your dog’s airway first. If you can’t get it out try the following:
- For bigger dogs: Wrap your arms around your dog’s abdomen. Ball your fist and hold your fist with your other hand. Then forcefully push upward and forward. Check their airway. If your dog is unconscious, administer rescue breathing.
- For smaller dogs: Hold your dog against your chest. Wrap your arms around your dog’s abdomen, ball your fist and hold your first with your other hand. Then forcefully push upward and forward. Check their airway. If your dog is unconscious, administer rescue breathing.
Emergency CPR for dogs:
- Check for a heartbeat or breathing
- Lay your dog on his/her side. Make sure their tongue does not obstruct their airway.
- Place your palms close to their heart, at the broadest part of the dog’s rib cage.
- Do 15 compressions per 10 seconds, (17 compressions for smaller dogs).
- Seal off your dog’s muzzle with your hand and blow air into their nostrils after every 15 compressions.
The most important thing to remember is to keep your closest emergency vet’s contact details close – phone the vet immediately in every hairy situation!
