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First Aid for Dogs: What to Do if Your Dog Gets Injured

We strive to keep our pet friends secure because they are essential to us as a family. However, injuries and accidents can happen when you least expect them. The first aid techniques can assist you in stabilizing and even help save your dog’s life.

Apart from occasional whimpers, your pet won’t be able to tell you the cause, but pet first aid can be helpful. You must always get your dog examined by an animal veterinarian in an emergency medical situation. If your dog has injuries, be sure to consider these tips.

The Pet First Aid Kit

In the event of a catastrophe, there’s a need for a first-aid kit. When you’re making one for your pet, here are a few items to consider. Facilities like Westside Animal Hospital recommends some things you’ll need:

  • Gauze pads/rolls that are sterile
  • Vet wrap or adhesive tape
  • Swabs of cotton
  • Syringe/eyedropper
  • Thermometer
  • Towel
  • Disposable gloves
  • Muzzle

Poisoning

Poisoning is a typical pet emergency that creates much stress for pet owners. Everyone knows that any substance dangerous to humans can be risky for pets. Chemicals for cleaning such as rodent poisons and antifreeze are only a few examples. It is best to be cautious about certain commonly used foods that could harm your pet. Pet owners looking for high-quality vet assistance about poison treatment browse websites and click here for more information.

Check the instructions on the product label if toxic substances (such as many cleaning products) affect your pet’s eyes and skin. If the instruction suggests washing your hands with soap and water, you should follow this. Cleanse your pet’s face using soap as well as water (don’t put any in its eyes or mouth, or nose). If the label says to wash their eyes or skin with water, then do it as fast as you can in the best interest of your animal (if it’s appropriate to do so), and then contact your veterinarian promptly. 

Seizures

There are many factors of seizures, including but not limited to head trauma, high or low blood sugar, toxin, kidney, and liver disease. They typically occur without warning as dizziness and crying are typical signs. If your pet has seizures, make sure to keep it away from things that could cause injury, wait for the attacks and stay away from the pet in the least amount possible. After the seizure is over, call your vet. And suppose your pet needs further diagnostic tests; you can visit a dog pharmacy nearby. 

Dehydration

Frequent vomiting and fevers and heatstroke, or even not drinking enough water could lead to dehydration of dogs. Make sure you place your hands on the shoulders if you suspect your dog is suffering from dehydration. If you let it go, you should see it spring back. It is an indication of dehydration when it is unable to move.

Giving your pet Pedialyte is an effective treatment in cases of mild dehydration. You can mix it into the water your dog is drinking to restore electrolytes and minerals lost. Contact your trusted vet right away if your dog doesn’t respond or seems to be dehydrated. He may require intravenous fluids. 

Sprains

Sprains result from injuries to the ligaments connecting two bones. They are common in dogs, especially the overweight and highly active. While most sprains occur in the limbs, sprains can occur in any area of the body in dogs.

Most pet owners struggle to convince their active and enthusiastic pets to be restrained for six weeks that it will take to heal. There is a possibility of injury recurring if the wound doesn’t heal. Recurrent, chronic ligament injuries tend to require surgery in the future. So, follow the veterinarian’s advice and try to restrict your pet’s activity even if it means taking a break from the cage. While waiting for your pet’s vet to arrive, it is better to take certain precautions, like applying ice packs on the affected part to ease swelling and discomfort. Also, make sure that your pet doesn’t exacerbate the injury further.