Dog first Aid (Everything you need to know)
Your dog may come across any emergency whether at home or outside and the veteran may not be available immediately at that place. So, you must know the symptoms that your dog is not feeling well and how to handle this situation or in a serious case take your dog to the veteran.
Signs that your dog is in an Emergency
Any of the following indications show that your dog needs immediate assistance
Difficulty in breathing or choking
If your dog is having trouble breathing or choking, look into its throat to see the blockage. In case it’s visible try to remove it gently, make sure you are not pushing the blockage further down.
If the object is not removed easily, place your hands on the sides of its rib cage and apply firm pressure quickly. Repeat this three to four times to dislodge the blockage.
Showing laziness, lack of appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea
These symptoms indicate that your dog has ingested any poison, it may be a harmful plant, an artificial sweetener (xylitol), or any other toxic material.
In this case, it’s better to contact your vet and tell him all the details about the dog (age, breed, sex, weight) and the poison (describe the material and when and how much amount your dog has eaten). Follow the instructions of your vet and do some quick things.
· If the toxic substance is placed on the skin or fur of the dog wash it with shampoo or soap and rinse well with water.
· If your vet advises you to induce vomiting, use 3% hydrogen peroxide to do so. But vomiting is harmful in some circumstances so never do it by yourself (without the advice of the vet).
Limping, whining, or swollen limbs
If your dog is reluctant to put weight on its legs or is unable to walk properly, it’s an indication of a bone fracture. Stop your dog from any kind of movement. Carefully lay your dog on a hard board or stretcher and take it to the vet.
Excessive panting and rapid heart rate
This shows that your dog is suffering from heatstroke, immediately provide first aid and call your vet for further checkup.
· Move your dog away from any heat source.
· Take it to an airy space or open the windows of the room, and lay a wet towel on their body to minimize the heat.
· Applying cool water to its ear flaps and paws further reduces its body temperature. But make sure the water is not cold.
Lower or no heartbeat
If you notice that heartbeat of the dog is not normal, quickly lay it down on a plane surface. Place one hand over its heart (behind the front left elbow) and the other under its chest. Then apply pressure to its heart about 100 to 120 times per minute. If you have a large dog press its heart with more force.
To increase its heartbeat you can also provide breaths to your dog by closing its mouth and breathing into his nose while its chest expands. Keep doing this procedure until you feel a normal heartbeat or you arrive at a vet.
Conclusion
If your dog is not playing or eating properly or you notice any change in its behavior, it can be sign of a health emergency. Carefully look for other symptoms so that you can treat him accordingly.
You must learn first aid to save the life of your dog but it’s not a substitute for a vet so, must take your pet to the vet.
